1-How to Prepare the Perfect Bacon Potato Soup: Ready to dive into making bacon potato soup? Start by getting your ingredients lined up for smooth sailing. Dice those potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch cubes, chop the onion and garlic, and cut the bacon into pieces. This prep takes about 10-15 minutes and sets you up for success.

2-Render the Bacon: Cook the bacon pieces in a large pot over medium heat until they’re crisp and browned, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside, but keep some fat in the pot for flavor. If you’re going lighter, you could use mushrooms instead for a similar savory kick.

3-Sauté the Aromatics: Add the butter and chopped onion to the pot, cooking until the onions soften, around 3-5 minutes. Toss in the garlic next and cook for just 30 seconds until it smells amazing. This step builds a solid base for your bacon potato soup.

4-Thicken and Add Potatoes: Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it’s smooth, then add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Bring it to a boil and let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on it so the milk doesn’t burn.

5-Puree for Creaminess: Once tender, take about half the soup and blend it until smooth, then mix it back in. Stir in the sour cream and reserved bacon, and simmer for 15 more minutes. For tips on getting that perfect texture, try pairing it with simple sides like a fresh berry crisp for a complete meal.

Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings. If you want to tweak the recipe, like making it dairy-free, add those changes in the final simmer.