This potato and bacon soup

Here’s a rich and hearty Potato and Bacon Soup recipe, packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy broth.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving, optional)
• Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the bacon:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
   • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the potatoes and broth:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the soup (optional):
   • If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup (leaving some chunks for texture), or transfer part of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Add cream and milk:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, milk, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using).
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can use all milk or a mixture of milk and broth, instead of heavy cream.
• You can also add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.

This Potato and Bacon Soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a cozy meal! Enjoy!