There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort on a chilly day, and this Potato and Bacon Soup with Parmesan and Sour Cream delivers just that. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and a hint of tanginess from sour cream, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors that will have you savoring every spoonful. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with a hearty appetizer, this soup is versatile, delicious, and easy to make. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth, while fresh garnishes elevate its presentation. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- Additional crumbled bacon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Paprika for a smoky touch
Instructions
1. Cook the Base
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3 minutes).
Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
2. Add Potatoes and Stock
Slowly add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil.
Add diced potatoes and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a blender), puree the soup until smooth. Leave some potato chunks for texture, if preferred.
4. Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Bacon
Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
6. Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and top with sour cream, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Tips
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the soup base.
Consistency adjustment: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream.
Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and using vegetable stock.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 750mg