33 Heavenly Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon Magic

Name: 33 Heavenly Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced; 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Author: lia

Published: August 29, 2025

Updated: August 30, 2025

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There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy potato leek soup with crispy bacon to chase away the chill on a dreary day. This recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years – ever since my college roommate taught me how to make it during our first snowy winter together. The way the silky smooth potato base pairs with those salty bacon bits? Absolute magic. I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and every single time, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll understand why it’s become my signature dish for cozy nights in.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon - detail 1

This soup isn’t just delicious – it’s downright addictive! Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

Creamy dreamy texture: The potatoes blend into this velvety smooth base that coats your spoon perfectly
Flavor bomb: Leeks add that subtle onion-y sweetness while the bacon gives that salty, smoky punch
Comfort in a bowl: It’s the kind of meal that makes you sigh happily after the first bite
Easy elegance: Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights
That bacon crunch: Because let’s be real – everything’s better with crispy bacon on top!

Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes – satisfying, flavorful, and ridiculously comforting.

Ingredients for Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this soul-warming soup. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect creamy base with crispy bacon topping:

4 large Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced about 1-inch thick – trust me, these make the creamiest texture)
2 leeks (cleaned well and sliced – use just the white and light green parts)
4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped – the thicker slices give better crunch)
2 cups good-quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer)
1 cup heavy cream (yes, it’s indulgent, but so worth it)
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted works best so you can control the salt)
1 small yellow onion (finely chopped – about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic (minced – more if you’re a garlic lover like me)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste – I’m generous with both)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for that pop of color at the end)

Pro tip: Have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking – this soup comes together fast once you begin!

How to Make Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Making this soup is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy bowl of comfort in no time. I promise the smell alone will have everyone in your house hovering around the kitchen.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

First things first – let’s get that bacon crispy! Grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and toss in the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Don’t rush this step – that crunch is worth the wait! Scoop out the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. We’ll use these golden nuggets for topping later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, in that glorious bacon fat (yes, we’re keeping it – flavor town!), melt your butter. Toss in the onions and leeks, stirring occasionally until they get nice and soft – about 5 minutes. When they start smelling amazing, add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more. Careful not to burn the garlic! This aromatic base is what gives the soup its incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Time for the potatoes! Dump them in along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they mash easily against the side of the pot. I usually test a few pieces because nobody likes undercooked potatoes in their soup!

Step 4: Blend and Finish

Now for the magic! Grab your immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a stand blender in batches) and puree until silky smooth. Stir in the heavy cream – watch how it transforms into that dreamy pale color! Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust – I always add a pinch more pepper at this stage. Serve piping hot with that crispy bacon and fresh parsley on top. Oh, and maybe an extra sprinkle of bacon – I won’t tell!

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Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

After making this soup countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh my goodness!” levels:

Potato choice matters: Yukon Golds give the creamiest texture, but russets work in a pinch – just blend extra smooth
Clean leeks thoroughly: They trap dirt between layers! Slice first, then soak in water and lift out to leave grit behind
Bacon secret: Bake extra slices while cooking – you’ll want more for snacking (and extra soup toppings!)
Cream alternatives: Half-and-half works for lighter versions, but for truly luscious texture, don’t skip the heavy cream
Flavor boost: Stir in a splash of white wine when sautéing leeks for extra depth

One more thing – always make extra bacon. Because inevitably, someone (maybe me) will sneak pieces straight from the cooling rack!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

This soup shines all on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a complete meal. My absolute must-have? A crusty baguette for dipping – that golden crunch against the creamy soup is heavenly. For lighter options, try a crisp green apple and walnut salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. On chilly nights, I love pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches – the ultimate comfort food duo!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge (if it lasts that long!). Store leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow: warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Never let it boil – that’s how you lose that silky texture we worked so hard for!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these nutritional estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. While I love indulging in this creamy delight, I always remind friends it’s comfort food at its finest – meant to be enjoyed in moderation alongside a balanced diet. The exact calories and macros will depend on how generous you are with that bacon topping (no judgment here!).

FAQs About Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Bacon

Got questions about this soul-warming soup? I’ve got answers from all my years of perfecting this recipe!

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the texture won’t be as luxuriously creamy. If you must substitute, use whole milk and add an extra potato to thicken it. But between us? That silky richness from heavy cream is what makes this soup truly special.

What’s the best way to clean leeks?

Leeks love hiding dirt! After slicing, toss them in a bowl of cold water and swish around. Let sit a minute – the grit will sink to the bottom. Scoop out the clean leeks with a slotted spoon. Easy peasy!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon (sob) and use vegetable broth. For that smoky flavor, try sautéing mushrooms with smoked paprika in olive oil. It’s not quite bacon, but it’s delicious in its own way.

How do I fix soup that’s too thick?

Easy fix! Just whisk in more broth or water a little at a time until it reaches your perfect consistency. I always keep extra broth on hand for this exact reason.

Now that you’ve got all my secrets for the creamiest potato leek soup with that irresistible bacon crunch, it’s your turn to make some magic! I can’t wait for you to experience that first heavenly spoonful – the way the velvety soup and crispy bacon play off each other is pure comfort food perfection. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your masterpiece (that bacon topping makes it Instagram-worthy every time) and tag me so I can see your creation. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this soup never disappoints. Happy cooking – may your bowls always be warm and your bacon extra crispy!