Baked Potato Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of creamy potato soup with Beef bacon on a chilly day. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the earthy flavor of russet potatoes with the richness of cheddar cheese and the smoky goodness of Beef bacon. Whether you’re looking to impress your family at dinner or seeking a soul-soothing meal, this potato soup is the perfect choice. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your home.

Essential Ingredients for a Creamy Potato Soup

To create this delicious potato soup, you’ll need a selection of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the soup’s rich taste and velvety texture.

• Russet Potatoes (4 large, about 2 lbs.): The starchy nature of russet potatoes is perfect for creating a creamy consistency.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• The Beef bacon (6 slices): Adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup.
• Yellow Onion (1 large): Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, subtle spice.
• Butter (2 Tablespoons): Adds richness and helps in forming the roux.
• Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the soup, giving it body.
• Chicken Broth (3 ½ cups): Forms the liquid base, enriching the soup with a mild chicken flavor.
• Half and Half (2 cups): A combination of milk and cream that adds smoothness without being too heavy.
• Sour Cream (¾ cup): Offers a tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melts into the soup for added creaminess and a cheesy bite.
• Chives (1/8 cup, finely diced): A fresh, onion-like garnish that adds color and flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the Beef bacon and simmering the soup.
• Stock Pot: Useful for boiling and mashing the potatoes.
• Kitchen Shears: For easily cutting the Beef bacon into uniform pieces.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping the pot without scratching it.
• Immersion Blender or Standard Blender: Optional, for creating a smoother soup consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and chives.

Getting Everything Ready

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth cooking process. Start by shredding the cheddar cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Measure out the sour cream and half and half, allowing them to sit at room temperature. This step helps them blend more easily into the soup later.

Potato Prep: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and can be mashed without leaving large chunks.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Potato Soup

Now that everything is prepped, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these steps to create a delicious, creamy potato soup:

1. Cook the Beef bacon: Cut the Beef bacon slices into 1-inch squares using kitchen shears. In a large pot, cook the Beef bacon over low heat, turning occasionally. The pieces will overlap at first but will shrink down as they cook. Once the Beef bacon is crispy, remove it and set it aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot. These drippings will add incredible flavor to the soup.
2. Boil and Mash the Potatoes: While the Beef bacon is cooking, place the potato cubes in a stock pot. Cover them with 1 inch of water and add ¾ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very fork-tender. Drain the water and gently mash the potatoes, then set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the Beef bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of butter, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Use a silicone spatula to stir constantly as the flour cooks for 1 minute, which removes the raw flour taste and begins to thicken the base.
5. Build the Soup Base: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, using the spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is where a lot of the flavor resides. Gradually stir in the half and half, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing it to a simmer.
6. Incorporate the Potatoes: Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup base. Add the sour cream and pepper, mixing until well combined. The soup will start to take on a thick, creamy consistency.

Flavorful Additions

Now comes the moment where the flavors really come together.

1. Mix in the Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously. Ensure the soup base isn’t too hot, as this can cause the cheese to clump rather than melt smoothly. The cheese should blend seamlessly into the soup, adding richness and depth.
2. Reintroduce the Beef bacon: Stir in half of the crispy Beef bacon pieces, reserving the rest for garnishing. The Beef bacon infuses the soup with its smoky flavor, complementing the creamy potatoes and cheese.

Creating the Perfect Soup Base

A great soup base is the foundation of this recipe. The combination of the roux, chicken broth, and half and half creates a silky, smooth base that supports the potatoes and other ingredients. Stirring in the potatoes and sour cream at the right time ensures the soup remains thick and luscious.

Optional Step

For those who prefer a super-smooth soup, blending is an optional but recommended step.

• Immersion Blender: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience and minimal mess. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
• Standard Blender: If using a standard blender, transfer the soup in batches, blending until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids—blend in small batches and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to prevent spills.

Blending gives the soup a luxurious, velvety texture that’s perfect for those who enjoy a creamy consistency.

Garnishing and Serving Your Potato Soup

Presentation matters, even for comfort food like potato soup. Here’s how to garnish and serve it beautifully:

1. Garnish with Chives and Beef bacon: Sprinkle the reserved Beef bacon and finely diced chives over each bowl of soup. The bright green chives add a pop of color, while the Beef bacon adds a crunchy contrast.
2. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with a crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Potato soup is a great make-ahead dish, and it stores well for future meals.

• Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Although the texture might change slightly upon reheating, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, portion the soup into individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to adjust the consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged, leading to a gummy texture. Cook them just until fork-tender.
• Clumpy Cheese: Adding the cheese when the soup is too hot can cause it to clump rather than melt smoothly. Always ensure the soup has cooled slightly before adding the cheese.
• Skipping the Roux: The flour and butter mixture (roux) is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step can result in a thinner, less satisfying soup.

Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat it for a quick meal.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve this creamy potato soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, pair it with a sandwich like a classic grilled cheese.

FAQs About Creamy Potato Soup

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.

How do I adjust the consistency? If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender? A standard blender works just as well. Just blend in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.

Conclusion

This creamy potato soup with Beef bacon is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Its rich texture and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and easy to love.

Enjoy your homemade soup, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. If you loved this dish, subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes straight to your inbox!

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