Hearty Potato, Bacon & Onion Soup | Comfort Food In A Bowl
Some recipes just feel like home, and for me, this bacon, onion, and potato soup is one of them. The moment the onions hit the pan with a knob of butter, you know you’re in for something good. The bacon begins to sizzle. It’s the kind of soup that fills bellies. It fills the whole kitchen with a smell that draws everyone to the table before you even call them.
On the farm, this soup has been a lifesaver more times than I can count. It’s perfect for feeding hungry workers after a day outdoors. It also warms up the kids after a chilly afternoon. It always goes down a treat. It’s hearty, simple, and made from ingredients that don’t break the budget. And let’s be honest—potatoes, bacon, and onions are a trio that never disappoints.
It’s sometimes easier to see a recipe come to life rather than just read it. I’ve shared a full cooking video on my YouTube channel. There you’ll find me walking through each step of this soup, with tips you can only pick up by watching. Make sure to give it a watch. If you enjoy it, I’d love it if you subscribed to the channel for more homestead-style recipes. Here is the link to the video showing you how to make this fabulous soup: Souptember Potato, bacon and onion soup
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Hearty Potato, Bacon & Onion Soup | Comfort Food In A Bowl
Serves: 6–8 generous bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 200 g bacon, diced (about 6 rashers)
- 2 tbsp crushed or minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp butter (for cooking the onions)
- 4 tbsp butter (for the roux)
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp plain flour (for the roux)
- 6 cups hot water (1.5 litres) or liquid stock
- 4 tbsp stock powder (if using water)
- 4 large potatoes, diced (about 650g)
- 1 cup cream
- Chives or parsley, to garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Soften the onions: Heat the butter or oil. Add the sliced onions. Cook them gently over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant.
- Add garlic and bacon: Stir through the bacon and garlic, cooking until the bacon is lightly golden.
- Add liquid: Pour in the hot water or stock, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. If using water, add the stock powder.
- Cook potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and simmer for around 15 minutes, or until tender but not falling apart.
- Make a roux: In a separate bowl, sprinkle in the flour. Then, add the larger measure of butter. Mix the two together to form a paste. Once the potatoes are cooked and fork-tender. Add the flour paste to the soup and stir until it dissolves and makes the soup thicker. Add less or more until you get your desired thickness.
- Finish with cream: Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, scatter with chives or parsley, and enjoy while hot.
Farmers Wife Kitchen Tips
- Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes well. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
- Waxy potatoes are best: Choose waxy varieties. For example, Nadine or Red Rascal in NZ are good options. These potatoes hold their shape without going mushy.
- Stock swap: Use homemade chicken stock if you have it—it gives an incredible depth of flavour.
- Make it ahead: Like most soups, it tastes even better the next day once the flavours have developed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread rolls or homemade scones to soak up the creamy broth.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese over each bowl for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve with a light side salad for balance if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Leftovers can be thickened and used as a filling for savoury pies.
Variations
- Cheesy twist: Stir in a handful of grated cheddar or parmesan just before serving.
- Veggie-packed: Add diced carrots, celery, or leeks along with the potatoes for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cream and finish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Try this stunning, easy recipe for: Beginner-Friendly Focaccia Bread | Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe
Here are some more yummy soups for you to try: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy Mushroom Soup & Potato Leek Soup
Also, give this beautiful soup a try: My Famous Creamy Chicken Soup
Hearty Potato, Bacon & Onion Soup | Comfort Food In A Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 large onions sliced
- 200 g bacon diced (about 6 rashers)
- 2 tbsp crushed or minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp butter for cooking the onions or oil
- 4 tbsp butter for the roux
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp plain flour for the roux
- 6 cups hot water 1.5 litres or liquid stock
- 4 tbsp stock powder if using water
- 4 large waxy potatoes diced (about 650g)
- 1 cup cream
- Chives or parsley to garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soften the onions: Heat the butter or oil in a large pot. Add the sliced onions and cook gently over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
- Add garlic and bacon: Stir through the bacon and garlic, cooking until the bacon is lightly golden.
- Add liquid: Pour in the hot water or stock, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. If using water, add the stock powder.
- Cook potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and simmer for around 15 minutes, or until tender but not falling apart.
- Make a roux: In a separate bowl, sprinkle in the flour and the larger measure of butter and mix the two together to form a paste. Once the potatoes are cooked and fork-tender. Add the flour paste to the soup and stir until it dissolves and makes the soup thicker. Add less or more until you get your desired thickness.
- Finish with cream: Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, scatter with chives or parsley, and enjoy while hot.
