There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to get you through the colder months, and this Turkey Bacon Potato Soup is the perfect choice for comfort food with a healthy twist. By swapping traditional pork bacon for turkey bacon, you still get all the smoky, savory flavors but with less fat and fewer calories. This creamy, flavorful soup is rich enough to be satisfying, but not so heavy that it weighs you down. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or an inviting lunch, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone.

Why This Soup Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Turkey Bacon Potato Soup apart from other potato soups is the thoughtful combination of ingredients and textures. The use of turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative while still providing that smoky depth of flavor that bacon lovers crave. The russet potatoes are ideal for soups because they break down and blend beautifully, creating a smooth yet hearty texture. Blending half the soup ensures a creamy consistency, while leaving some potato chunks gives it just the right amount of bite.

The inclusion of both whole milk and heavy cream elevates the soup’s richness without making it overly heavy. For those looking for lighter options, you can easily substitute half-and-half or even non-dairy milk for a more tailored experience. Another standout feature is the option to use chicken broth for a meatier base, or vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly, offering flexibility to suit different dietary needs. The addition of smoked paprika and thyme introduces subtle warmth and earthiness, giving the soup a well-rounded, robust flavor profile.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient in Turkey Bacon Potato Soup has been carefully selected to balance flavor, texture, and nutrition, contributing to its comforting appeal.

Turkey Bacon: Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, offering a rich smoky flavor with significantly less fat and calories. It crisps up beautifully, adding texture to the soup, while infusing the broth with a subtle smokiness that complements the creaminess of the dish. Turkey bacon also has lower cholesterol content, making it a better option for heart-conscious eaters.
Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the perfect choice for this soup because of their starchy texture. As they cook, they soften and break down, creating a creamy consistency when blended. Their ability to hold their shape while still becoming tender makes them ideal for soups that require both smoothness and some bite from larger chunks.
Broth Choices (Chicken vs. Vegetable): The choice between chicken and vegetable broth can significantly alter the flavor of the soup. Chicken broth adds a savory, meatier depth that complements the turkey bacon, while vegetable broth provides a lighter, more neutral base, making it ideal for those wanting a vegetarian-friendly option. Both broths work well, depending on dietary preferences.
Smoked Paprika & Thyme: These two spices are the backbone of the soup’s seasoning. Smoked paprika imparts a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the turkey bacon’s flavor, while thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cream and potatoes. Together, they create a well-rounded flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Milk and Heavy Cream: The combination of whole milk and heavy cream gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture. The milk lightens the soup slightly, while the cream adds a rich, thick consistency. For those looking to reduce calories or fat, half-and-half or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk can be used, though these will slightly alter the soup’s texture and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Adding cheddar cheese provides extra depth and a rich, tangy flavor. As it melts into the soup, it enhances the creamy texture, creating an indulgent, cheesy finish. This ingredient is optional but recommended for those who enjoy a richer, more decadent soup.

Health Benefits of Using Turkey Bacon

Turkey bacon is a leaner option than pork bacon, with fewer calories and significantly less fat. A typical serving of pork bacon can contain over 40% fat, whereas turkey bacon has around 25% or less. This reduction in fat makes it a healthier option for those watching their cholesterol or caloric intake. Despite being lower in fat, turkey bacon still provides a robust, savory taste that enhances dishes without overwhelming them. Its smokiness complements creamy dishes like this soup by adding complexity without contributing excess grease or heaviness.

Additionally, turkey bacon’s versatility allows it to shine in a variety of dishes, from breakfast scrambles to soups like this one, providing a satisfying alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Cooking the Turkey Bacon

To start, heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and browned. If the turkey bacon is particularly lean and doesn’t release enough fat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to ensure it crisps properly. Crispy turkey bacon not only adds texture to the final dish but also infuses the soup with its signature smoky flavor. Once the bacon is done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set it aside for later.

2️⃣ Sautéing the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, using the turkey bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let them brown too much. After the onions have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. The onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the soup, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor. This step is crucial to ensure the soup has a rich and well-rounded taste.

3️⃣ Cooking the Potatoes with Seasonings

Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot, along with the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking the potatoes in seasoned broth allows them to absorb flavor while they soften, creating a well-seasoned base. The smoked paprika and thyme add subtle warmth and earthiness, which complement the creamy texture of the soup.

4️⃣ Blending the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to blend the soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend about half of the soup in the pot. This will create a creamy base while still leaving chunks of potato for added texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half of the soup to a traditional blender and puree it, then return it to the pot. Be sure to blend slowly and allow steam to escape if using a traditional blender to avoid any accidents. The goal is to thicken the soup without completely pureeing it, so you get the best of both creamy and chunky textures.

5️⃣ Adding Milk and Cream

After blending, stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, incorporating them fully into the soup. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors together. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or a milk alternative such as almond or oat milk. These alternatives will slightly change the texture, but they can provide a lighter version of the soup while still maintaining creaminess.

6️⃣ Stirring in Bacon and Cheese

Once the soup has thickened, stir in half of the cooked turkey bacon and, if desired, the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted completely into the soup, adding extra creaminess and a slight tang. The melted cheddar enriches the soup, making it feel even more indulgent. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish each serving with the remaining crispy turkey bacon, along with fresh parsley, green onions, or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful dish while it’s hot!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Turkey Bacon Potato Soup, garnishing can elevate both the presentation and the flavor. Sprinkle fresh green onions or chopped chives on top for a bright, zesty finish, or add a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra indulgence, top each bowl with some of the reserved crispy turkey bacon, adding crunch and a smoky bite to each spoonful. Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, such as a warm baguette or sourdough, to soak up the creamy broth, or serve it alongside a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the soup.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture and prevent it from scorching. If the soup thickens too much during storage, you can add a little extra broth or milk to loosen it. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave—just heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating without separating the cream.

Variations of Turkey Bacon Potato Soup

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To retain that savory, smoky flavor that bacon usually provides, increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a small dash of liquid smoke. These ingredients mimic the depth and smokiness of bacon without using meat. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to enhance the texture and flavor, making the soup more filling and satisfying for vegetarian eaters.

Lighter Version

To make a lighter version of Turkey Bacon Potato Soup, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, which will reduce the richness and calorie content while still providing a creamy consistency. If you’re aiming for an even lighter option, use whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond or oat milk. You can also skip the cheddar cheese, cutting back on fat while still enjoying a creamy, comforting bowl of soup.

Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Boost the flavor and texture of the soup by adding ingredients like sweet corn for a touch of sweetness, or shredded cooked chicken for added protein. You could also incorporate additional vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or spinach to add more nutrients and color to the soup. These add-ins give the soup more complexity and make it even heartier without overpowering its creamy base.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular pork bacon for turkey bacon. Keep in mind that pork bacon is higher in fat and will produce more drippings, which can add richness to the soup. Be sure to drain some of the excess fat if needed, as it may make the soup heavier.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, replace the whole milk and heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a creamy variety to maintain the soup’s texture. Also, skip the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute regular paprika, though it won’t provide the same smoky flavor. Alternatively, add a dash of liquid smoke or use a small amount of chipotle powder to replicate the smokiness.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.

How do I make this soup thicker or thinner?

To make the soup thicker, you can blend more of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) to the soup and simmer until thickened. To thin the soup, simply add more broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.