Description
Discover the ultimate creamy potato soup with bacon – a rich, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
To achieve the rich, comforting flavor of this creamy potato soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon: Cut into small pieces, these add a smoky, savory flavor to the soup.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Both unsalted or salted butter will work, adding richness to the base.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g), onions provide a sweet, savory depth.
- 3 large garlic cloves: Minced garlic enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g): This is used to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture.
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes: Peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces, these are the star of the dish (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg).
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml): Provides a flavorful base that complements the potatoes.
- 2 cups milk (475ml): Contributes to the soup’s creamy consistency.
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml): Adds richness and body to the soup.
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: For a hint of spice.
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g): Adds tanginess and creaminess to the soup.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping: These optional toppings add flavor and texture, making each bowl more delightful.
Instructions
1. Cooking the Bacon
Begin by placing the bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and browned, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This fat will add extra flavor to the base of your soup.
2. Preparing the Base with Onions and Garlic
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until the onions are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.
3. Adding the Flour for a Thick Soup Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic in the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps. The flour will help thicken the soup as it cooks.
4. Combining Potatoes and Liquids
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Bringing It All Together
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove approximately half of the soup and transfer it to a blender. Be careful as the soup will be hot! Puree the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot. This step creates a creamy texture while still leaving some potato chunks for added texture.
6. Finishing Touches
Stir in the sour cream and the reserved bacon pieces. Allow the soup to simmer for another 15 minutes, which lets all the flavors meld together. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Potatoes that are cooked for too long can become mushy and lose their structure. Keep an eye on them and test with a fork to ensure they’re tender but still holding their shape.
- Improper Blending: When pureeing hot soup, always blend in small batches and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to avoid spills and burns. If you have an immersion blender, it’s a safer alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner