creamy potato bacon soup

Here’s a delicious Creamy Potato Bacon Soup recipe that’s both hearty and comforting:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon (thick-cut for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• Chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot and discard the rest.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Blend the Soup:
   Use a potato masher to slightly mash the potatoes in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can blend half the soup with an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
5. Add Dairy:
   Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and butter. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Flavor:
   Crumble the cooked bacon and add most of it to the soup (reserve some for garnish). Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
7. Finish:
   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This adds richness and tanginess to the soup.
8. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon, chopped chives or green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips:

• If you want a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to the soup before adding the dairy.
• You can also use ham instead of bacon for a different twist!

This creamy potato bacon soup is perfect for chilly days and pairs beautifully with some crusty bread!