Creamy Bacon Mashed Potato Chowder
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a comforting and creamy chowder, perfect for chilly days! This hearty soup is enhanced with crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, it’s a simple yet delicious way to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes and warm your soul in no time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
3 cups (Prepared and chilled)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (Fresh)
Skim milk
3 cups (Liquid)
Bacon bits
4 tablespoons (Cooked)
Grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (Shredded)
Canola oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Vegetable bouillon cube
1 cube (Dissolved)
Salt
to taste (Seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (Seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2
Pour in the skim milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3
Add the leftover mashed potatoes, bacon bits, and vegetable bouillon cube to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is heated through and the potatoes are smooth and lump-free.
4
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon bits or cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon Mashed Potato Chowder?
It is a comforting and hearty soup made by repurposing leftover mashed potatoes with bacon bits and cheddar cheese.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to use 3 cups of leftover prepared and chilled mashed potatoes.
How much milk is required for the chowder?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of skim milk to create the soup base.
What type of cheese is best for this chowder?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese for its rich flavor and melting properties.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper for seasoning.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to sauté 1/2 cup of chopped onion in canola oil until translucent and fragrant.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat for approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
Can I use real bacon instead of bacon bits?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked and crumbled bacon in place of the 4 tablespoons of bacon bits.
What type of bouillon is used in this recipe?
One vegetable bouillon cube is used to enhance the savory flavor of the chowder.
How do I make the potato mixture smooth?
Stir the mixture well and frequently while heating until the potatoes are fully incorporated and lump-free.
At what temperature should the cheese be added?
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the grated cheddar cheese to ensure it melts smoothly.
What garnishes are suggested for this chowder?
You can garnish the finished soup with additional bacon bits or extra shredded cheese if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect, soul-warming meal for chilly days.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While skim milk is listed, you can substitute it with 2% or whole milk for a creamier texture.
What oil is used for sautéing the onions?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of canola oil for cooking the onions.
How much chopped onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon bits or use a vegetarian bacon alternative.
What if the chowder is too thick?
If the soup is too thick for your preference, you can stir in a small amount of additional milk to reach the desired consistency.
How do I season the soup?
The recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, because it uses pre-cooked mashed potatoes, it involves minimal prep and cooks quickly.
What size pot should I use?
A large pot is recommended to accommodate the milk and mashed potato volume.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The specific nutritional data for fiber is not provided in this raw recipe data.
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of vegetable?
Yes, chicken bouillon can be used as a substitute if you prefer that flavor profile.
Should the mashed potatoes be hot when added?
The recipe specifies using chilled mashed potatoes, as they will be heated through in the pot.
How much bacon bits are used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of cooked bacon bits.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a rich and satisfying meal.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
While not in the original list, adding minced garlic during the onion sautéing phase would be a delicious addition.
How should the chowder be served?
It should be served hot, immediately after the cheese has melted into the soup.
What is the texture of this soup?
It has a creamy, thick, and smooth texture similar to a traditional chowder.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of chowder.