Description

A rich, creamy, and smoky campfire potato soup that turns humble root vegetables into a restaurant-quality meal using simple ingredients and open-fire cooking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680g), peeled or unpeeled and cubed
8 slices thick-cut bacon (200g)
4 cups chicken broth (960ml), low-sodium
½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
4 stalks green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Sour cream, cooked chicken, jalapeños

Instructions

Prep ingredients: Chop potatoes into ½-inch cubes, dice onion, and mince garlic. Cook bacon until crispy, drain fat (reserve it), and chop bacon into bits.
Build the base: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat, add reserved bacon fat or butter. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and thyme, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add potatoes and liquid: Stir in cubed potatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer: Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Mash and season: Mash about one-third of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Finish and serve: Stir in half the cheddar cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Use Russet potatoes for the best creamy texture as they break down naturally. Control heat by using coals rather than open flames to prevent burning. Remove pot from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. This soup does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 4
Protein: 18

Keywords: campfire soup, baked potato soup, outdoor cooking, one-pot meal, comfort food, camping dinner, russet potato soup