Best Homemade Potato Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy homemade potato soup, loaded with hearty chunks of Russet potatoes, savory bacon, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying meal any time of the year, this soup is a comforting classic that will warm you from the inside out. The addition of milk, cream, and cheese adds a rich and velvety texture to this delicious dish, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and oh-so satisfying.

Creamy Homemade Potato Soup with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp minced parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp flour (corn starch can be substituted)
• 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving a small amount in the pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Return the pot to medium heat and add diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about two minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a low boil. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.
4. Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot, stirring continuously. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
5. Blend a Portion of Soup: Carefully scoop out about ¼ to ½ of the soup and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
6. Add Cream and Bacon: Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled bacon, reserving some bacon for garnish. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors together.
7. Serve: Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls and garnish with minced parsley, reserved crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Tips:

• Bacon Fat: Leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pot adds flavor to the soup. However, you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add other vegetables such as leeks, peas, or corn to customize the soup to your liking.
• Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of flour or cornstarch in the recipe.
• Cheese Selection: Choose your favorite cheese to add to the soup for a deliciously cheesy flavor. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan are all excellent options.
• Garnish: Get creative with your garnishes by adding crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and presentation.