Chef's Creamy Potato Soup Recipe With Crispy Bacon Is Crazy Good by Chef Gigi

I love a good potato soup recipe, and this one is particularly amazing. Actually, this easy potato and leek soup recipe is crazy good. It's creamy, hearty and comes with a kick from the white pepper. My family can't get enough of this savory soup. 

This creamy potato soup recipe is comfort food at its finest. It's spicy enough to warm you up for lunch on a cool fall afternoon, or for dinner on a chilly winter evening. Plus, it has an optional bacon garnish to make it extra interesting!

To make this hearty potato soup recipe you will need some simple ingredients. Here is your gluten-free shopping list: leeks, onion, garlic, potatoes, olive oil, unsalted butter, salt, ground white pepper, chicken stock and half and half. The thick-cut bacon garnish is optional. 

Pro Tip: White pepper seems to have a creeping-up-flavor effect. Season a little at a time. Step away for a few minutes and then taste before adding additional white pepper heat.

This comforting soup makes a filling lunch or belly-warming dinner. Be sure to freeze some leftover soup so you have some for a rainy day!

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 60 Minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 6 fresh leeks, cleaned well, trimmed and sliced in coins
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and large diced, held in water
• 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, for serving time
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled for garnish (optional)

Helpful Products

• Soup Pot
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Soup Bowls
• Salt and Pepper
• Can Opener
• Airtight Containers
• Ladle
• Immersion Blender

Recipe Notes

• You could use vegetable stock or beef stock, if desired. To reduce sodium, you could use low-sodium stock. 

• You don't need to add the bacon garnish, but it's highly recommended.
• Be sure to take it slow when adding the white pepper. Give it a taste before you add more. As an alternative, you could use red pepper flakes to add heat. 
• Garnish with parsley or croutons, if desired.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This soup freezes well, too.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat cook the bacon to medium-well. Remove and drain on a power towel. Set aside.
2. To the same pot, add the olive oil and butter. Add the leeks, onion, salt and a pinch of pepper. Cook, stirring every few minutes, until the onions become translucent and the leeks become lightly browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for an additional minute. Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and add the drained potatoes.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and stir. Bring the soup to a full boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. 
4. Turn heat to low, submerge your immersion blender and blend until smooth. Stir in half and half and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper. 
5. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of green onions, a drizzle of olive oil and a handful of cut bacon bits, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 659

Total Fat: 61.9g

Saturated Fat: 25.2g

Cholesterol: 88mg

Sodium: 2443mg

Total Carbohydrate: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 3.3g

Total Sugars: 3.7g

Protein: 4.9g

Vitamin D: 22mcg

Calcium: 145mg

Iron: 3mg

Potassium: 419mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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