Old Fashioned Potato and Bacon Soup
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about a piping hot bowl of old-fashioned potato and bacon soup. This timeless recipe captures the essence of simple, wholesome cooking, transporting you back to grandma’s kitchen on a crisp autumn day. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon aroma, and satisfying bite of tender potatoes, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this potato and bacon soup apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of savory bacon, creamy potatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices creates a symphony of comfort that will warm you from the inside out. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
Beyond its delectable taste, this soup also boasts impressive versatility. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or have a satisfying meal for one, this recipe easily scales up or down to suit your needs. And with make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, you can always have a hearty, comforting meal at the ready.
🍽️ What You Need to Prepare Old Fashioned Potato and Bacon Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this old-fashioned potato and bacon soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory bacon, hearty potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates the classic comfort food flavor profile that has made potato soup recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 How to Make Old Fashioned Potato and Bacon Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and the dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring constantly, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until thickened.
• Step 5: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the soup warm, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
• Total time: 45-55 minutes
Compared to traditional potato soups that can take up to an hour to prepare, this old-fashioned potato and bacon soup saves you 15-20% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
These old-fashioned potato and bacon soup provide approximately 10% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced turnips.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk in place of the regular milk.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked diced chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or kale to the soup for additional nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the old-fashioned potato and bacon soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli.
• For a cozy winter dinner, serve alongside a glass of red wine or a mug of hot apple cider.
• Create a rustic soup and sandwich platter with the potato and bacon soup, grilled cheese, and a selection of cured meats and pickles.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not tempering the milk and flour: Failing to whisk the milk and flour together before adding it to the pot can result in a lumpy, grainy texture.
• Skimping on the bacon: The smoky, savory bacon is an essential component of this soup, so don’t be afraid to use the full amount called for in the recipe.
• Neglecting to season properly: Be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to bring out the full flavor.
• Not allowing the soup to simmer long enough: Taking the time to let the soup simmer and thicken will ensure a creamy, satisfying consistency.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These old-fashioned potato and bacon soup retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the milk and flour mixture. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and completing the recipe.
• Freezing baked: Allow the fully cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin the consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make this potato and bacon soup?
This soup keeps very well and can be made up to 4 days in advance. Simply store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the unbaked or fully cooked soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the potatoes with something else?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to use different vegetables. Some tasty substitution options include diced sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower florets. You can also mix and match different vegetables to create your own unique spin on the classic potato and bacon soup.
Is this soup gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe as written is not gluten-free or dairy-free, as it contains all-purpose flour and regular milk. However, you can easily make substitutions to accommodate those dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. And for a dairy-free adaptation, replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or canned coconut milk.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover potato and bacon soup?
The best way to reheat leftover potato and bacon soup is gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid high heat, which can cause the soup to curdle or separate. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin the consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this soup?
Absolutely! This potato and bacon soup is very versatile and lends itself well to customization. Some tasty additions could include diced ham, shredded chicken, chopped kale or spinach, or even a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese on top. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These old-fashioned potato and bacon soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, smoky, and satisfying qualities. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these potato and bacon soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So gather your loved ones, ladle up a steaming bowl, and enjoy the timeless comfort of this beloved classic.
