How to Make Chunky Potato and Bacon Soup

This bacon-infused Creamy Potato Soup epitomizes the essence of winter comfort. Crafted from basic ingredients, it embodies the quintessential comfort food experience.

Here's my ultimate Chunky Potato and Bacon Soup - a simple, one-pot delight loaded with crispy bacon and chicken thighs, offering the perfect comfort food experience in a bowl!

This hearty potato and bacon soup is the epitome of comfort, best enjoyed with a spoon. Who can resist such a comforting meal, especially when it includes all the must-haves: potatoes, bacon, and chicken?

The creamy texture of this hearty soup is achieved by blending cooked potatoes without the need for cream. Plus, depending on your blending preference, you have full control over its chunkiness.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40-50 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients needed to make Chunky Potato and Bacon Soup

thick-cut bacon
red onion
celery stalks
carrots2
chicken broth
boneless, skinless chicken thighs
rosemary leaves
thyme leaves
bay leaves
red potatoes
Sea salt & black pepper
kale
cream cheese

How to make Chunky Potato and Bacon Soup

Add bacon to a large Dutch oven or soup pot set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and blot off excess grease. Set aside.

Carefully drain and discard all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from pot.
Add red onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté until the vegetables soften and develop a bit of color, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Add ½ cup of chicken broth to pan and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom with a spatula. Add remaining broth, chicken, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and red potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.

Increase heat to high. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are fork tender.

Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Add chopped kale and cream cheese and stir until the kale is wilted and the cheese is melted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired, before serving

Now, onto some tips to elevate your soup-making game:

• Frying the bacon not only adds flavor but also provides precious bacon fat that enhances the soup's taste. Don't forget those golden brown bits stuck to the pot - they're flavor bombs!
• The simmer time for the potatoes may vary based on their size, so keep an eye on them.
• When it comes to garnishes, more is better! Consider offering extra garnishes on the side for everyone to customize their soup according to their taste preferences.

Here's a list of foods that pair well with Chunky Potato and Bacon Soup

1. Crusty Bread: Slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up its delicious flavors.
2. Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese and soup is always a winner, offering gooey cheese and crispy bread to complement the creamy soup.
4. Garlic Bread: Serve some garlic bread on the side for extra flavor and texture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
5. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a nutritious and colorful touch to the meal.

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