There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup. With creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich broth, this soup brings together simple ingredients for an incredibly satisfying meal. Each spoonful is packed with hearty flavors, making it a go-to dish for chilly nights or when you’re craving a cozy, home-cooked classic. This soup is versatile and easy to customize add more bacon for an extra smoky kick, stir in shredded cheese for creaminess, or top it with fresh green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for the perfect meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
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, extra crispy bacon
Directions:
- Cook the Bacon – In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Onion – Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Cook the Potatoes – Stir in the diced potatoes and coat them with the bacon fat. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash & Add Creaminess – Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and butter until smooth.
- Season & Simmer – Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Bacon – Stir in the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve & Enjoy – Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and extra crispy bacon.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup: A Comforting Classic
Few dishes bring the same level of comfort and nostalgia as a warm bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup. With its rich, creamy texture, crispy bacon bits, and the hearty goodness of potatoes, this soup has been a family favorite for generations. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner, a hearty lunch, or even as an appetizer for a holiday meal, this soup never fails to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this dish so special, explore some variations and customizations, offer serving suggestions, and provide tips for storing and reheating leftovers.
The History & Popularity of Potato & Bacon Soup
Potato soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Potatoes, which originated in South America and were later brought to Europe by Spanish explorers, quickly became a dietary mainstay across the world due to their affordability, nutritional value, and versatility. Bacon, with its smoky, salty flavor, has long been a popular addition to soups, stews, and other hearty dishes.
In traditional European cuisines, potato-based soups were often prepared as simple, filling meals for farmworkers and laborers. Over time, variations of potato soup developed, incorporating regional ingredients such as leeks, cheese, cream, or herbs. The addition of bacon provided extra depth of flavor and an irresistible crunch, turning the humble potato soup into a beloved comfort food.
Today, Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup remains a staple in home kitchens and restaurants alike, cherished for its rich, creamy consistency and the way it effortlessly combines simple ingredients into something incredibly satisfying.
Why This Recipe is So Popular
There are several reasons why Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup has remained a household favorite for so many years:
- Comforting & Hearty – This soup is the definition of comfort food, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. The creamy texture combined with the smoky flavor of bacon makes it a deeply satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly & Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like potatoes, onions, broth, and milk, this soup is an affordable yet delicious dish. Many families appreciate its simplicity while still delivering on taste.
- Quick & Easy to Make – With a relatively short cooking time, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile & Customizable – Whether you want to make it richer with heavy cream, add extra vegetables for more nutrition, or spice it up with seasonings, this soup can be easily adapted to your preferences.
Ways to Customize Your Potato & Bacon Soup
While the classic recipe is already delicious on its own, there are several ways to tweak it to match your personal taste or dietary needs:
- Add Cheese – Stirring in shredded cheddar, gouda, or parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the soup.
- Make it Creamier – For an ultra-creamy version, swap out the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a silkier consistency.
- Boost the Protein – For an even heartier meal, add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even crumbled sausage.
- Add Extra Vegetables – While potatoes and onions are the stars of this dish, adding diced carrots, celery, or even corn can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value.
- Spice it Up – If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it Vegetarian – Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor without the meat.
Best Ways to Serve This Soup
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast – A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all that creamy goodness.
- Side Salad – A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup and add a fresh contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – If you’re looking for an extra-indulgent meal, pair this soup with a crispy, cheesy sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.
- Toppings Galore – Customize each serving with toppings like shredded cheese, extra crispy bacon bits, sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions.
Storage & Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this soup is that it stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to its original consistency.
- Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. However, because it contains dairy, there may be some separation when thawing. To fix this, reheat the soup slowly while stirring constantly. You can also blend it slightly to restore its creamy texture.
- Avoid Freezing with Toppings: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without any added toppings like bacon, cheese, or green onions. Add these fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is more than just a dish it’s a bowl full of warmth, nostalgia, and simple yet satisfying flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, serving it at a gathering, or preparing it for a week’s worth of meals, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Its creamy texture, smoky bacon bits, and the heartiness of potatoes make it a go-to comfort food for any time of the year. Plus, with all the ways you can customize it, this classic soup can be adapted to fit different tastes and dietary needs.