Hearty Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Indulge in this Hearty Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup, a delightful bowl of warmth perfect for chilly days. This rich and velvety soup features tender potatoes, infused with the savory flavors of bacon (or ham) and heightened by a tangy cream cheese base. Seasoned with a hint of paprika and fresh parsley, each spoonful is both comforting and satisfying. Serve it alongside a crisp side salad and crusty baguette for a fulfilling lunch or a cozy dinner that will bring smiles to the entire family. Ideal for autumn and winter gatherings, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
organic chicken broth
6 cups (none)
russet potatoes
6 cups (peeled and cubed)
white onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
salt
to taste (optional)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (snipped)
crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham
1 cup (cooked)
reduced-fat cream cheese
12 ounces (cut into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, bring the organic chicken broth to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the peeled and cubed potatoes along with the finely chopped white onion and allow the mixture to return to a boil.
3
Lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4
Using a potato masher, gently mash the potatoes directly in the pot to create a chunky texture. Avoid draining the broth.
5
Stir in the black pepper, paprika, snipped fresh parsley, and your choice of crumbled bacon or diced ham.
6
Add the chunks of reduced-fat cream cheese to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and combines smoothly with the soup.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if desired. Stir well, and remove from heat.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley and bacon or ham if desired. Enjoy with a side salad and crusty baguette for the perfect meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this Hearty Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup?
The soup base consists of organic chicken broth and tender russet potatoes, thickened with reduced-fat cream cheese.
Which type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for russet potatoes, peeled and cubed, for the best texture.
Can I substitute bacon with something else?
Yes, you can use diced ham as a savory alternative to crumbled bacon.
How do I achieve a creamy yet chunky texture?
After boiling the potatoes until tender, use a potato masher directly in the pot to gently mash them without draining the broth.
What makes this potato soup extra creamy?
The addition of 12 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese, melted into the broth, provides a rich and velvety finish.
How long does it take to cook the potatoes?
The potatoes should simmer for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
What spices are used to season this soup?
The soup is seasoned with ground black pepper, paprika, and fresh snipped parsley.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify using peeled and cubed potatoes.
What kind of onion is recommended for this soup?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely chopped white onion.
Is the chicken broth drained after boiling the potatoes?
No, you should avoid draining the broth as it forms the liquid base of the soup.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
This soup is best served hot alongside a crisp side salad and a crusty baguette.
Can I use full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese if you prefer a richer flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn and winter?
Absolutely, its warm and comforting nature makes it ideal for chilly autumn and winter days.
How much chicken broth do I need?
The recipe requires 6 cups of organic chicken broth.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for flavor, you can use dried parsley in a smaller quantity as a substitute.
Do I need to cook the bacon beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires one cup of crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is listed as optional and should be added to taste at the end of the cooking process.
How should the cream cheese be prepared before adding it to the pot?
The cream cheese should be cut into chunks to help it melt and combine smoothly with the soup.
What heat level should I use for boiling the broth initially?
You should bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat.
What heat level is used for melting the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be added and melted over low heat while stirring occasionally.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it can be made entirely in one large stockpot or Dutch oven.
What is the total amount of potatoes needed?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of peeled and cubed russet potatoes.
Is this soup considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple boiling, mashing, and stirring steps.
Can I garnish the soup with extra toppings?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with additional parsley and extra bacon or ham before serving.
Can I use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon/ham to make a vegetarian version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this soup recipe.
Is this soup suitable for lunch or dinner?
It is versatile enough to be served for both lunch and dinner.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
The recipe suggests partially covering the pot while the potatoes simmer.
How finely should the onion be chopped?
The onion should be finely chopped to ensure it blends well with the soup texture.
What is the overall flavor profile of this soup?
It is savory and tangy with a hint of smokiness from the bacon and warmth from the paprika.