Deliciously Creamy Baked Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon – A Hearty Comfort Food Classic!
If you’re a comfort food lover, listen up. Get ready to dive into a steaming bowl of creamy baked potato soup loaded with crispy bacon. This is the ultimate soul-warmer, the kind of dish that brings back cozy memories and makes you sigh with contentment. This hearty comfort food is the perfect marriage of smooth, dreamy potato and addictively crunchy bacon – classic sweet and savory flavors in every bite!
Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
This Creamy Baked Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon is a comforting soup that starts off by simmering the bacon. Then, I sauté the chopped onion in the bacon drippings, adding flour to thicken it. This simple step brings so much flavor to this cozy soup. Next, I add in all the liquids, then the potatoes, and let it simmer. The result? A creamy potato soup with tons of great flavor. Perfect for winter weather or any time of the year when you’re craving a delicious soup.
Health Benefits of Potatoes
- While baked potato soup with crispy bacon may seem like the ultimate indulgence, it’s important to remember that potatoes also offer a range of health benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are also naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, did you know that the mighty potato is one of the leading foods for satiety?
- Potatoes are known for their high potassium content, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and regulating blood pressure. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, the fiber found in potatoes can help support digestion and promote feelings of fullness, making it a satisfying choice for those looking to manage their weight.
- When preparing baked potato soup, it’s important to keep the health benefits in mind. Opt for lighter versions of cream or milk, or consider using alternatives such as almond milk or vegetable broth for a dairy-free option. Adding herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor of the soup without adding extra calories or sodium.
What You Need to Make Loaded Potato Soup
- 8 slices of low sodium bacon cut into pieces (tip use scissors to cut the bacon right into the pot) See Note 1
- 4 Large Idaho or Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into eights)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup of flour
- ¼ cup of sour cream
- 2 tbsp of onion powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese (garnishing)
- Chopped Scallions or Chives (garnishing)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
How to Make Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Add bacon into a large pot or Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium and allow the bacon to get crispy. Mix intermittently to avoid uneven browning.
- Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of fat. (See Note 2)
- Add the chopped onions and toss them in the bacon fat; allow to cook until translucent.
- Add in the flour and mix it in well with the onions to absorb all the flour into the fat and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add all the liquids, sour cream, and onion powder. Then add in your potatoes.
- Allow to simmer until potatoes are tender. Once potatoes are tender, taste and adjust for seasoning. (Note 3)
- Using a potato masher, mash potatoes until you get to your desired consistency.
- Serve with cheese, scallions, and delicious crispy bacon!
Notes
- When using bacon to render out the fat and get it crispy, you want to start with a cold pan and render it over medium heat. You want it to cook slowly so that the bacon actually renders out the fat before it burns.
- For easy removal of extra fat or oil, take a cup or bowl and line it with foil. Pour the access fat into the foil. Then, once cooled, it will solidify, and you can discard it. Never ever pour hot oil down your drain!!!! Not only can it clog your pipes, but it can burst back at you and give you severe burns (true story, it happened to my client).
- Be careful with the salt in this soup. The bacon will be salty, and this salt will be absorbed into the soup.
Tips for Making the Soup Extra Creamy
IF you do not like the homestyle, chunky style of my baked potato soup, here are some tips to achieve the next level of creaminess:
- Use starchy potatoes: Starchy potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, are ideal for creating a creamy texture, unlike Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes. Their high starch content breaks down when cooked, resulting in a smoother consistency.
- Blend the soup: After simmering the potatoes and other ingredients, use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup until smooth. This will help create a velvety texture and ensure that all the flavors are well incorporated.
- Add cream cheese or Boursin Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, add a few dollops of cream cheese or Boursin Cheese. Boursin Cheese is a cream cheese with garlic and herbs and is a great shortcut to adding more flavor as well!
- Simmer and reduce: To intensify the flavors and thicken the soup, let it simmer on low heat for a longer period of time. This will allow the ingredients to meld together and create a more concentrated taste.
Potato Bacon Soup Variations and Substitutions
While the classic combination of creamy baked potato soup with crispy bacon is hard to beat, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can try to suit your taste preferences or dietary requirements. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cheesy baked potato soup: Add a handful of grated cheddar or Gruyere cheese to the soup just before serving. Stir until melted and creamy, and then garnish with crispy bacon bits as usual.
- Vegetarian or vegan baked potato soup: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. Instead, top the soup with sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions for added flavor and texture.
- Loaded baked potato soup: Amp up the toppings by adding extras such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and even a dollop of guacamole or salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Spicy baked potato soup: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the soup. Garnish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for even more spice.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this comforting classic your own.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
A bowl of deliciously creamy baked potato soup with crispy bacon is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the experience even further by serving it with some tasty accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to enhance your soup:
- Freshly baked bread: Pair your soup with a crusty baguette or several slices of our homemade No Knead Bread The combination of the creamy soup and the chewy bread is a match made in heaven.
- Side salad: Add some freshness and crunch to your meal by serving a simple side salad alongside the soup. A mix of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve your baked potato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The gooey melted cheese and crispy bread are the perfect accompaniment to the creamy soup.
- Baked potato toppings bar: Create a fun and interactive dining experience by setting up a baked potato toppings bar. Offer toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, and even diced avocado or salsa. Let everyone customize their own bowl of soup with their favorite toppings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Baked potato soup is an excellent dish to make ahead for future enjoyment. Here are some tips for preparing in advance and storing leftovers:
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the soup in advance up to the point of adding the crispy bacon topping. Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add the crispy bacon topping just before serving.
- Freezing: If you have leftover soup or want to make a larger batch to freeze for later, you can do so without the crispy bacon topping. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add the crispy bacon topping just before serving. BUT be careful, as cream-based soups can separate after defrosting. You would just need to use a blender or an immersion blender to make it creamy again.
- Storage: If you have leftover soup with the crispy bacon topping, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, then garnish with additional crispy bacon if desired.
Deliciously Creamy Baked Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon – A Hearty Comfort Food Classic!
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of deliciously creamy baked potato soup with crispy bacon, the ultimate hearty classic that will warm your soul. This sensational dish combines the smooth creaminess of potatoes with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
-
8 slices of low sodium bacon cut into pieces (tip use scissors to cut the bacon right into the pot) See Note 1
-
4 Large Idaho or Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into eights)
-
2 cups of milk
-
1 cup of heavy cream
-
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
-
1 large onion, finely diced
-
¼ cup of flour
-
¼ cup of sour cream
-
2 tbsp of onion powder
-
Shredded cheddar cheese (garnishing)
-
Chopped Scallions or Chives (garnishing)
-
Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
-
Add bacon into a large pot. Turn the heat to medium and allow the bacon to get crispy. Mix intermittently to avoid uneven browning.
-
Once bacon is crispy, remove with a slotted spoon. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of fat. (See Note 2)
-
Add the chopped onions and toss it in the bacon fat, allow to cook until translucent.
-
Add in the flour and mix it in well with the onions to absorb all the flour into the fat and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
-
Add in all the liquids, sour cream and onion powder. Then add in your potatoes.
-
Allow to simmer until potatoes are tender. Once potatoes are tender, taste and adjust for seasoning. (Note 3)
-
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until you get to your desired consistency.
-
Serve with cheese, scallions and crispy delicious bacon!
Notes
-
When using bacon to render out the fat and getting it crispy, you want to start with a cold pan and render it over medium heat. You want it to cook slowly so that the bacon actually renders out the fat before it burns.
-
For easy removal of extra fat or oil,take a cup or bowl and line it with foil. Pour the access fat into the foil. Then once cooled, it will solidify and you can discard. Never ever pour hot oil down your drain!!!! Not only can it clog your pipes but it can burst back at you and give you severe burns (true story, it happened to my client).
-
Be careful with your salt in this soup. The bacon will be salty and this salt will get absorbed into the soup.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: soup
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! I recommend cooking the bacon first, reserving some of the leftover bacon grease, and then adding all of your ingredients to the crock pot. Cook on LOW for 6 hours.
What kind of milk do I need for this creamy bacon potato soup?
If you’re not worried about calories, I’d totally use whole milk for this recipe as it’ll give the creamiest result. But 2% would also work. If you want to make a lighter version, check out the tips at the beginning of the post!
How long does it take for this soup to cook?
I’d say around 30 minutes total cook time!