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Home » Quick and Easy Recipes

POTATO AND BACON SOUP

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Published: Feb 28, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Potato and Bacon Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with delicious flavors from crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a perfectly seasoned broth.

It's the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings, cozy dinners, or even meal prep. The smoky, salty bacon pairs beautifully with the soft, creamy potatoes, creating a bowl of soup that’s both filling and satisfying.

Not only is this soup easy to make, but it also requires simple pantry staples. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

You can even customize it by adding extra veggies or making it gluten-free. This homemade potato bacon soup is way better than anything from a can—once you try it, you’ll never go back!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Creamy: A thick, velvety soup with a luxurious texture that feels indulgent.

  • Loaded with Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to every spoonful.

  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a quick cooking process make this a hassle-free recipe.

  • Perfect for Cold Weather: Warm, comforting, and satisfying on chilly days.

  • Customizable: Add more veggies, cheese, or even a bit of spice for extra flavor.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.

  • Kid-Friendly: Creamy potatoes and bacon make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Step No.1: Cook the Bacon
    In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pot.

  • Step No.2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
    Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  • Step No.3: Make the Roux
    Stir in butter and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a thick paste.

  • Step No.4: Add the Broth and Potatoes
    Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, then add the diced potatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

  • Step No.5: Stir in the Cream and Milk
    Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir well.

  • Step No.6: Blend for a Creamier Texture (Optional)
    For an extra smooth soup, blend half of it using an immersion blender. Leave some potato chunks for texture.

  • Step No.7: Add Cheese and Bacon
    Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and half of the crispy bacon.

  • Step No.8: Serve and Garnish
    Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

  • Use Russet Potatoes: They break down easily and create a creamier soup consistency.

  • Crisp the Bacon Well: Extra crispy bacon adds the best flavor and texture.

  • Don’t Skip the Roux: The butter-flour mixture helps thicken the soup properly.

  • Blend for a Smoother Texture: Use an immersion blender for a velvety finish.

  • Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: A handful of shredded cheddar makes the soup even richer.

  • Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.

  • Use Heavy Cream for Thickness: Avoid using only milk if you want a rich, thick soup.

Variations

  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream, extra cheese, and more bacon for a baked potato-inspired soup.

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

  • Cheesy Delight: Use a blend of cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for extra cheesiness.

  • gluten-free diet Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup.

  • Chunky Style: Leave more potato chunks instead of blending for a heartier texture.

  • Slow Cooker Method: Cook all ingredients (except cream) on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cream at the end.

Serving and Storage

Serving

Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQ

Can I freeze Potato and Bacon Soup?

Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

How do I make it thicker?

Blend part of the soup or add a bit more flour to the roux for extra thickness.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon works well but won’t be as crispy or flavorful as regular bacon.

What’s the best potato for this soup?

Russet potatoes create the creamiest texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor.

How do I prevent my soup from getting too thick?

Add extra chicken broth or milk if your soup thickens too much while reheating.

This Potato and Bacon Soup is everything you need in a comforting meal—rich, creamy, and loaded with smoky bacon and tender potatoes.

It's easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and totally customizable with different cheeses, seasonings, and mix-ins.

Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner, a warming lunch, or a make-ahead meal, this soup will always hit the spot.

Best of all, it's made with simple, wholesome ingredients and tastes even better than store-bought versions.

Once you try this homemade potato bacon soup, you'll never look at canned soup the same way again!

So grab a bowl, top it with crispy bacon and cheese, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food today.

POTATO AND BACON SOUP

Sana Umer
Potato and Bacon Soup is a creamy, comforting dish loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to make and packed with smoky, cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 13 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups potatoes peeled and diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

STEP NO.1: COOK BACON

  • In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

STEP NO.2: SAUTÉ ONION AND GARLIC

  • Add the diced onion to the bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

STEP NO.3: ADD POTATOES AND BROTH

  • Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

STEP NO.4: BLEND FOR CREAMINESS

  • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, mash some potatoes with a spoon.

STEP NO.5: ADD CREAM AND CHEESE

  • Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Simmer for 2 more minutes.

STEP NO.6: SERVE AND GARNISH

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Best Potatoes: Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
  • Extra Thick Soup: Mash more potatoes or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half.
  • Cheese Variations: Try smoked Gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream and more shredded cheese for a loaded version.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Veggie Boost: Add carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels.
Keyword comfort food, creamy soup, easy potato soup, homemade soup, potato bacon soup

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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