Are you craving a bowl of pure comfort that will make your taste buds dance and your heart feel instantly cozy? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chunky Potato Bacon Soup! Imagine a creamy, hearty soup packed with crispy bacon bits, tender potatoes, and a rich, velvety texture that screams home-cooked perfection. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or simply want to indulge in a seriously satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the 4 large potatoes into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and chop the 6 strips of bacon into small pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the sautéed onions. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot to create a chunky texture. You can mash as much or as little as you prefer.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, and return the reserved crispy bacon to the pot. Mix everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated through and seasoned, remove it from the heat. Serve hot, garnishing with additional crispy bacon or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The more robust the bacon, the more delicious your soup will be.
- Potato Texture Trick: When mashing potatoes, leave some chunks intact. This creates a rustic, hearty texture that makes the soup more interesting and satisfying.
- Cream Temperature: Add heavy cream at the end and heat gently to prevent curdling. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to build deep flavor layers.
- Optional Garnish Magic: Elevate your soup with toppings like chopped chives, extra crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
