Cozy Potato Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast Recipe: Comfort Meal

Cold winter nights call for comfort in a bowl, and this hearty potato and bacon soup delivers pure warmth with every spoonful.

The rich, creamy combination blends perfectly crisp bacon pieces that dance through velvety potato goodness.

Smoky bacon adds depth and texture to this classic soup, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Crispy cheesy toast serves as the ideal companion, offering a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup base.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to maximize taste and satisfaction.

Sharp cheddar melted over golden toast provides the perfect finishing touch to this soul-warming dish.

Dive into this comforting recipe and let its delicious layers transport you to culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List For Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon

• Bacon: Adds smoky richness and crispy texture; choose thick-cut for more robust flavor and easier crumbling.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep, savory foundation; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.

• Potatoes: Creates creamy, hearty base; select starchy varieties like Russet for smooth consistency.
• Onion: Builds aromatic foundation; fresh, firm onions deliver best flavor.
• Garlic: Enhances depth of flavor; fresh cloves offer more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Thyme: Introduces subtle herbaceous notes; fresh sprigs provide more vibrant essence.

• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious silkiness; whole milk creates lighter version, cream makes ultra-rich soup.
• Butter: Provides additional smoothness and depth; unsalted allows precise seasoning.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall taste; freshly ground pepper offers more intense aroma.
• Bread: Creates crispy accompaniment; day-old bread works perfectly for cheesy toast.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds tangy richness; sharp cheddar recommended for maximum flavor.

Tools For Cooking Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking bacon and building soup base.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Immersion blender or countertop blender: Crucial for creating smooth or chunky soup texture.
• Baking sheet: Needed for preparing cheesy toast under the broiler.
• Cutting board: Helps chop bacon, onions, potatoes, and garlic safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Paper towels: Great for draining bacon and absorbing excess grease.

How To Make Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon

• Bacon Sizzle

First, transform the bacon into crispy golden treasures in a large pot. Let the bacon dance and pop until perfectly crunchy. Scoop out the bacon and save a splash of its magical grease.

• Flavor Foundation

Toss chopped onions into the bacon’s leftover warmth. Watch them soften and become translucent. Invite minced garlic to join the party, letting it release its aromatic charm.

• Potato Paradise

Drop diced potatoes and a whisper of thyme into the pot. Pour in chicken broth and let everything simmer until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

• Soup Symphony

Blend the mixture into a smooth landscape. For texture lovers, leave some potato chunks floating like delightful islands.

• Creamy Perfection

Swirl in cream and a pat of butter. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels like a warm hug.

• Cheesy Toast Magic

Arrange bread slices under the broiler. Sprinkle cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

• Final Flourish

Ladle the soup into welcoming bowls. Crown with remaining crispy bacon bits. Serve alongside the irresistible cheesy toast.

Tips To Make Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon Even Better

• Potato Texture Magic: Use starchy russet potatoes for a creamier consistency or waxy red potatoes for more defined potato chunks. Experiment with different potato varieties to find your ideal soup texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk or cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version. These alternatives provide similar richness while keeping the soup creamy and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap bacon with smoked paprika and roasted mushrooms to mimic the smoky, savory flavor. Add liquid smoke or vegetarian bacon bits for extra depth without meat.
• Healthy Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to increase nutritional value. Blend these veggies seamlessly into the soup for added vitamins and a more complex flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with garnishes like chopped chives, green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that complements the creamy soup.

Serve Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon Hot

• Cozy Winter Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. Fresh arugula with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creamy texture perfectly.
• Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Use extra cheesy toast as a crunchy dipper. Break the toast into bite-sized pieces and let guests enjoy dragging them through the smooth potato soup for maximum flavor enjoyment.
• Garnish Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or green onions on top of the soup for a pop of color and bright, oniony freshness. Additional crispy bacon bits can add extra crunch and intense smoky flavor to each spoonful.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold wheat beer that complements the soup's creamy and salty profile without overwhelming the delicate potato and bacon flavors.

How To Store Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon

• Refrigerator Revival: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Solution: Soup can be frozen for 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing; instead, stir in fresh cream after reheating to preserve the soup's smooth consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup feels too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating.
• Toast Timing Trick: Keep cheesy toast crisp by preparing just before serving. If making ahead, toast bread and add cheese separately, then combine right before eating to prevent soggy bread.

Hearty Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty potato and bacon soup emerges as a comforting classic from European kitchens. Crispy bacon-topped cheesy toast complements this creamy, satisfying meal, inviting warm enjoyment at your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs / 680 g potatoes (4 medium), peeled and diced
• 12 slices bacon, diced (6 for soup, 2 for toast, 4 for garnish)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 liter / 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 240 ml / 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsps butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 6 slices crusty bread (baguette or sourdough)
• 100 g / 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden. Remove bacon to a paper towel, reserving 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in bacon drippings until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, creating a flavor foundation for the soup.
3. Potato Infusion: Introduce cubed potatoes and fresh thyme to the pot. Pour chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Soup Transformation: Blend the soup using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a standard blender. Create a rustic texture by partially blending, maintaining some potato chunks for added character.
5. Creamy Finishing: Stir in milk or cream to develop a luxurious consistency. Add butter for richness, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Cheesy Toast Creation: Preheat broiler and arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Generously top with shredded cheese and sprinkle reserved bacon crumbles. Broil until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
7. Serving: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, garnish with remaining crisp bacon pieces, and serve alongside the golden, cheesy toast.

Notes

• Control Bacon Fat: Carefully manage the amount of bacon fat used for sautéing to balance flavor without making the soup overly greasy.
• Blending Technique: Experiment with blending methods to achieve desired soup consistency – fully smooth or partially chunky for textural contrast.
• Dairy Flexibility: Substitute milk with lighter options like almond or oat milk for a lighter version, or use half-and-half for extra richness.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go to prevent over-seasoning and ensure perfect flavor balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg