Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder Recipe

 

Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder Recipe

Introduction

This Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It’s loaded with crispy bacon, perfectly soft potatoes, and plenty of cheese. This chowder brings together all the cozy flavors of a loaded baked potato into a warm, creamy soup that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pack of bacon
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 3 lbs russet potatoes, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups half and half
• 1/2 tsp salt (add more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp cracked pepper
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion into bite-size pieces, mince the garlic, wash and chop the potatoes, shred the cheddar cheese, and dice the green onions. Cut the bacon into bite-size chunks.
2. Cook the Bacon: Add a splash of oil to a large stockpot and warm it on medium heat. Once the pot is hot, add the bacon and cook until crispy (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove some of the excess bacon grease from the pot, leaving some for flavor.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot with a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Thicken the Soup: Add the flour to the pot and stir until it coats the veggies, cooking for 1 minute. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and cracked pepper, mixing to coat the veggies evenly.
5. Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and whisk to combine, scraping up any bits of bacon from the bottom of the pot. Add the chopped potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Finish the Soup: Reduce the heat and add the half and half, sour cream, shredded cheese, and most of the bacon (save some for garnish). Mix well and heat through without bringing to a boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with extra bacon bits, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Conclusion

This Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder is the perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness with the comforting flavors of a loaded baked potato. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that makes for a cozy, satisfying dinner. Pair it with a warm blanket and your favorite TV show for the ultimate comfort food experience!