Bacon Potato and Leek Soup
This Bacon potato and leek soup is creamy, savory, and filled with tender potatoes, buttery leeks, and smoky bacon in every spoonful. The rustic flavors make it a natural match with crusty Irish soda bread or a crisp green salad for an easy meal.
Servings: 6
Calories: 379kcal
Equipment
- 6 qt Enameled Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 3 large leeks cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 medium potatoes diced (Yukon gold or russet)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pot.6 slices bacon
- Add leeks and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.3 large leeks, 3 cloves garlic
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.4 medium potatoes, 4 cups chicken broth
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave some chunks for texture.
- Stir in milk (and cream if using), butter, salt, and pepper. Warm through but do not boil.1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons butter
- Serve topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of chives.green onions
Notes
- Cook bacon first: Rendering the bacon creates flavorful drippings that build a rich base for the soup.
- Wash leeks thoroughly: Rinsing sliced leeks removes hidden grit and keeps the soup smooth and pleasant.
- Sauté leeks gently: Cooking leeks over moderate heat softens them without browning and preserves their delicate flavor.
- Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform potato pieces cook at the same rate and help create consistent texture.
- Adjust thickness at the end: Add broth or cream as needed to reach your preferred soup consistency.
Nutrition
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1177mg | Potassium: 854mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1517IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 2mg
