Danny'S Favorite Potato Soup
Creamy and hearty potato soup with crispy bacon, perfect for comforting lunches or dinners. Rich flavors with vegetables and a velvety milk-thickened base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine potatoes, onion, celery, pepper, salt, and broth in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp.
- Remove bacon, reserving 3 tablespoons of drippings.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Add flour to the drippings in the skillet.
- Stir until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Gradually stir the milk mixture and bacon into the potato mixture.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the milk mixture. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme during the simmering process. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Danny's Favorite Potato Soup hot, garnished with the crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It's perfect as a comforting main dish paired with crusty bread or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Pecan Country Chicken for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danny'S Favorite Potato Soup contains roughly 1145 calories, with 27g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1398mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes in this soup?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different varieties may alter the texture and flavor slightly, so choose ones that you enjoy.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can either blend a portion of it after simmering or add more flour to the bacon drippings before mixing in the milk. Another option is to stir in instant potato flakes until you reach the desired consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil in place of the bacon drippings. Just ensure the chicken broth is also dairy-free for a completely dairy-free soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).