Hearty Bacon Soup: A Perfect Winter Comfort Meal
As the colder weather sets in, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade potato soup. With the delicious richness of bacon, hearty potatoes, and a creamy texture, this dish is sure to become your go-to comfort food. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy on a chilly evening or a recipe to impress your family, this flavorful potato soup is both easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
In this two-part recipe, we’ll walk you through each step with simple, easy-to-follow instructions to create a heartwarming bowl of potato soup. The first part provides detailed instructions on preparing the ingredients, while the second part is a condensed, quick guide for making the soup in no time.
Let’s dive into the details of this classic winter recipe!
How to Prepare Your Hearty Potato Soup
This potato soup is everything you need to feel cozy and full during the coldest months. Combining the savory crunch of bacon, the richness of potatoes, and the smoothness of melted cheese, this soup is the perfect bowl of comfort. Below, we’ll walk you through the preparation and cooking process, step by step.
Preparation Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To create this simple yet tasty soup, gather the following ingredients. They bring out the best in each other, making the dish even more irresistible.
6 thick slices of bacon (for that smoky, crispy touch)
1 ½ teaspoons olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
½ cup onion, finely chopped (for a savory base)
½ cup carrots, chopped (adds natural sweetness)
1 stalk of celery, chopped (a classic aromatic for depth)
4 cups low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth (a healthier base for the soup)
4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (the star ingredient)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to add just the right amount of heat)
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (for the melty, creamy texture)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (to enhance all the flavors)
Step-by-Step Preparation of the Potato Soup:
1. Crisp the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s evenly browned and crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess grease. Discard the bacon fat from the pan and wipe the saucepan clean with a paper towel, making sure to leave a non-greasy surface for the next steps.
2. Sauté Vegetables in Olive Oil: Now, heat the olive oil in the same saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pan. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and translucent. Make sure they don’t brown, as we want a fresh, fragrant base for the soup.
3. Add Broth and Potatoes: Once the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the next key ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cubed potatoes. Add the cayenne pepper for a gentle kick of spice that complements the other flavors. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Melt the Cheese into the Soup: After the potatoes have softened, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy consistency. Be careful not to let the soup come to a full boil at this point, as we don’t want to risk separating the cheese from the soup base.
5. Finish with Bacon and Seasoning: While the cheese is melting, chop the crispy bacon into small pieces and add it back into the soup. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of savory flavor to every bite. Season the soup with kosher salt to taste, and give everything a final stir to combine.
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot. You’ll notice the bacon adding the perfect salty contrast to the creamy potatoes and melty cheese, making this dish a truly satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy Potato Soup Recipe
Here’s a quick version of the recipe, perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-follow guide with minimal prep.
Ingredients:
6 thick slices of bacon
1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrots
1 stalk of chopped celery
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups cubed potatoes
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
Cook Bacon: In a medium saucepan, cook bacon until crispy, then set aside on paper towels. Discard bacon grease.
Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in the same saucepan, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions soften.
Simmer Soup: Add chicken broth, cubed potatoes, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in shredded cheese until melted, then add chopped bacon. Season with salt.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 244
Total Fat: 9 g (12% DV)
Saturated Fat: 4 g (18% DV)
Cholesterol: 21 mg (7% DV)
Sodium: 433 mg (19% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 29 g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3 g (11% DV)
Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 12 g (25% DV)
Vitamin C: 12 mg (14% DV)
Calcium: 102 mg (8% DV)
Iron: 2 mg (10% DV)
Potassium: 874 mg (19% DV)
