Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or chilly days. This hearty soup is loaded with tender chunks of potatoes, savory bacon, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and creamy broth. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and fresh scallions, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 stalks of celery, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40 grams)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced (907 grams)
• 2 cups whole milk (236.588 ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
• Diced scallions, for topping
• Bacon pieces, for topping

Instructions

1. Cook Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot, cook the bacon until just crispy. Be careful not to overcook it as it will continue to cook further in the soup.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, typically 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Incorporate Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour into the vegetable mixture. Allow it to cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw taste of the flour.
4. Add Chicken Stock: Gradually add the chicken stock to the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Take your time with this step, adding a few tablespoons at a time until all the stock is incorporated. This helps to thicken the soup base evenly.
5. Simmer with Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add diced potatoes. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Maintain a low simmer, ensuring the soup doesn’t boil vigorously, which could cause it to reduce too quickly.
6. Incorporate Milk: Stir in the whole milk and allow it to heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. This adds creaminess to the soup without making it too heavy.
7. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, and diced scallions for a burst of flavor and texture.

Tips:

• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a meaty texture and rich flavor. Be vigilant while cooking to achieve the perfect crispiness without burning.
• Vegetable Size: Dice the vegetables finely and uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in the soup.
• Flour Incorporation: Stirring the flour into the vegetable mixture before adding the liquid helps to create a roux, which thickens the soup and adds a velvety texture.
• Simmering: Maintain a low simmer once the potatoes are added to prevent the soup from reducing too quickly and to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Aside from cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions, you can also add sour cream, croutons, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and visual appeal.