Zippy Potato Soup
A hearty, creamy potato soup infused with bacon, onion, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. sliced bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 to 10 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, grated ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 12 ounces evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or oleo ⓘ
- 4 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook diced bacon and chopped onion until bacon is crispy and onion is translucent.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, cook the peeled and chunked potatoes and grated carrot in water for 20 minutes or until tender (do not drain).
- Stir in the cooked bacon and onion mixture, along with remaining ingredients: salt, cayenne pepper, evaporated milk, butter, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, ground nutmeg, and ground mustard.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add in other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for extra nutrition. If you have leftover herbs, such as thyme or chives, they can complement the soup well. This dish pairs beautifully with Quickie Pork Chop Dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Zippy Potato Soup hot, garnished with extra parsley for a fresh touch. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier pairing, consider serving it alongside Sausage Brunch. A sprinkle of cheese on top can also enhance the flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Zippy Potato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture of the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zippy Potato Soup contains roughly 930 calories, with 20g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can use regular milk or cream. For a lighter option, consider using almond milk or coconut milk. Adjust the seasoning slightly, as different milks may alter the flavor.
Can I freeze the leftover soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the creaminess may be affected upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the evaporated milk and adding it in after reheating for the best texture. Freeze in portions for easy meals later.
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).