There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy potato soup, especially when it’s loaded with turkey and bacon. This Creamy Turkey Bacon Loaded Potato Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth. Whether you’re weathering a chilly night at home or simply craving a bit of nostalgia, this soup is sure to satisfy. The first spoonful feels like a hug, nourishing both the body and the soul.
The key components of this recipe provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With four large potatoes, peeled and diced for a hearty base, one cup of shredded cooked turkey adds a savory depth. The six slices of crumbled turkey bacon introduce that beloved crispy flair, while one chopped onion and two cloves of minced garlic build a fragrant foundation. Everything melds together in four cups of chicken broth, creating a comforting cozy soup, thickened further with one cup of heavy cream and finished with one cup of your favorite cheese for that melty goodness. A sprinkle of chives or green onions on top brightens the dish beautifully.
This soup couldn’t be easier to whip up. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic until softened, then add in the potatoes and broth. After a brief boil and simmer for tenderness, blending is optional if you prefer your soup smooth. Stir in the creamy turkey and crispy bacon, seasoning to taste, and serve it hot, topped with cheese and herbs. It’s as simple as that!
Imagine enjoying this rich, creamy soup on a chilly evening, or perhaps serving it at a family gathering. It’s fantastic to share, making it perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Turkey Bacon Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The blend of creamy potatoes, savory turkey, and crispy bacon warms the heart.
- Quick and easy: With straightforward steps, you can have dinner on the table in about an hour.
- Flexible recipe: Great for leftovers, you can adapt this soup easily according to your pantry.
- Nutritious ingredients: Loaded with potatoes, turkey, and fiber, you’re feeding your body wholesome goodness.
- Perfect for gatherings: This soup is a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
Turkey Tips
When selecting the turkey for this soup, aim for cooked turkey that is juicy and flavorful. You can use leftover turkey from a holiday meal or even store-bought rotisserie turkey for convenience. Be sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the soup. If using raw turkey, cook it thoroughly before adding it to your soup to ensure it’s safe to eat. Remember, the quality of your turkey will impact the overall flavor, so choose the best you can find.
Options for Substitutions
- Instead of turkey bacon, try regular bacon or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, healthier touch.
- Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to cater to vegetarians.
- If you’re looking to reduce fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk in place of heavy cream and cheese.
- Customize your cheese selection: Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack can provide unique flavor profiles.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake when making this soup is to overcook the potatoes. While you want them tender, cooking them too long can turn them mushy and unappealing. Similarly, be cautious with your seasoning; adding too much salt early on may overpower the dish after the addition of bacon and cheese.
Another tip is to blend the soup only when cooled slightly to prevent splattering. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending step altogether. Finally, remember to stir the soup often during cooking to avoid anything catching at the bottom of the pot.
What to Serve With Creamy Turkey Bacon Loaded Potato Soup Recipe?
Consider pairing this comforting soup with a crisp side salad for freshness, or perhaps with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Grilled cheese sandwiches also align perfectly, complementing the creamy texture of the soup. For variety, a simple fruit salad can provide a sweet contrast, lightening up the meal.
Storage Instructions
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. For best texture, omit the cream before freezing.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4-6 portions
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 620-750
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbohydrates: 55-70g
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, add a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until both are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
If you prefer a smoother texture, carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a standing blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, then return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Cream, Turkey, and Bacon
With the soup blended, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cooked turkey, and crumbled bacon. Let the mixture heat through for about 5 minutes, making sure everything is warm.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Taste your soup, adding salt and pepper to your preference. This is the time to adjust flavors so that every bite is delightful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chives or green onions for that fresh bite. Enjoy hot and savor every spoonful!
In concluding this recipe, I hope you find yourself enticed to make this Creamy Turkey Bacon Loaded Potato Soup. It’s a simple, delightful dish that beckons you on cold nights or during family gatherings. Your feedback is always welcomed. Try it, and let me know how it turns out! If you’re inspired to explore more comforting recipes, be sure to browse through the other posts on my site. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Turkey Bacon Loaded Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting bowl of creamy potato soup loaded with turkey and bacon, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a large pot with a splash of oil over medium heat. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a standing blender until creamy and smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cooked turkey, and crumbled bacon, heating through for about 5 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as necessary.
- Serve hot, ladling into bowls and topping with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chives or green onions.
Notes
Customize your cheese selection and consider using store-bought rotisserie turkey for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
