When the chilly winds of fall or winter roll in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty soup to warm you from the inside out. And among the many beloved soups out there, Potato Bacon Chowder stands out as a crowd favorite. It’s a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish, packed with comforting flavors. Imagine chunks of tender potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and a velvety smooth broth that coats your spoon and your soul. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re craving something to enjoy during a lazy weekend, or you need a comforting meal to feed the family, this potato bacon chowder ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers a bowlful of warmth and comfort that everyone will love.
Now, let’s dive into this incredibly satisfying recipe!
Potato Bacon Chowder Soup Recipe
This recipe is all about balancing textures and flavors. You get the creamy, velvety base from the potatoes and broth, the salty, savory punch from the bacon, and the occasional crunch from the veggies. It’s simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight but decadent enough for a special meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Bacon (6-8 strips) – Preferably thick-cut for a meatier texture and smokier flavor. Bacon is the backbone of this chowder, adding the savory and crispy elements that make each spoonful so satisfying.
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced) – Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down and create a thicker, creamier base.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the bacon and cream.
- Carrot (1 large, peeled and diced) – A touch of sweetness and color to brighten up the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced) – Adds a nice crunch and a fresh, herby element.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – A punch of flavor that brings all the ingredients together.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups) – The liquid base for the soup. Chicken broth gives it a richer flavor, but veggie broth works great for a lighter option.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – This makes the chowder luxuriously creamy.
- Milk (1 cup) – To thin out the cream slightly, giving the soup the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Thyme (1 tsp, dried or fresh) – Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the richness of the soup.
- Chives or green onions (for garnish) – A fresh, bright contrast to the heaviness of the chowder.
- Flour (2 tbsp) – This helps thicken the soup and gives it that velvety texture.
Cooking Instructions
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Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot, chop it into small bits, and set aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot; they’re essential for flavor.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them in the bacon drippings for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting it release its fragrance.
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Thicken The Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies, stirring to coat them evenly. This will help thicken the broth later. Cook the flour for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.
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Add The Liquids
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and ensure no lumps form. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Cream It Up
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Season The Chowder
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and thyme. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Add The Bacon
- Stir in the crispy bacon bits. Let them warm through in the soup, infusing the broth with that smoky goodness.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chives or green onions, and serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
- Bacon: Not only does bacon add that irresistible smokiness and crunch, but it also gives the chowder a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to replicate. The fat left behind after cooking the bacon also serves as the base for sautéing the vegetables, enriching the overall taste of the soup.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and absorb the flavors around them. When cooked in the broth, they break down slightly, thickening the chowder and creating that signature creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of these two ingredients gives the soup the ideal richness. Heavy cream adds the luxurious, silky texture, while the milk thins it out slightly, ensuring the chowder isn’t too heavy.
- Thyme: This herb is subtle but aromatic, and it pairs beautifully with potatoes and bacon. It adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
Expert Tips
- Crisp Bacon First: Cooking your bacon until it’s really crispy helps create crunchy bits that you can sprinkle into the soup. If you don’t like the bacon too crunchy, cook it slightly less, but make sure it’s crispy enough to hold its texture in the chowder.
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, Yukon Golds are a great alternative to russet potatoes. They’ll provide a creamier texture without needing to mash them as much.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Potatoes should be tender but not falling apart. Overcooking them may result in a mushier texture, so be sure to check them with a fork.
- Balance the Thickness: If your chowder gets too thick as it sits, simply add a bit more milk or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Make It Ahead: Like many soups, potato bacon chowder actually gets better as it sits. If you can, make it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge overnight. The flavors will have more time to meld, and the soup will be even richer.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or toss in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the vegetables. You could also throw in some hot sauce for an extra zing.
- Cheesy Potato Bacon Chowder: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy version of this soup. The cheese melts beautifully and adds an extra layer of richness.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is a classic choice, rosemary or sage can also add a wonderful aroma and flavor. Consider switching up the herbs based on what you have on hand.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding corn, peas, or even some kale towards the end of cooking. This will add more texture and a pop of color to your chowder.
Final Words
Potato Bacon Chowder is a classic comfort food that will warm you up from head to toe. It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients to create something wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just need a bowl of something to get through a cold evening, this chowder is the perfect solution. It’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
The great thing about this soup is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences, make it as rich or light as you like, and enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side dish. It’s a recipe that invites creativity while still delivering the ultimate comfort.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Potato Bacon Chowder Soup Recipe?
To make a classic potato bacon chowder, you will need the following ingredients: potatoes (preferably russet), bacon, onion, garlic, butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream or milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and optional garnishes like shredded cheese or green onions.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato For The Soup?
While russet potatoes are typically preferred for their starch content and creaminess when cooked, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. However, the texture and creaminess of the soup may vary slightly.
How Can I Make Potato Bacon Chowder Soup Thicker?
To thicken the chowder, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the soup, or use a roux made from butter and flour. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water or cook the soup uncovered to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I Make This Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Yes, both slow cooker and Instant Pot are great alternatives for making potato bacon chowder. For the slow cooker, add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In the Instant Pot, use the ’Soup’ or ’Manual’ setting for 10-15 minutes under high pressure.
What Can I Substitute For Heavy Cream In The Recipe?
If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that this may alter the richness and texture of the chowder.
How Long Will Potato Bacon Chowder Soup Last In The Fridge?
Potato bacon chowder will typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Can I Freeze Potato Bacon Chowder Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the chowder, but it’s important to note that the texture of dairy-based soups can change upon thawing. To preserve the best texture, freeze the soup without adding the dairy and stir in the cream after reheating.
Is It Necessary To Use Bacon In This Recipe?
While bacon is a key component for flavor, you can omit it if you want a vegetarian version. You can substitute with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky taste, or use plant-based bacon alternatives for a vegan version.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Potato Bacon Chowder Soup?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, leeks, or corn. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked until tender before adding the cream and serving.
How Do I Know When The Potatoes Are Done In The Chowder?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and easily break apart when gently pressed with a spoon. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes of simmering after adding the potatoes to the soup base.