The comforting blend of creamy broth, savory bacon, and wholesome potatoes makes this soup a timeless classic. Each spoonful delivers warmth and flavor, making it perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is a satisfying, belly-warming bowl.
Infused with aromatic tarragon and brightened with kale, this soup goes beyond traditional potato soup. It’s rich, yet balanced, and ideal for a dinner that feels like a warm hug. Whether you pair it with fresh bread or enjoy it on its own, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your cozy-weather meal rotation.
Full Recipe:
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1 large onion, diced
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1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
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1 lb bacon, chopped
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2 stalks celery, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
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4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover potatoes)
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons flour
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1 cup heavy cream or half and half
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1 teaspoon dried tarragon
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1/3 cup kale (fresh or thawed frozen, stems removed and chopped fine)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of bacon grease.
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In the same pot, sauté diced celery, carrots, and onion in the bacon grease until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
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Toss in the cubed potatoes and stir to coat. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
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Add cooked bacon back to the pot. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the potatoes. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in cream and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
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Stir in the dried tarragon and chopped kale.
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Add the cream mixture to the potato mixture and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Cozy Bowl of Comfort: Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, there’s no better way to welcome fall than with a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Among all the hearty recipes that define the season, Creamy Potato Bacon Soup stands out as a timeless classic. Rich, velvety, and loaded with rustic charm, this dish brings together the earthiness of potatoes, the smoky goodness of bacon, and the nutritional punch of kale in one satisfying bowl.
Why This Potato Soup Stands Out
This isn’t just another potato soup recipe—it’s the epitome of fall comfort food. What elevates it beyond the ordinary is the use of a roux-based cream sauce, which gives the soup its signature velvety texture. The bacon is not merely a garnish but a core flavor component, imparting smokiness and depth throughout the soup. Add to that the subtle herbaceous hint of dried tarragon and the hearty texture of sautéed vegetables, and you have a dish that hits every note of a well-balanced comfort food.
The Importance of Texture in This Soup
One of the most notable aspects of this potato soup is its masterful play on texture. The potatoes are sautéed before being simmered, allowing them to develop a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with their soft interiors once fully cooked. The crisped bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the cream base keeps everything cohesive and smooth. The kale introduces a slight chew and a splash of green, giving the soup not just color but nutritional value and texture diversity.
Flavor Profile: Balanced, Hearty, and Deeply Satisfying
At its core, this soup boasts a robust flavor profile that layers savory, creamy, and slightly herbaceous tones. The base of chicken broth enriches the overall depth, while the bacon fat used to sauté the vegetables infuses every bite with umami. The garlic, onions, and celery offer aromatic undertones, and the dried tarragon brings in a subtle anise-like flavor that brightens the richness of the cream. Salt and pepper round out the seasoning, customizable to individual taste preferences.
Why Kale Works So Well Here
Often seen in health-forward recipes, kale might not be a traditional ingredient in old-school potato soup, but it works beautifully in this recipe. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor balances the richness of the cream and bacon. It also adds a textural counterpoint that keeps each spoonful interesting. Whether using fresh or thawed frozen kale, the key is to remove the stems and chop it finely so that it blends seamlessly into the soup.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While the soup is more than capable of standing alone as a main course, it also pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy broth. A sharp cheddar grilled cheese sandwich or buttery biscuits would also complement it well. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. Don’t have heavy cream? Half and half works just fine, or you can use whole milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch in a pinch. No kale? Spinach makes a fine substitute, though it will be softer and milder in flavor. If you want to make the soup vegetarian, skip the bacon and sauté the vegetables in butter or olive oil, then enhance the depth with smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Tips for Making It Ahead
This soup holds up well to being made in advance, which makes it ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings. In fact, many find the flavors deepen and meld even more after a night in the fridge. To reheat, do so gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a bit more broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Storage and Freezing Advice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to three months. However, because it contains dairy, there may be some texture change upon thawing. Stirring vigorously while reheating can help bring the soup back to its original creamy consistency.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Despite being a comfort food, this soup does offer some nutritional value. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, and kale adds vitamins A, K, and iron. Using bacon in moderation provides flavor without excessive fat, especially if much of the grease is drained. The soup can be adjusted for dietary preferences—lower-fat dairy options can reduce the calorie count, and you can increase the amount of vegetables for added nutrients.
Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a quiet family dinner, hosting friends on a chilly evening, or preparing for a potluck, Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s also easy to scale up for larger groups. Its homey, familiar flavors make it accessible to even the pickiest eaters, and its rich, inviting aroma as it simmers on the stove is an experience all its own.
A Soup That Tells a Story
This soup is more than the sum of its parts—it tells a story of comfort, tradition, and seasonal joy. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple, one you turn to not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings a sense of warmth and home. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fiftieth, it feels like a hug in a bowl.
Conclusion
Creamy Potato Bacon Soup from Bunny’s Warm Oven is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With its deep, savory base, satisfying texture, and nourishing ingredients, it embodies everything we love about cool-weather cooking. It’s a dish that offers comfort without complication, richness without heaviness, and tradition with a twist. Whether you’re adding it to your weekly dinner rotation or preparing it for a special occasion, it’s bound to become a recipe you cherish.