This Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon is a bowl of pure comfort. The combination of silky smooth potatoes, sweet and mild leeks, and a touch of rich cream creates an irresistible texture. The crispy bacon topping adds a smoky crunch, balancing the creaminess of the soup beautifully. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a starter for a dinner party, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for chilly days, this soup is warm, nourishing, and incredibly easy to prepare. The leeks bring a subtle, onion-like sweetness, while the potatoes provide a hearty base. A sprinkle of chives and a few crispy bacon bits take it to the next level. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped leeks, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the potatoes with seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk, simmering for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives for garnish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Comfort: Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon
A Classic French-Inspired Soup with a Hearty Twist
Potato Leek Soup is a beloved dish with deep roots in French cuisine, known for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. Traditionally called Potage Parmentier, this soup celebrates simple, rustic ingredients—potatoes and leeks—transformed into a velvety masterpiece. With the addition of crispy bacon, this version adds a smoky, savory depth that enhances every spoonful.
Leeks, a close relative of onions and garlic, bring a sweet, mild flavor that beautifully complements the starchy richness of potatoes. When blended together, they create a luxuriously smooth consistency that makes this soup feel both indulgent and wholesome. The crispy bacon topping introduces a satisfying crunch and a touch of umami, making it the perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
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Rich Yet Light
While it’s creamy and satisfying, this soup doesn’t feel overly heavy. The leeks provide a fresh, slightly sweet note that brightens the dish, while the potatoes give it a silky texture without the need for excessive cream or butter. -
Perfect for Any Season
This soup is an excellent choice year-round. In colder months, it’s warming and hearty, perfect for cozy nights. In warmer seasons, it can be served chilled as Vichyssoise, a classic French cold soup. -
Easy One-Pot Preparation
This recipe requires only one pot, making it simple to prepare and clean up. Everything simmers together, and with a quick blend, you have a creamy, flavorful soup ready to enjoy. -
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Potatoes and leeks are affordable, widely available, and last long in storage. A big batch of this soup is both economical and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for families. -
Customizable to Your Taste
- Want it extra creamy? Use more heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream when serving.
- Looking for a lighter version? Use only milk or swap in coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Love extra flavor? Add grated cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a cheesy variation.
Why Potato Leek Soup is So Popular
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Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
This recipe uses only a handful of ingredients—potatoes, leeks, broth, and cream—but the combination creates a depth of flavor that’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. -
Versatile & Customizable
Whether you want a light, dairy-free version or a rich, indulgent bowl, this soup can easily be adapted. You can blend it until smooth or leave it chunky for more texture. -
Perfect for Any Season
- Enjoy it hot in the fall and winter for a comforting, warming meal.
- Serve it chilled in the summer as a refreshing, creamy cold soup.
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Budget-Friendly & Family-Approved
Potatoes and leeks are inexpensive and widely available. This soup is great for meal prep and works well for feeding a crowd.
The Best Potatoes to Use
The type of potatoes you use will affect the soup’s texture:
- Russet Potatoes – High in starch, they create a velvety smooth soup when blended.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Slightly buttery, they add a natural richness without extra dairy.
- Red Potatoes – Low in starch, they hold their shape well and work for a chunkier soup.
How to Clean & Prepare Leeks Properly
Leeks are notorious for trapping dirt between their layers. Here’s how to clean them:
- Trim the Root & Dark Green Parts – Use only the white and light green sections, as the darker parts are tough.
- Slice the Leeks – Cut them lengthwise, then slice them into half-moons.
- Rinse Thoroughly – Place the sliced leeks in a bowl of cold water, swish them around, and let the dirt settle. Drain and rinse again to ensure they’re clean.
The Role of Bacon in This Recipe
Adding crispy bacon to this soup isn’t just about indulgence—it enhances the dish in several ways:
- Adds Texture – The crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
- Enhances Umami – The smoky, salty bacon deepens the flavor profile.
- Boosts Aroma – Cooking the bacon first allows you to sauté the leeks in its rendered fat, infusing them with a subtle, meaty richness.
For a healthier twist, you can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crispy prosciutto for a gourmet feel.
How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture
For the ultimate velvety texture, follow these blending tips:
- Use an Immersion Blender – This makes blending easy while keeping cleanup minimal.
- For Extra Smoothness – Use a high-speed blender and strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Chunky Version – Blend only half the soup and leave the rest with diced potatoes for a rustic feel.
Garnishes & Toppings for Extra Flavor
Elevate your bowl of soup with these delicious toppings:
- Fresh Chives or Green Onions – Adds color and a mild oniony bite.
- Grated Cheese (Gruyère, Cheddar, or Parmesan) – Melts beautifully into the soup for extra creaminess.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds a slight tang to balance the richness.
- Homemade Croutons – A crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
- Red Pepper Flakes or Paprika – For a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Potato Leek Soup
This soup is comforting on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread – Ideal for dipping and soaking up the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A cheesy, buttery sandwich complements the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts adds a healthy touch.
- Salads – A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors develop over time, making it even tastier!
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Fun Variations to Try
- Loaded Baked Potato Leek Soup – Stir in shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a baked potato-style version.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Cheesy Leek & Potato Soup – Stir in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Parmesan for an ultra-creamy dish.
- Vegan Version – Swap bacon for smoked paprika and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Herb-Infused – Add rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves while simmering for extra depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, half-and-half, or unsweetened coconut milk. For an ultra-creamy texture without dairy, blend in a boiled potato.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté the leeks and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend before serving.
3. What’s the best way to reheat frozen soup?
Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the dairy from separating.
4. Can I use different meats instead of bacon?
Yes! Try ham, pancetta, smoked sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a unique twist.
5. How do I make this soup thicker?
Blend more potatoes into the soup, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and simmer for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon is the perfect blend of comforting, creamy, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a light yet satisfying dish, this soup is a fantastic option. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat.
Make a big pot, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the rich, velvety goodness in every spoonful. This is one of those classic recipes that never goes out of style!