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Easy Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Chives

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This easy creamy potato soup with bacon and chives is a quick and comforting weeknight meal that comes together in about 35 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, bacon, onion, broth, and cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces (thick-cut preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a cold pot and turn heat to medium. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a small bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Mash some potatoes: Remove pot from heat. Using a potato masher, gently mash about half of the potatoes right in the pot, leaving some texture.
  5. Add cream and butter: Return pot to low heat and stir in heavy cream and butter. Warm through for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
  6. Season and adjust: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that bacon adds saltiness, so start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with reserved crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and shredded cheddar cheese if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or let simmer uncovered to reduce. For a thinner soup, add more broth or cream. The soup thickens as it cools. Taste before adding extra salt, as bacon and broth add saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, skip bacon, use vegetable broth, and sauté onions in butter or olive oil with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, creamy potato soup, bacon and chives, easy soup, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/easy-creamy-potato-soup-with-bacon-and-chives-best-homemade-recipe/