There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s a dish that brings the whole family together. Enter my Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup with Smoky Bacon—a recipe that transformed my weeknight dinner routine. One evening, after a chaotic day filled with endless “What’s for dinner?” questions, I decided to whip up this creamy delight. As soon as the bacon began to sizzle, it was as if the aroma spoke to everyone in the house, drawing them closer to the kitchen.
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, featuring tender potato chunks lovingly mixed with the richness of cream and the magical hint of smoky bacon. Best part? It caters to even the pickiest of eaters, making it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike. In just over an hour, you can serve up a comforting meal that delights everyone at the table, leaving fast food cravings in the dust. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe!
Why is Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup a Family Favorite?
Comforting Texture: The creamy consistency combined with tender potato chunks makes every spoonful feel like a warm embrace.
Kid-Approved Flavor: The smoky bacon adds a delicious touch that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist!
Quick Prep: Ready in just over an hour, this soup fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your favorite herbs or substitute bacon for turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls, and watch it disappear at the dinner table. For more delightful comfort food ideas, check out our section on family-friendly recipes.
Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup Ingredients
• Perfect for a cozy night in!
For the Soup Base
- Bacon – Provides a smoky flavor and serves as the base fat for sautéing. Use a consistent brand like Oscar Mayer for best results.
- Celery – Adds depth and fragrance; dice finely for smoother incorporation into the soup.
- Onion – Melts into the soup to enrich flavor; finely diced helps to avoid large chunks.
- Garlic – Enhances overall taste with aromatic qualities; mince to distribute flavor evenly.
- Potatoes – The backbone of the soup; use Russet for creaminess or Yukon Gold for a waxy texture. Always peel and cut into even 1/2-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Chicken Stock – A flavorful base; Swanson brand is recommended for balanced saltiness.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste as the flavor develops.
For the Creamy Mixture
- Butter – Provides richness in the cream thickener; Kerrygold is preferred for its color and flavor.
- Flour – Creates a roux for thickening the soup.
- Cream – Adds luxury and creaminess; best added slowly to prevent separation.
- Tarragon – Contributes a subtle sweetness preferred by children.
- Cilantro – Fresh herb to brighten the soup; adjust according to preference.
- Nutmeg – Adds warm, aromatic flavor; use sparingly to enhance without overpowering.
Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, get ready to create a delightful dish that brings smiles to the table!
How to Make Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy and the fat has rendered. Remove the bacon but keep about 1/4 cup of the fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the finely diced celery and onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic and delicious.
- Incorporate Potatoes: Toss in the cubed potatoes, coating them well in the mix for 2-3 minutes. This helps with slight softening before adding liquids.
- Simmer with Stock: Return the crispy bacon to the pot and pour in enough chicken stock to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: While your potatoes simmer, melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes, then gradually add cream while whisking until thickened.
- Season Cream: Add tarragon, cilantro, and a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture, blending the flavors together well.
- Blend for Creaminess: Pour the cream mixture into the pot with potatoes, then blend half of the soup with an immersion blender to achieve a creamy texture, leaving some potato chunks for heartiness.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before ladling the soup into bowls and serving it hot.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup Variations
Invite your creativity into the kitchen with these delicious spins on our favorite potato soup. Make it yours with these fun variations!
- Turkey Bacon: Swap out traditional bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter twist while keeping that smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon entirely and replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a heart-healthy option that’s just as comforting.
- Herb Swaps: Substitute tarragon and cilantro with fresh dill or parsley for a completely different herbaceous layer that kids might love!
- Cream Alternatives: For a lower-calorie option, try using half-and-half or almond milk instead of heavy cream, maintaining creaminess with a lighter touch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for some heat, perfect for those who like their dishes with a bit of zing!
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy version that will please even the pickiest cheese lovers.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some carrots or peas during the simmering stage for an extra dose of color and nutrients, making the soup even more kid-friendly.
- Loaded Style: Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded potato soup experience that’s truly indulgent!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables (celery, onion, and potatoes) and refrigerate them up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and store it separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours to keep it crispy. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply sauté the prepped veggies in the bacon fat, add the stock and cooked bacon, and follow the blending steps as per the recipe. By prepping ahead, you’ll ensure that your soup is just as delicious, providing you with a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort when the time comes to serve!
Expert Tips for Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup
- Consistent Potato Sizes: Ensure all potato cubes are about 1-inch for uniform cooking, avoiding any crunchy pieces that may remain.
- Add Cream Last: Introduce the cream only after the potatoes are soft to prevent a grainy texture, ensuring a silky finish.
- Blend Carefully: When using an immersion blender, allow steam to escape from the pot to prevent hot splatters. Don’t overfill the blender!
- Adjust Seasoning Late: Taste and season with salt and pepper at the end, as ingredients like bacon and chicken stock can already bring saltiness to the soup.
- Bacon Alternatives: For a healthier option, substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon, which still provides that smoky essence without the grease.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup
- Fridge: Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Omit some cream before freezing to prevent separation during thawing.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.
- Room Temperature: If serving soon, keep the soup out for no more than 2 hours to ensure it remains safe and delicious.
What to Serve with Creamy Kid-Friendly Potato Soup with Smoky Bacon?
Enhance your family meal with delightful side dishes that complement this creamy soup and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Warm Dinner Rolls:
Soft and fluffy rolls perfect for dipping, they soak up the soup’s creaminess and add a cozy touch to dinner.Simple Side Salad:
A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the soup, refreshing every bite.Roasted Vegetables:
Caramelized carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers bring a rainbow of textures and flavors, creating a wholesome, colorful plate alongside your soup.Cheesy Garlic Bread:
The gooey cheese and garlic butter pair beautifully, offering a savory crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup’s smoothness.Apple Slices with Peanut Butter:
This sweet and nutty snack provides a lovely crunchy contrast to the soup and is delightful for the kids, making it a hit at the table.Fresh Fruit Salad:
A mix of seasonal fruits adds a bright, refreshing element that lightens the meal and is loved by both children and adults.Chocolaty Dessert:
End the meal with a comforting brownie or chocolate chip cookie for a sweet finish, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these flavors with your Easy Kid-Friendly Potato Soup!
Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for the soup?
Absolutely! For the creamiest texture, I recommend using Russet potatoes. If you prefer a waxy texture that holds its shape, Yukon Gold is also an excellent choice. Make sure to peel and cut them into even 1/2-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
How do I store leftover potato soup?
You can easily store your leftover Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh and delicious.
Can I freeze the potato soup?
Very! To freeze your soup, ladle it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and omit some cream to prevent separation when thawing. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove or microwave after thawing overnight in the fridge.
How can I adjust the thickness of the potato soup?
If you’re finding your soup a bit too thick after blending, you can easily thin it out by adding a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating it. Just stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency!
Is this potato soup suitable for kids with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! You can customize the recipe to meet dietary needs. Opt for turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon for a healthier alternative, or simply omit it for a vegetarian version. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock makes it vegetarian-friendly. Always check for potential allergens in specific brands of ingredients you choose.
What should I do if my soup tastes too salty?
If you find that your Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup is a bit too salty, don’t fret! Add a small peeled potato to the soup during the reheating process—it will absorb excess salt. Another trick is to incorporate a splash of cream to balance out the saltiness or add a bit more broth to dilute the flavor, adjusting as necessary.
Creamy Easy Kid Friendly Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy and the fat has rendered. Remove the bacon but keep about 1/4 cup of the fat in the pot for flavor.
- Add the finely diced celery and onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.
- Toss in the cubed potatoes, coating them well for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot and pour in enough chicken stock to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes simmer, melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add cream while whisking until thickened.
- Add tarragon, cilantro, and a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture, blending well.
- Pour the cream mixture into the pot and blend half of the soup with an immersion blender to achieve creaminess, leaving some potato chunks.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before ladling the soup into bowls and serving hot.