Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This hearty soup combines tender Yukon gold potatoes, crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and aromatic seasonings to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, about 10 ounces, divided, with 1 tablespoon bacon grease reserved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Chives, finely chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from pot and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble or chop into small pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add butter to the pot along with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine well with the onions and garlic.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup pot, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly.
- Blend or Mash (Optional):
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks intact. Alternatively, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives.
Cooking Notes
- Tortilla Choice: Opt for soft flour tortillas for a classic texture, or use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Make-Ahead: These pockets can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. Adjust baking time accordingly when cooking from chilled or frozen.
Tips for Serving
- Customize Your Fillings: Experiment with additional fillings like diced onions, bell peppers, or black beans for added flavor and texture.
- Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein-Rich: Ground beef and cheese provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Cheese is rich in calcium, important for bone health and vitamin D absorption.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
- Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans seasoned with taco seasoning for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Low-Carb Option
- Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other meats besides ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
2. How can I make these pockets spicier?
Increase the amount of salsa or add diced jalapeños to the filling mixture before baking for an extra kick of heat.
3. Can I prepare these pockets in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the pockets and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake them according to the instructions, adjusting the baking time if baking from chilled or frozen.
Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings and variations. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this soup will warm hearts and satisfy appetites with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade potato soup, and make it a staple in your kitchen during colder months!
