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Kid-Approved Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon (Easy Recipe)

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This creamy potato soup with bacon is a quick and easy family dinner that comes together in under 35 minutes. Made with frozen hash browns, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, it’s a comforting, kid-approved meal that started as a happy accident.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk, oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Add the entire bag of frozen hash browns to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until hash browns are tender.
  4. Blend the soup: Turn off heat. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, let soup cool for 5 minutes, then blend in batches, filling no more than halfway. Return to pot.
  5. Add dairy and cheese: Stir in milk, shredded cheddar, sour cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Keep heat on low and stir gently until cheese is melted and soup is hot (about 3-4 minutes). Do not let it boil.
  6. Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or paprika if desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chives or green onions. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.

Notes

Don’t skip the bacon fat—it adds smoky depth. Shred your own cheese from a block to avoid graininess. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes after blending. For a thinner soup, add extra broth or milk. This soup tastes even better the next day. To freeze, add dairy after thawing and reheating for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy potato soup, bacon potato soup, easy potato soup, kid-friendly soup, quick dinner, comfort food, frozen hash browns soup

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/kid-approved-creamy-potato-soup-with-bacon-easy-recipe/