Description
This Creamy Homemade Potato Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish combining tender starchy potatoes, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese for ultimate comfort. Simple to prepare with accessible ingredients, this versatile soup is perfect for cozy meals any day, offering a nutritious and satisfying option that is easy to customize and great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and cubed Russet potatoes
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella), shredded
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Chives, chopped
- Extra crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Aromatics: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in a large pot over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the drippings and sauté until translucent and fragrant, forming the soup’s aromatic base.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, allowing the potatoes to absorb the broth’s flavors and soften for a creamy texture.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Purée the mixture until smooth and creamy. For some texture, blend half the soup and mix back in to balance silky and chunky consistency.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Milk: Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the plant-based cheese and plant-based milk, stirring continuously until the cheese melts fully into the soup, enriching its creaminess without heaviness. Season with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, add natural gelling agent to achieve a thicker consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Reintroduce the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces into the soup and stir well. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting creamy homemade potato soup.
Notes
- Choose high-starch potatoes such as Russets for a fluffy yet creamy texture.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to thicken soup without adding dairy or flour.
- Sauté onions and garlic slowly to build sweet and robust aromatics.
- Add plant-based cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping.
- Prepare the soup ahead; flavors intensify after resting overnight.
- Substitute smoked turkey bacon with smoked tofu cubes for a vegan option.
- Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Spice variations include cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for gentle heat.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a sweeter and colorful variation.
- Pair with toasted crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a crisp green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: potato soup, creamy potato soup, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, easy soup recipe, gluten free soup
