Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings. This soup brings together the savory taste of bacon with hearty potatoes, resulting in a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will be a hit with family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of bacon, cheese, and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
• Comforting Texture: The creamy consistency provides a satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Saucepan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables evenly over medium heat, ensuring they become tender without burning.
• Saucepan: Perfect for cooking potatoes separately while managing other ingredients simultaneously.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of all ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe:
– 4 Tablespoons butter
– ½ cup baby carrots sliced
– 2 celery stalks sliced
– ½ cup chopped onion
– ½ cup red bell pepper diced
– ½ cup fresh sliced mushrooms
– 3 potatoes peeled and diced small
– 4½ cups chicken broth divided
– ¼ cup flour
– 2 cups half and half cream
– 10 strips of cooked bacon diced and divided
– 1 teaspoon dry mustard
– 1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce
– ½ teaspoon garlic salt (could also use minced garlic)
– 1½ teaspoons salt
– ¼ teaspoon pepper
– 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, melt the butter. Add the carrots, celery, onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until they become tender.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

In another pan, cook the diced potatoes in 1½ cups of chicken broth until they are tender. Drain them afterward.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes with Vegetables

Add the cooked potatoes to the vegetable mixture. Stir in the flour to coat all veggies evenly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Stir in the remaining chicken broth (3 cups) along with half and half. Cook over medium heat while stirring until slightly thickened. Reduce heat before adding in three-fourths cup of bacon bits, dry mustard, hot sauce, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding cheese to avoid curdling.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Top each serving with remaining bacon bits for an extra crunch. Enjoy your warm bowl of Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup!

How to Serve Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

Serving Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is a delightful experience. This creamy soup can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.

Topped with Extras

• Chopped Green Onions: Add freshness by sprinkling chopped green onions on top.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a rich, tangy note.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in edible bread bowls for a fun and interactive meal.

As a Main Course

• Hearty Meal: Enjoy it as a main course paired with a light salad for balance.

With Cheese Croutons

• Cheesy Croutons: Top with cheese croutons for added texture and flavor.

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How to Perfect Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

To ensure your Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup turns out perfectly, consider these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the vegetables to cook until tender; this brings out their natural sweetness.
• Gradually Add Cheese: Introduce cheese slowly while stirring to prevent curdling.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your preference.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness that complements the creamy soup.
2. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots infused with garlic flavor are perfect for sopping up soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer additional nutrients and vibrant colors on your plate.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a hearty accompaniment.
6. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with fresh veggies provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

• Overcooking vegetables: If you cook the vegetables for too long, they can become mushy. Aim for tender but still crisp veggies.
• Not draining potatoes properly: Leaving excess water from boiled potatoes can make your soup watery. Make sure to drain them well before adding to the mix.
• Boiling after adding cheese: Boiling the soup after adding cheese can cause it to curdle. Always reduce heat once the cheese is added and stir gently.
• Using low-quality bacon: Poor-quality bacon can affect the flavor of your soup. Use a good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient’s freshness varies, so taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing it.

Freezing Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

• Freeze in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe.

Can I make this Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.

What types of cheese work best in this soup?

Cheddar is traditional, but you can experiment with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

How can I customize my Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas, or even spices like paprika or thyme for extra flavor.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences. Enjoy this delicious dish on chilly nights or any time you’re craving something warm and hearty!