Deliciously Easy Irish Potato Soup Recipe with Bacon
Welcome to my recipe article on Irish Potato Soup With Bacon! This soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold evening or a rainy day. This soup has been enjoyed in Ireland for generations, and is now a popular dish worldwide. It’s highly nutritious, rich in flavors, and incredibly easy to make.
The secret behind this delicious soup recipe is the combination of fresh ingredients carefully selected and blended to create a creamy, hearty bowl of goodness. The crispy bacon pieces give an added crunch that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Preparing to cook this soup will require basic ingredients such as onions, baking potatoes, celery, chicken broth, and of course, the star ingredient, smoked bacon strips. With these simple ingredients, you can create an irresistible pot of soup that will impress your family and friends!
Whether you’re Irish or not, the traditional taste of this soup will transport your taste buds directly to Ireland without ever leaving your home. This soup has become a staple meal in Irish homes and restaurants due to its deliciousness and simplicity.
Get ready to take on this simple yet flavorful recipe that will leave everyone in awe of your culinary expertise! Get comfortable in your kitchen while I guide you through easy-to-follow instructions step-by-step. Prepare yourself – as soon as you taste this creamy Irish potato soup you’ll fall head over heels in love with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! This delicious Irish Potato Soup with Bacon recipe will be sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Let’s start with the star of the show – the potatoes. They’re not just any ordinary potatoes, dear reader. We’re talking about good ol’ Idaho baking potatoes that will give this soup the perfect texture and flavor. When combined with the creamy goodness of Irish potato soup, your taste buds will thank you.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe includes crispy bacon bits that add an extra layer of flavor and a touch of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the soup’s creaminess.
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavor, look no further than this traditional Irish potato soup with bacon recipe. Whether you’re a fan of classic Irish cuisine or just a lover of good food, this recipe will not disappoint. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Irish Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe:
- 1 pound smoked bacon, sliced into small pieces
- 6 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note that this recipe is quite adaptable, so feel free to use any type of potato. The Irish potato will give the soup a more authentic taste, but baking potatoes or Idaho potatoes can be just as delicious.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered the ingredient list in section (3), let’s move on to the recipe itself. The great thing about this Irish Potato Soup with Bacon recipe is how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something that requires minimal effort but is still satisfying and delicious.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First, start by cooking your bacon. You’ll need 10 strips of bacon divided into two piles – six slices and four slices. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the first six slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Celery and Garlic
While the bacon cooks, chop your onion and celery – this will make up components of your soup base. Add diced onion, diced celery and minced garlic to the pot with the remaining bacon fat over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Add Water, Potatoes and Chicken Broth
Peel and roughly chop six potatoes into small chunks. Add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Then add four cups of water and one cup of chicken broth to the pot.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender
Bring everything to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Purée The Soup
Remove from heat once it’s cooked through then purée using an immersion blender until creamy, silky texture.
Step 6: Serve
To serve this delicious Irish Potato Soup with Bacon recipe, ladle it into bowls, topping each serving with crumbled bacon strips, chopped green onions plus Monterey Jack cheese if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I believe that cooking is all about experimentation and creativity. Therefore, don’t be afraid to make substitutions or variations on this Irish Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe. Here are some of my favorite ideas to help you add your unique twist to this delicious classic recipe.
– Cheese: If you are a cheese lover, consider adding some shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese on top of the soup before serving. The melted cheese will give the dish an extra creamy texture and a sharp taste that complements both the bacon and potatoes.
– Vegetarian: For a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe, simply omit the bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add some chopped carrots and bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
– Gluten-Free: If you have gluten intolerance, swap the wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup. Make sure you use gluten-free bacon as well, as some brands might contain hidden sources of gluten.
– Slow Cooker: Instead of cooking the soup on the stovetop, you can prepare it in a slow cooker for an easy hands-off method. Simply combine all ingredients except for the bacon in a large slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Then, crisp up some bacon in a pan and stir it into the soup before serving.
– Colcannon Soup: Add some cooked cabbage and scallions to the soup to make a traditional Irish Colcannon Soup. This variant is often served during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and combines creamy potato leek soup with bacon cabbage ingredients.
No matter which variation you choose, I’m confident that this recipe will become one of your go-to’s for comfort food cravings. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to cook up a storm!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of Irish potato soup with bacon on a chilly day. This hearty soup can be enjoyed as a main course or as a starter for a special occasion. Serve it with some freshly baked crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
For a casual meal, pair this soup with a tangy side salad made with mixed greens, sliced cherry tomatoes, red onions and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Sprinkle some crumbled Monterey Jack cheese on top for added texture.
For those who prefer something more substantial, serve the Irish potato soup with cabbage wedges sauteed in butter and seasoned with salt and pepper. The sweet and nutty flavor of the cabbage complements the creamy consistency of the soup.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate your presentation, try serving this soup in baked potatoes. Simply scoop out the flesh of large Idaho potatoes and fill them with the creamy soup. Top them off with some shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped scallions or fresh parsley for garnish. Your guests will surely be impressed by this creative twist on a traditional Irish recipe.
Whether you choose to serve it alone or pair it with other dishes, this Irish potato soup with bacon is sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious comfort food.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Irish Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated later, which is perfect if you’re planning to have guests over or want to enjoy a warming bowl of soup on a busy weeknight.
To make this recipe in advance, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it if you want to store it for longer. When reheating, just heat it slowly over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly will ensure that they remain fresh and delicious. While potatoes don’t always hold up well in soups that are frozen and thawed, this one does relatively well because the potatoes are blended into the soup base. You can also adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more stock when reheating.
When storing leftovers, make sure to transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. It’s important not to let food sit out at room temperature for too long. If stored properly, this soup will keep in the fridge for up to four days.
Overall, Irish Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is an easy-to-make and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a party, this recipe will definitely impress your guests!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’ve learned a thing or two about creating the perfect Irish potato soup with bacon. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible results:
1. Use high-quality ingredients – great flavor starts with great ingredients.
2. Don’t overcook the potatoes – make sure to follow the recipe and cook them just until tender. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and ruin the texture of your soup.
3. Let it simmer – after adding all the ingredients, let the soup simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together.
4. Take care when blending – if you’re using a blender or immersion blender to blend your soup, be careful not to overblend it. Overblending can make your soup too thin or turn it into a puree.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed – taste your soup before serving and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Give it time to cool – letting your soup cool for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop even further.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Irish potato soup with bacon. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and flavors, too – that’s what cooking is all about!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Potato Soup with Bacon recipe is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a delicious and hearty meal. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and wholesome potato goodness, it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning eaters. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to fit any dietary needs or preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish dish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or simply want to enjoy a creamy and delicious soup on a chilly day, this recipe won’t disappoint. So why not give it a try? With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
But don’t just take my word for it. Make this soup yourself and experience the magic of traditional Irish cuisine right in your own kitchen. And who knows? You may discover a new favorite dish that will become part of your family’s culinary legacy for generations to come.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your favorite Dutch oven or slow-cooker and start prepping those ingredients. I promise, once you take that first delectable spoonful of soup, you won’t regret it. Happy cooking!
Irish Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 lb maple bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 large onions, cut into pieces
- 2 (10 ounce) cans cheese soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of potato soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can French onion soup
- 24 ounces whole milk
- 8 ounces water
- 2 (8 ounce) packages monterey jack cheese
Instructions
- Peel & cut potatoes into chunks. Place in boiling water and cook until done (I usually do this for about 15-20 minutes. They need to be a bit crunchy, not too hard-not too soft) drain water when done; set aside.
- Fry bacon in separate pot (the one you will use to make the soup). Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Leave the grease in the pan.
- Caramelize the onions in the bacon grease. Allow to cool for 5 minutes or so; do not empty the grease!
- Add the cheese soups, cream of potato & French onion soups, milk and water to the onion/grease mixture.
- Crumble the bacon and divide it into 2 bowls.
- Heat up the soup mixture in the bacon grease/onion pan and when hot, add the potatoes and one bowl of the bacon crumbles. Set on medium heat and allow to cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add half of the cheese while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
- Allow soup to sit for about 5 minutes and serve with remaining bacon crumbles and cheese on top.
- A really nice romaine salad w/purple onions, roma tomatoes and cheddar/garlic croutons *and your fave dressing* make this the perfect meal.Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.