There’s nothing like a bowl of Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon to warm you up on a cold day. This potato soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food, blending the rich flavors of potato, bacon, and a medley of spices into a creamy, satisfying dish.
Not only is this soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness with ancho chili powder, or add more toppings like cheddar cheese and chives to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a surefire winner.
Potato soup recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon
Directions:
- Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch Oven or soup pot over medium heat and cook until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook until onions are tender.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the ingredients in the pot and stir until smooth.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Reduce heat to simmer. Puree about half of the soup using a blender or an immersion blender.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot. Add sour cream and reserved bacon pieces. Stir well.
- Allow soup to simmer for 15 minutes before serving.
- Top with optional toppings like additional sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, or chives.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Kcal: 521 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Does Potato Soup Contain?
A typical potato soup recipe includes the following ingredients:
- Bacon strips
- Butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- All-purpose flour
- Gold potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Salt and ground pepper
- Ancho chili powder
- Sour cream
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon
The soup starts with cooking bacon pieces in a pot, followed by sautéing onions and garlic in the bacon fat and butter. Flour is then added to make a roux, which helps thicken the soup. Diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream are added and cooked until the potatoes are tender. The soup is then partially pureed to achieve a creamy texture, after which sour cream and bacon pieces are stirred in. Finally, it’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder.
Why Does My Potato Soup Have No Flavor?
Lack of Seasoning
One of the main reasons your potato soup might lack flavor is due to insufficient seasoning. Salt is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Quality of Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients, such as the chicken broth and potatoes, can also impact the flavor. Using a rich, homemade chicken broth can make a significant difference.
Spices and Herbs
Incorporating spices like ancho chili powder can add depth to your soup. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the flavor.
What Makes Potato Soup Thick?
The Role of Flour
The use of all-purpose flour in the recipe acts as a thickening agent. The flour is used to make a roux, which when combined with the liquid ingredients, results in a thicker consistency.
Pureeing the Soup
Another technique for thickening the soup is by pureeing a portion of it. This not only makes the soup creamy but also gives it a thicker texture.
Choice of Potatoes
The type of potatoes you use can also affect the thickness. Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for a thicker soup.
How to Improve Bland Potato Soup?
Adjust the Seasoning
Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. Don’t underestimate the power of proper seasoning.
Add Acid
A splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream can brighten up the flavors.
Incorporate More Spices
Consider adding more spices like paprika, cayenne, or even a bit of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Garnish Wisely
Toppings like cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and additional bacon can add both flavor and texture to your soup.
In summary, making a flavorful and thick potato soup involves careful selection of ingredients, proper seasoning, and the right cooking techniques. With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating the ultimate bowl of potato soup.