Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat.
  2. Once the butter melts, sauté the chopped onion until it turns translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the flavorful fat.
  2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged.
  3. Add dried thyme and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

  1. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be careful with the hot liquid!
  2. Once smooth, return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk or cream.
  3. Heat gently, but do not let it boil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Toast with Bacon

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or set the broiler to high.
  2. Lightly butter the slices of bread on one side and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Sprinkle each slice with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
  4. Top with crumbled cooked bacon.
  5. Toast in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling (about 5-7 minutes). Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and sliced green onions for color and added flavor.
  2. Serve the soup alongside the cheesy toast with bacon for dipping.

Tips for Success:

  • For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour to the onions before adding the stock to create a roux.
  • Experiment with adding shredded cheese to the soup for an even richer taste.
  • Use different bread varieties for the toast to customize the texture and flavor.

Conclusion
Potato and bacon soup with cheesy toast is a meal that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or just indulging in a bowl of creamy, savory goodness. With the added bonus of cheesy toast topped with bacon, it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food in your household.