Creamy Potato Bacon Soup: A Comforting Recipe for Any Occasion

Looking for a soul-warming dish to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this delectable creamy potato bacon soup recipe! Packed with savory flavors and creamy textures, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients for Creamy Potato Bacon Soup:

• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 16 ounces baking potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 2 medium potatoes)
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of cayenne
• Parmesan cheese and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: To the bacon fat, add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens slightly.
3. Simmer Soup: Stir in the chicken broth, diced potatoes, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering soup and cook for 1 minute until thickened. Stir in half of the cooked bacon.
6. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese, remaining bacon, and sliced green onions.

Notes for Perfecting Your Soup:

• Quick Prep Tip: Utilize your time efficiently by chopping onions and celery while the bacon is cooking, and prepare the potatoes while the onions are sautéing.
• Customize Texture: For a thicker soup, consider mashing or blending a portion (or all) of the soup before adding the bacon.
• Rustic Appeal: If using thin-skinned potatoes like red or Yukon gold, leaving some peels on adds a rustic look and boosts fiber content.
• Enhance Flavor: Experiment with additional toppings such as cheddar cheese for extra richness. Stir in some bacon for flavor infusion while reserving some for a crispy topping.

Conclusion:

With its rich, creamy base and irresistible bacon flavor, this creamy potato bacon soup is a surefire way to warm hearts and bellies alike. Perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings, this recipe is bound to leave everyone craving seconds. Give it a try and let your taste buds thank you!