Easy Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits

Okay, fellow busy moms, let’s talk about a true dinnertime champion: Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits! I remember the first time I tried to make potato soup. My oldest was going through a major growth spurt and seemed to need a constant stream of food! I was desperately searching for something that was filling, comforting, and, most importantly, wouldn’t take hours to prepare. This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits was a game-changer. The crispy bacon got my son on board. I loved knowing he was getting a hearty, nutritious meal.

The aroma of simmering potatoes and crispy bacon quickly became a comforting signal in our home. The smiles around the table were priceless. This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits quickly went from a one-off experiment to a regular feature on our family menu. And let me tell you, it’s a nutrition win because it’s packed with good carbs for energy, protein from the bacon, and you can sneak in extra veggies without the kids even noticing.

As busy moms, we’re always looking for sanity-saving nutrition solutions that don’t require us to spend all day in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy! Join me as we transform simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort and nutrition!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this creamy, dreamy Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled: Because bacon makes everything better, right? Plus, it adds a boost of protein!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing those flavorful veggies.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Onions are packed with antioxidants and add a lovely depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Hello, immune-boosting power!
• 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: These potatoes give the soup the perfect creamy texture. I prefer Yukon gold, but russets work well too.
• 4 cups chicken broth: You can also use vegetable broth if you prefer.
• 1 cup milk: I use whole milk for extra creaminess, but you can use any milk you like. For a dairy-free version of this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a lovely tanginess. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier twist.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: For garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key!

No worries if you don’t have chives – I use green onions for extra nutrients in my Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store! This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.

My family gets extra nutrition when I add a handful of chopped spinach to my Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits while it simmers. No one even notices! Here’s a Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I always double the recipe and freeze half for a super quick and nutritious meal on those extra-crazy days!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits that your family will love. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon and set aside for topping your creamy potato bacon soup. Remember to save some of that bacon grease! It will be used to sautee the onion and garlic for added flavor.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add the olive oil (and a tablespoon of reserved bacon grease, if you’re feeling adventurous!) to the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now! This is where the magic starts to happen.
3. Add the potatoes and broth: Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! This is the base of your easy potato soup with bacon.
4. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be very careful when blending hot liquids! Don’t worry if your Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits looks a little chunky at this stage. A quick blend will smooth it right out!
5. Stir in milk and sour cream: Stir in the milk and sour cream until well combined. Heat through, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits should smell nourishing by now.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits – learn from my experience! I would often skip the sautéing step to save time, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in the flavor of the soup. Taking those extra few minutes to soften the onions and garlic really elevates the dish. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

While your Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! I like to sneak in extra veggies whenever I can. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of chopped carrots or celery to the pot along with the onions and garlic. The kids never even notice! To make this easy potato soup with bacon extra creamy, I sometimes add a small block of cream cheese to the pot while the potatoes are simmering.

How We Love to Eat This!

This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits is a year-round favorite in our house, and we’ve found so many fun and delicious ways to enjoy it! It’s one of our favorite cheesy potato bacon soup recipes. The kids devour this nutritious Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s the perfect comforting combination! A simple green salad is also a great side dish to add some extra veggies.

This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I often make a big batch on Sunday and then we can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s also fantastic for potlucks or casual get-togethers. Everyone always raves about it!

For a fun twist, try serving this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits in bread bowls. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults! In the fall, I like to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the soup for a warm and cozy flavor. My husband loves when I add a dollop of hot sauce to his bowl for a little kick.

To make this loaded potato soup recipe more visually appealing, I like to garnish it with a variety of toppings. Besides the crumbled bacon and chives, I also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few chopped green onions. The kids love helping me decorate their bowls!

Leftovers of this creamy potato bacon soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. This nutritious Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, sausage-sweet-potato-kale-soup.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions about making this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits? I’m here to help! Here are some of the most common questions I get from fellow busy moms:

Is this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates for energy, and the bacon adds protein. Plus, you can easily sneak in extra veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach. My kids gobble it up, and I feel good knowing they’re getting a nutritious meal.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits?

Ah, the picky eater challenge! I get it. One trick is to let them help with the cooking process. Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped to make. Also, try serving it with a side of their favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or ranch. Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement and a familiar flavor to get them to try something new. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for roasted garlic potato soup.

Can I meal prep this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and then portion it out into individual containers for lunches or dinners during the week. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can store it for longer periods of time.

Can I make this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits vegetarian?

You can! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika to give the soup a smoky flavor.

What kind of potatoes work best for this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits?

I prefer Yukon gold potatoes because they have a naturally creamy texture. However, russet potatoes also work well. Just be sure to peel them before cooking.

How can I make this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits dairy-free?

Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

How can I thicken my Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can try simmering it for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and then stir it into the soup. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out turmeric chicken soup.

Final Thoughts:

This Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of simple, nourishing meals that bring families together. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to be perfect to feed our families well. We can embrace the nourishing chaos of our busy lives and still create delicious and healthy meals that everyone will enjoy.

My Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits Nutrition Hacks:

• Sneak in extra veggies: Add chopped carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup while it’s simmering. The kids will never know!
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: It’s a healthier alternative that still adds a lovely tanginess.
• Double the recipe and freeze half: This is a sanity-saver on those extra-crazy days.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits variations:

• Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese before serving.
• Loaded Potato Soup: Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and a dollop of butter. This creamy potato bacon soup is perfect for those cold winter nights!

My daughter loves the cheesy version of this Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits, while my husband prefers it with a little hot sauce. I encourage you to experiment and find your own family’s favorite version.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own nourishing dinnertime wins. Remember, you’ve got this! Embrace the simple, embrace the delicious, and embrace the joy of feeding your family well. Another tasty option is The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup – Sugar Spun Run, The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup – Sugar Spun Run. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits! I know your family will love it! The Ultimate Potato Soup – Meat Church, The Ultimate Potato Soup – Meat Church and Creamy Kale and Potato Soup – Happily From Scratch, Creamy Kale and Potato Soup – Happily From Scratch are great inspiration too!

Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits

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Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy potato soup topped with crispy bacon bits. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

• Author: Juliette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add olive oil to the pot. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Heat through gently.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese as a garnish.