If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture, Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is the perfect choice. This timeless recipe brings together creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings, creating a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a warm gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Hearty: A true classic, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need something filling and warming.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients like potatoes, bacon, onions, and broth, this recipe is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings and add your favorite toppings to make this soup uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 6 slices of bacon (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or extra crispy bacon
How to Make Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, but leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Onions
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step infuses the soup with a delicious savory base.
3. Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring them to coat in the bacon fat and onions. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered by liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Mash and Cream the Soup
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash the soup slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and butter to add richness and smoothness.
5. Season and Simmer
Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Bacon
Stir in the crispy bacon that you set aside earlier. If you like, you can reserve a small amount of bacon to sprinkle on top as a garnish.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra crispy bacon. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, rich flavors of this Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup.
Tips for the Best Potato & Bacon Soup
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup as they break down easily and create a creamy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly firmer texture.
- Make It Creamier: For a richer soup, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or add more butter. This will give the soup a velvety texture and indulgent taste.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding celery or carrots to the soup for additional flavor and color. Just sauté them with the onions in step 2.
- Reheat & Freeze: This soup is perfect for leftovers and can be easily reheated. You can also freeze it for a comforting meal at a later time—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Health Benefits of Potato & Bacon Soup
While this soup is indulgent, it also has a few health benefits. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins like vitamin C and potassium. Bacon, when enjoyed in moderation, can provide protein, but keep in mind that it adds a fair amount of fat and sodium. For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon and substitute low-fat milk for cream.
Perfect Pairings for Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup
Pair your bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup with:
- A fresh, crunchy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast for dipping
- A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer to balance the richness of the soup
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is a timeless dish that combines the best of comfort food with simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers every time. The creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy bacon make it a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving and Storage Tips for Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, top each bowl of soup with shredded cheese (cheddar works wonderfully), a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions. You can also add extra crispy bacon bits for an additional crunch.
- Pair with Sides: This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a fresh salad, such as a green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve this soup in large bowls or even as part of a family-style meal with plenty of bread, sides, and drinks to complement the rich flavors.
- Serve with Drinks: For an adult twist, pair this comforting soup with a light beer or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to balance the richness. A non-alcoholic sparkling water with a wedge of lemon can also be a refreshing choice.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Leftover Potato & Bacon Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You may need to add a little extra milk or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Freezing the Soup: This soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
- Avoid Freezing Toppings: While the soup itself freezes well, it’s best to freeze the soup without the toppings, like bacon and cheese. Add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain their flavor and texture.
- Reheating Tip: If reheating in the microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much during storage, a little extra milk or broth can be added to bring it back to its creamy texture.
With these tips, you can make the most of your Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup, whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying it later as leftovers!
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
If you’re looking for a bacon alternative, you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option or even try pancetta for a slightly different flavor. For a vegetarian version, sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh can provide a savory, smoky flavor.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that your broth and any store-bought ingredients (like bacon or seasonings) are gluten-free if you need to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.
4. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the milk and butter with non-dairy alternatives. Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the creaminess, and replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping if desired.
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup
This classic potato soup is made with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy, savory broth. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tbsp of the bacon drippings in the pot (or substitute with butter if preferred).
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and dried thyme (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the Soup Creamy:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, and flour until smooth.
- Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season and Add Bacon:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in half of the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes in the pot using a potato masher or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, stir in chopped carrots or celery when sautéing the onions.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.