The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and velvety cream creates a hearty and soul-warming dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the smoky saltiness of bacon complementing the smoothness of the soup. Easy to customize, you can substitute kale with spinach or adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serve it with crusty bread or rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/3 cup kale, stems removed and chopped fine (frozen and thawed works too)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1/4 cup of bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the celery, carrots, and onion in the bacon grease until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the cubed potatoes, tossing to coat with the aromatics. Sauté for 3–4 minutes before returning the bacon to the pot.
- Pour enough chicken broth to cover the potatoes, then cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the cream, cooking until thickened.
- Stir the cream mixture into the potato mixture. Add tarragon, kale, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Hearty Classic for Every Season
Few dishes embody the essence of comfort food like a bowl of steaming potato soup. Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup takes this classic to a new level of indulgence, marrying the earthy richness of potatoes with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon. Enhanced with a touch of cream and the subtle herbaceous notes of tarragon, this dish is not just a meal it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
A Versatile and Wholesome Meal
Potato soup has long been a staple in households worldwide, cherished for its simplicity and adaptability. Its ingredients are humble potatoes, broth, and seasonings but its potential for customization is boundless. Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup adds layers of complexity and flavor by incorporating crispy bacon, aromatic vegetables, and hearty greens like kale. The result is a dish that feels elevated yet remains approachable, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.
What sets this soup apart is its ability to serve as a complete meal. With its balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, it satisfies both hunger and the soul. Pair it with crusty bread, a light side salad, or simply enjoy it on its own it’s that good.
The Allure of Smoky Bacon and Creamy Potatoes
Bacon plays a starring role in this recipe, bringing a smoky depth that enhances the sweetness of the carrots, the bite of the onions, and the earthiness of the potatoes. Each crisp piece of bacon is a burst of flavor that transforms this dish from a humble soup to a gourmet delight.
The creamy texture of the soup base is another highlight. Achieved through a classic roux of butter, flour, and heavy cream, it provides a velvety backdrop that allows the other ingredients to shine. The richness of the cream balances the saltiness of the bacon and the starchiness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious blend that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Kale: The Nutritional Powerhouse
Incorporating kale into the soup not only adds color and texture but also boosts its nutritional profile. Kale is a superfood rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber. It brings a subtle bitterness that offsets the richness of the cream and bacon, ensuring that the dish remains well-balanced.
For those who prefer other greens, spinach or Swiss chard can be excellent substitutes, offering similar nutritional benefits with a slightly milder flavor.
The Perfect Meal for Every Occasion
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a meal for the family, or looking for something warm and hearty on a cold winter evening, this soup fits the bill. Its preparation is straightforward enough for novice cooks yet yields a dish that feels sophisticated and satisfying.
This soup is also ideal for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated without losing its texture or flavor. In fact, like many soups, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Tips for Customization
While the original recipe is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to make it your own:
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan for an extra layer of richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with sliced jalapeños for a hint of heat.
- Seafood Addition: Incorporate cooked shrimp or crab meat to turn it into a seafood chowder.
- Toppings Galore: Garnish with chives, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can create something extraordinary. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the most voracious appetites but nuanced enough to please discerning foodies.
The recipe also taps into the nostalgia associated with potato soup. For many, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners, chilly autumn evenings, or the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen. This modern version pays homage to those traditions while offering a fresh and indulgent take.
Conclusion:
Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an expression of comfort, nourishment, and culinary creativity. Its rich, velvety texture, complemented by the smokiness of bacon and the freshness of kale, makes it a dish worth savoring. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a must-try.
Serve it during the colder months to warm up from the inside out, or enjoy it year-round as a versatile and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing is certain this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household, earning a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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Bacon-Infused Creamy Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and velvety cream creates a hearty and soul-warming dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the smoky saltiness of bacon complementing the smoothness of the soup. Easy to customize, you can substitute kale with spinach or adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serve it with crusty bread or rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/3 cup kale, stems removed and chopped fine (frozen and thawed works too)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1/4 cup of bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the celery, carrots, and onion in the bacon grease until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the cubed potatoes, tossing to coat with the aromatics. Sauté for 3–4 minutes before returning the bacon to the pot.
- Pour enough chicken broth to cover the potatoes, then cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the cream, cooking until thickened.
- Stir the cream mixture into the potato mixture. Add tarragon, kale, salt, and pepper to taste. Combine and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
