Description
Creamy potato and bacon soup brings comfort straight from Irish kitchens, warming hearts with its rich, hearty blend of rustic ingredients. Each spoonful delivers a delicious balance of smoky bacon and smooth potato goodness you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Bacon:
- 4 large potatoes
- 6 slices bacon
Base Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until golden and rendered, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté in the bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Peel and cube the potatoes into uniform chunks, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
- Add the chicken broth and potato cubes to the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down the potatoes, creating a rustic, thick consistency while maintaining some chunky potato pieces.
- Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate and create a smooth, creamy base.
- Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
- Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, topping with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
- Serve immediately while hot, offering additional crispy bacon bits as a final garnish.
Notes
- Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispier texture that holds up well in the soup.
- Potato Precision: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency and rich potato flavor.
- Texture Tip: Partially mashing potatoes creates a rustic, hearty soup while maintaining some chunky potato pieces for interesting mouthfeel.
- Dietary Adaptation: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey bacon for reduced fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg