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Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

creamy potato leek soup with crispy bacon - featured image
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A cozy, creamy potato leek soup topped with crispy bacon that balances rich creaminess with a subtle sweetness from leeks and a smoky crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thoroughly cleaned and sliced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the white and light green parts of the leeks into thin rounds. Rinse thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Lift out carefully and drain (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
  3. Add butter to the pot with bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often.
  4. Stir in diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Add thyme if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
  5. Remove about half the soup and puree it using an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer to a countertop blender in batches. Return pureed soup to the pot and stir well.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and heat through gently without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust thickness by adding more broth if needed.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle crispy bacon on top. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives if desired.

Notes

Do not brown the leeks to avoid bitterness; cook gently until soft. Blend only half the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture. Warm cream before adding to prevent curdling. Use a splatter screen when cooking bacon to keep the stove clean. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute broth and cream accordingly and skip bacon or use alternatives like crispy fried shallots.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato leek soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy meals, homemade soup

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-potato-leek-soup-with-crispy-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe-for-cozy-meals/