Baked A'Tato Soup

This is one of the husband's all time FAVORITE meals.  He and the kiddo could eat their weight in this soup- it's SO good.  And here's a fun fact for you, we call it "Baked A'Tato Soup" because this is how the kiddo says it.  It's not potato, it's a'tato and it's adorable.

Alright- back to the soup.

Baked A'Tato Soup

3 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 medium onion, diced
2-3 carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 teaspoons salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 medium/large russet potatoes
3 large red or yukon potatoes
heavy cream, optional

Step 1:

Warm oil and butter in a thick bottom large stock pot and cook your bacon.  When bacon is done, remove and let it drain on a paper towel.  Set aside and save for later.

Step 2:

In the same oil/butter, cook the carrots, celery and onion.  Season with salt and pepper.  When veggies are cooked, add in the flour until it thickens.

Slowly add in chicken broth and milk.

Step 3:

Peel and large chop your potatoes and add to the pot.  These do not need to be a perfect chop.  Tip- reserve about 1/2 cup of smaller diced potatoes to add in during the final 10 minutes.

Cook on low boil for approximately 30-60 minutes.  The longer, the better.

Step 4:

Get out your immersion blender and blend baby, blend!

When blended, add in the reserved potatoes.  If your soup is too thick, add in a bit more milk.  However you do want a thicker consistency so don't add in too much additional milk!  Cook another 10 minutes or until the remaining potatoes are done.

Drizzle in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end if so desired.  It's good with it but just as good without.

Serve with your reserved bacon and top with sour cream and onion.  SO good!



A word of wisdom from someone who could literally make this soup in her sleep- it's all about the bacon.  Seriously, with most dishes I will tell you that you can leave out the bacon, but for this soup, you simply MUST have bacon and you MUST cook it in the oil and butter mixture.  Because then you cook your veggies in that bacon infused goodness and that's what gives this soup such amazing flavor.  So whatever you do- do NOT skip step #1.  For the love of God, do not.