Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Creamy and deeply satisfying, this rich potato bacon soup is an ideal choice for chilly days, offering a well-rounded combination of smoky, savory, and velvety flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 ribs celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ onion diced
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 16 ounces baking potatoes peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (approximately 2 medium)
- Optional garnish: shredded Parmesan cheese and thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and celery to the bacon drippings; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns slightly translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced potatoes and thyme. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes become fork-tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Gradually whisk this into the soup and let it simmer for 1 minute to thicken. Stir in half the cooked bacon. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon, Parmesan, and green onions if desired.
Notes
For efficient preparation, chop onions and celery while the bacon cooks, and peel and dice potatoes as the onion softens. To achieve a creamier consistency, blend or mash part of the soup before reintroducing the bacon. Thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes may be used with skins left on for added texture and fiber. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese also makes a delicious addition; stir in with the soup or reserve for topping along with bacon for extra crunch.