Winter Day Potato Soup
A hearty, comforting potato soup with smoky bacon and melted Cheddar, perfect for cold days and loved by family and friends for its rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook potatoes until tender, then drain and save the water.
- Saute diced bacon and minced onion until browned.
- Mash the cooked potatoes and add the bacon, onion, parsley, salt, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in the milk and heat over low flame.
- Sprinkle the soup with grated Cheddar cheese before serving.
- Add the reserved potato water if the soup is too thick.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic while sautéing the bacon and onion. If you're looking to reduce fat, turkey bacon is a great substitute for the diced bacon. Using vegetable broth instead of water for mashing the potatoes can also enhance the soup's depth. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated Cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Dinner Burgers for a comforting winter dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved potato water to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid reheating in a microwave as it may change the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Day Potato Soup contains roughly 644 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% 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 different types of potatoes for this soup?
Yes, while the recipe suggests medium potatoes, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in soups.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
Is there a way to make this soup creamier?
To achieve a creamier texture, you can add more milk or use half-and-half instead. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup and then stirring it back in can also create a rich, velvety consistency.
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).