Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup

#### Instructions:

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**
1. Begin by chopping the bacon into small pieces.
2. In a large soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered bacon fat behind.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the onions.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth**
1. Peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
2. Add the potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Let them cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**
1. Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

**Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)**
1. Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes right in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to achieve a smoother consistency. This step is optional but adds to the creamy texture of the soup.

**Step 6: Add the Cream and Seasonings**
1. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) for a rich, creamy base.
2. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, thyme, and parsley. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

**Step 7: Add the Bacon Back In**
1. Stir in the cooked bacon that was set aside earlier, and mix well.

**Step 8: Serve**
1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

**Step 9: Enjoy**
1. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup! It’s the perfect cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day.

### Tips for the Perfect Potato & Bacon Soup

– **Choose the Right Potatoes**: For the best texture, go with waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, which hold their shape while cooking, or starchy potatoes like Russet, which break down and make the soup creamy.

– **Adjust the Creaminess**: If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, add more heavy cream or use a full-fat option. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with milk or use a lower-fat dairy option.

– **Add Cheese**: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness. You can also top your soup with cheese for an indulgent finish.

– **Add More Vegetables**: If you want to pack more vegetables into your soup, consider adding carrots, celery, or leeks along with the onions. These additions will complement the flavor of the potatoes and bacon.

– **Make it Spicy**: For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic.

– **Make It Vegan**: To make this soup vegan, simply skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

### Creative Variations of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup

While the classic version of this soup is perfect on its own, you can experiment with different ingredients to create new variations:

– **Loaded Potato Soup**: Top your soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and crumbled bacon for a loaded version that mimics the flavors of a baked potato.

– **Cheesy Potato Soup**: Add a few extra cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup for an ultra-cheesy version that’s rich and indulgent.

– **Smoky Potato Soup**: If you love smoky flavors, use smoked paprika or add a bit of smoked sausage in place of the bacon for a smoky twist.

– **Vegetarian Version**: For a meatless option, simply skip the bacon and add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for more flavor and texture.

– **Herb-Infused Potato Soup**: Add a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers for an herb-infused version that elevates the flavors.

### Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and richness in every bite. With its creamy base, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying a quiet night in. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always satisfying.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a classic soup that will be a hit at the dinner table. So next time you’re craving something comforting and hearty, try making this Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup—you won’t be disappointed!