Potato Bacon Soup
Creamy and savory potato bacon soup features tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and smooth milk, perfect for cozy meals and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a pan with butter flavor pan spray and cook onions and bacon until tender.
- Add water and cubed potatoes; cook until potatoes are tender.
- Slightly mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in milk, butter seasoning mix, salt, and pepper.
- Cook and stir over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can use regular milk instead of evaporated skim milk. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider substituting the bacon with turkey bacon. To enhance the flavor, add garlic and herbs like thyme or parsley. This soup can also be thickened with a bit of cornstarch if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the potato bacon soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or crumbled bacon on top. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light Cabbage-Cauliflower Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a classic Country Noodle Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's fully cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Bacon Soup contains roughly 269 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1991mg per serving (87% 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 fresh potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh potatoes is actually recommended as they provide better texture and flavor. Just make sure to peel and cube them before adding to the soup. Fresh potatoes will also allow you to adjust the cooking time to ensure they become tender without losing their shape.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. To add flavor, consider including smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth that bacon provides. You can also add vegetables like carrots and celery for extra nutrition.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the onions and bacon. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or use a spicy seasoning blend to elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
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).