You know those nights, right? The ones where the wind is howling outside, you’re totally wiped from the day, and the last thing you want to do is spend ages in the kitchen wrestling with a million ingredients? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss). They’re like a warm hug in a bowl, but without all the complicated steps. Seriously, this Easy Bacon and Potato Soup? It’s my literal savior on those days. I remember one time, after a crazy long week, I threw this together in no time, and it just hit the spot perfectly. It’s proof that simple can be *so* incredibly delicious and comforting.
Why You’ll Love These 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Honestly, these kinds of recipes are a lifesaver! You get all the cozy, comforting goodness of a homemade soup without any of the kitchen drama. Here’s why I’m always reaching for a simple soup like this:
- Super Easy: Seriously, minimal steps and hardly any thinking required.
- Quick to Make: Perfect for those weeknights when time is tight.
- Just a Few Ingredients: No need to raid a specialty store – you probably have most of it already!
- Delicious Results: Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you; the flavor is totally there.
Easy Bacon and Potato Soup: Your Go-To 12-Ingredient Soup Recipe (No Fuss)
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! This Easy Bacon and Potato Soup is the absolute champion of my 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) collection. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, made with ingredients you likely already have kicking around. Perfect for a chilly weeknight when you just want something warm and satisfying, or for a lazy Sunday when cooking should be zero effort. It’s creamy, packed with savory bacon, and just feels like a big ol’ hug. You can find even more simple recipes like this over at our recipe category, but seriously, give this one a try – it’ll become your new favorite go-to!
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this bacon and potato soup is how few things you need! We’re keeping it super straightforward, just like I promised. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- Bacon: 1/2 pound. We need that smoky, salty goodness.
- Potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers: 1 (28 ounce) bag. Yep, this magical mix counts as one ingredient and saves SO much chopping! It’s got your potatoes, diced onions, and bell peppers all ready to go.
- Chicken Broth: 30 ounces. Your liquid base that brings everything together.
- Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread: 8 ounces. This is the secret weapon for that super creamy texture and extra flavor without any fuss.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch, to taste.
See? That’s it! Five ingredients that magically transform into something amazing. If you’re looking for even more super simple ideas, check out this list of easy 4-ingredient soups!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your 12-Ingredient Soup Recipe (No Fuss)
Alright, let’s whip up this deliciousness. It’s seriously as easy as it looks!
First things first, let’s get that bacon nice and crispy. Throw the bacon into a big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it until it’s all browned and lovely, about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once it’s done, scoop the bacon out onto some paper towels to drain. When it’s cool enough to handle, give it a rough chop. Those crispy bits are going to be amazing in the soup!
Now, into the same skillet (less washing, yay!) go the potatoes O’Brien. Cook ‘em until they’re just lightly browned and starting to soften, maybe about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer all those tasty potatoes straight into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then plop spoonfuls of that garlic and herb cheese spread right on top. Scatter your chopped bacon over everything. Cover your slow cooker, set it to High, and let it work its magic for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are super tender. That slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here! For other hearty meals, you might like our gluten-free beef stew.
This next step is optional, but it makes the soup extra creamy and luxurious. If you have a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec), carefully ladle *some* of the soup into it – don’t fill it more than halfway! Hold the lid down tight with a potholder (this is super important, trust me, hot soup can fly!) and pulse it a few times before blending on high for about 45 seconds. If you don’t have a fancy blender, don’t sweat it! You can use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker for a minute, or even just mash some of the potatoes with a fork against the side of the slow cooker for a bit of creaminess. You won’t get the exact same silky texture, but it will still be delicious!
Once you’ve blended some of the soup (or mashed the potatoes), pour it all back into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine all those yummy flavors. Pop the lid on for a few minutes to let it heat through, and then serve it up immediately. Enjoy your ridiculously easy and comforting soup!
Tips for Success with Your 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Even with minimal ingredients, a few little tricks can make your soup absolutely shine. For this Bacon and Potato Soup, I’ve learned that the quality of your bacon really makes a difference – pick a good, smoky one! Also, don’t rush the browning of the potatoes in step two. That little bit of caramelization adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get otherwise. Trust me on this one! And if you’re blending, remember that potholder trick – hot soup is no joke! For fun side dishes that are just as easy, have you ever tried my homemade popcorn? It’s another one of those simple joys!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
The magic of this soup really comes from using ingredients that do double duty. That bag of Potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers? It’s a total game-changer because it gives you potatoes, onions, *and* peppers all pre-chopped, saving so much time and counting as just *one* ingredient! If you can’t find that specific mix, you’d need to add diced potatoes, diced onions, and diced bell peppers separately, and that would quickly push you over our 12-ingredient limit, so stick with it if you can!
Now, a word about the garlic and herb cheese spread. It’s the secret to our creamy texture and loads of flavor without needing heavy cream or endless stirring. If you absolutely can’t find it, you could try using a plain cream cheese spread, but I’d suggest stirring in a little garlic powder and maybe some dried Italian herbs to give it a similar kick. And for the chicken broth, vegetable broth works perfectly too if you want a plant-based option, or if that’s what you have on hand. Remember, the goal is simple, delicious soup, so make it work for you! Speaking of simple and delicious, have you tried my quinoa salad? It’s another keeper!
Frequently Asked Questions About 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Got questions about whipping up this cozy soup or diving into the world of 12-ingredient wonders? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You sure can! To make this bacon and potato soup vegetarian, just skip the bacon. You’ll lose that smoky flavor, so I’d suggest adding a pinch of smoked paprika or even a dash of Liquid Smoke to the slow cooker in step 2 for a hint of that depth. And of course, make sure your cheese spread and broth are vegetarian-friendly!
What other easy soup ideas with few ingredients do you love?
Oh, loads! If you love this simple kind of cooking, you’ll adore a quick tomato soup (just canned tomatoes, broth, and a touch of cream or cheese), or a simple lentil soup with just lentils, broth, and some basic spices. For something totally different, check out my smoothie bowl recipe – it’s minimal effort and uses just a few key ingredients for a healthy start!
How do I store leftovers of this bacon and potato soup?
Good news! This soup keeps wonderfully. Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. It might thicken up a bit, so you can always add a splash more broth or milk when you reheat it.
Is it really okay to use pre-made ingredients like Potatoes O’Brien?
Absolutely! That’s the whole point of 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)! Using things like pre-cut veggies or spreads saves you time and keeps the ingredient count low. Just make sure you’re happy with the quality of whatever pre-made items you choose. It’s all about making cooking easy and accessible!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind these are just estimates, as things can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use. But, for one serving of this delicious Bacon and Potato Soup, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Fat: About 25-30g
- Protein: Roughly 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
It’s a satisfying bowl, for sure!
Share Your Cozy Comfort Food Creations
I really hope you try this super simple, super delicious Easy Bacon and Potato Soup! It’s one of my absolute favorites for when I need a little comfort without a lot of fuss. Did you make it? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your cozy comfort food creations! If you have any questions or want to reach out, feel free to use the contact form.
Easy Bacon and Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels; chop roughly when cool enough to handle.
- Working in batches, pour potatoes into the same skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove potatoes to a slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth. Dollop cheese spread on top; scatter bacon on top. Cover slow cooker and cook on High until potatoes are very tender, 3 to 4 hours.
- If desired, ladle some of the soup, no more than halfway full, into a high-powered blender. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend, about 45 seconds.
- Pour soup back into slow cooker. Stir to combine; serve immediately.
