Creamy Potato Soup Bacon

### Instructions:

#### 1. Cook the Bacon:
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its fat, about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot to add flavor to the soup.

#### 2. Sauté the Vegetables:
– Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

#### 3. Cook the Potatoes:
– Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Let the potatoes cook for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor.
– Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully covered with liquid. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

#### 4. Blend the Soup:
– Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot for a thicker, heartier texture. You can leave some potato chunks for a more rustic soup or mash it all for a completely smooth consistency.
– Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender for a silkier texture.

#### 5. Add the Cream:
– Stir in the heavy cream and milk to the pot, then let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
– Stir in the dried thyme and smoked paprika for extra flavor, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

#### 6. Add Bacon and Cheese:
– Stir in the crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier, mixing them into the soup for that signature smokiness and crunch.
– If you want extra creaminess and a cheesy twist, you can stir in shredded cheddar cheese at this point, allowing it to melt completely into the soup.

#### 7. Serve and Garnish:
– Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls, then top with additional crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

### Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon:

1. **Perfect Comfort Food**: The combination of tender potatoes, creamy broth, and crispy bacon creates a soup that is comforting, filling, and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you want to curl up with on a cold day or enjoy after a long day at work.

2. **Rich and Creamy**: With the addition of heavy cream and milk, this potato soup has a luxurious, velvety texture that makes it incredibly indulgent. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon, creating a balance of flavors you won’t be able to resist.

3. **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor**: This soup uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, but it delivers a ton of flavor. The bacon adds a savory smokiness, while the herbs and cream create depth and richness.

4. **Versatile and Customizable**: While this recipe calls for classic ingredients, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Want a more hearty soup? Add extra vegetables like leeks, carrots, or celery. If you love cheese, go ahead and add more cheddar!

5. **Great for Leftovers**: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can also freeze it for later, making it a great make-ahead option.

### Tips for Success:

– **Don’t Skimp on Bacon**: The bacon is a key ingredient in this soup, both for flavor and texture. Use good-quality bacon and cook it until it’s crispy to ensure it adds that perfect crunch and smoky flavor.

– **Adjust the Consistency**: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or blend the soup more thoroughly. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired texture.

– **Add More Toppings**: For added richness, top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. You can also add some freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

– **Spice It Up**: If you enjoy a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a mild kick. The smokiness from the paprika also pairs well with a little spice.

### Final Thoughts:

This **Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon** is the definition of comfort food. The creamy, velvety texture of the soup, combined with the savory bacon, creates a perfect balance of richness and flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a chilly evening or enjoying it as a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to please.

Its simple ingredients, hearty texture, and deep, smoky flavor make it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. So grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food in the form of **Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon**—a dish that will warm both your body and your soul.