Bacon Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Bacon Potato Leek Soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or as a hearty meal year-round. This rich and creamy soup combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the subtle sweetness of leeks and the comforting texture of potatoes. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

What Is Bacon Potato Leek Soup?

This classic soup is a blend of simple ingredients like crispy bacon, tender leeks, creamy potatoes, and rich dairy. It’s puréed to create a silky texture and garnished with crispy bacon and fresh chives for added flavor and visual appeal. The balance of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors makes this soup a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy texture: Perfect for comfort food lovers.
• Easy to make: Straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: Adaptable for different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats well for a quick meal.
• A crowd-pleaser: Bacon lovers rejoice!

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: Chopped chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bacon

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, setting it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.

Sautéing the Leeks

3. Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the sliced leeks.
4. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Cooking the Soup

6. Add the diced potatoes, broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Blending and Finishing

8. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend the soup in batches in a blender.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the cooked bacon. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.

Serving

10. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved bacon and optional chopped chives for garnish. Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this soup with freshly baked bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve in bread bowls for a rustic touch.
• Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Do not boil the soup when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the soup without adding the cream and milk to prevent curdling.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator, reheat, and stir in the cream and milk just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the cream and milk.
• Low-carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly option.
• Herb additions: Add fresh parsley, dill, or a bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon can be used. Simply chop it and add it during the garnishing step.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for their creamy texture when cooked.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.

This Bacon Potato Leek Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich, creamy textures with smoky and savory flavors. Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening or serving it as a starter at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!

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