This creamy potato soup is loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich broth, making it a delightful meal for chilly days.
Author:ksuur
Ingredients
Scale
6 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
5 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
Sauté Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the bacon drippings over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Broth and Potatoes:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup:
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, or transfer about half of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return it to the pot.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
Add Dairy:
Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
Allow the soup to heat through over low heat, but do not let it boil.
Season and Serve:
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Stir in half of the cooked bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For added richness, you can substitute the whole milk with half-and-half or additional heavy cream.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the dairy from curdling.