Ultimate Potato and Bacon Soup with Parmesan and Sour Cream: A Bowl of Comfort
There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of a homemade soup, especially on crisp autumn days or chilly winter evenings. Introducing the ultimate potato and bacon soup with Parmesan and sour cream—a rich, creamy bowl of indulgence that’ll instantly warm your soul. Crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a luscious cheesy broth combine to create the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special family occasion, this hearty recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The creaminess of heavy cream and sour cream blends beautifully with salty Parmesan, creating an indulgent balance of flavors. Add fragrant hints of garlic and thyme, and cap it off with bacon crumbles and fresh chives for a sophisticated finish. This soup has everything you need for an irresistible meal!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A mix of savory bacon, creamy Parmesan, and rich potatoes with hints of fresh thyme and garlic.
- Texture: A velvety and creamy base with tender chunks of potatoes, complemented by crispy bacon topping.
- Aroma: A comforting blend of smoky bacon, garlic, and earthy thyme.
- Visual Appeal: A creamy pale soup adorned with crispy, golden bacon and vibrant green chives.
- Skill Level Needed: Easy to follow even for beginners—minimal prep and straightforward steps.
- Special Equipment: An immersion blender is recommended for convenience but not required.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are widely available.
- Category: Main course or appetizer; perfect as a warming meal or a starter for a cozy dinner.
- Cuisine: Inspired by American comfort food with a gourmet twist.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using staple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and bacon.
- Season: Best enjoyed in autumn and winter when hearty soups are most comforting, but equally enjoyable year-round.
- Occasion: Ideal for weeknight meals, family dinners, or entertaining guests at casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This potato and bacon soup is everything you want in a comfort dish. The smoky notes from crispy bacon and earthy richness of Parmesan cheese meld beautifully with the starchy creaminess of mashed potatoes. Thanks to its quick preparation, you can have this soup ready in under an hour, yet the depth of flavor will make it taste like it simmered for hours. It’s also highly adaptable—you can adjust the seasoning or toppings to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a winner for meal prep.
The Recipe
Ultimate Potato and Bacon Soup with Parmesan and Sour Cream
Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Off the heat, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend until fully smooth.
- Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and sour cream until well incorporated. Add the fresh thyme and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or blend more of the soup.
- Not a fan of Parmesan? Swap it for cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Soup too thin: Continue to simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly or blend more of the soup for a thicker consistency.
- Lacking saltiness: The Parmesan and bacon should offer significant seasoning, but taste and adjust with additional salt as needed.
- Not creamy enough: Add a bit more heavy cream or sour cream for an extra luxurious texture.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried this creamy potato and bacon soup recipe? Share your thoughts, variations, or tips in the comments below and tag us on social media with #UltimatePotatoSoup when you share your soup masterpiece!
