Potato soup is friendly and familiar—just like that old high-school BFF that visits once a year. The recipe has become a comfortable (and predictable) interpretation of a thick and creamy bowl of pulverized potatoes loaded up with cheese. And yes, I love it as much as you do. But with my Potato and Brussels Soup recipe, I set out to make friends with a potato-based soup with a fresh approach.
Chunks of potato and Brussels sprouts combine in this broth-based soup. (All photos credit: George Graham)
No stick blender-pulverized, creamy, cheesy, chowder-like soup here. Let’s break this recipe down: the smokiness of bacon, the herb-infused notes of thyme and rosemary, a pungent punch of Cajun spice, the freshness of Brussels, and it’s all combined with the comforting familiarity of tender potatoes. What’s not to like?
In this soup, the potatoes remain in chunks and the Brussels take on a unique flavor that compliments the bold ingredients. Be sure to save the petals (leaves) that fall off the sprouts when slicing them. When added back to the soup at the end, the bright green leaves wilt in the hot stock for a distinct finish. And the crispy bacon garnish just seals the deal for me.
Give this Potato and Brussels Soup a try and cozy up to your new best friend.
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
- 4 strips smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 5 cups chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Cut the woody end off the Brussels sprouts and cut lengthwise in half. Reserve the green leaves that fall off the sprouts for later use.
- In a large pot with a heavy lid over medium-high heat, add the bacon and sauté until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and add the Brussels sprouts (do not add the loose leaves), and cook until they are browned, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté just until the onions turn translucent and add the thyme, rosemary, garlic, white pepper, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock and the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the potatoes and the Brussels sprouts are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Add the reserved sprout leaves to the soup and let simmer until the leaves have wilted but are still green, about 15 minutes.
- Season with salt and paper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon pieces.
Comfort in a bowl!
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George – this looks wonderful. I love potato soup and brussels but have never thought of trying them together. Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks Jim!
Looks delicious! Simple, yet very flavorful. A bit too warm here in South Texas maybe I’ll just crank down the a/c.
Hey Shannon – Love your spirit of improvisation. And you’re gonna love this soup; it’ll warm your soul.
I loved this soup! Served it up today and the family loved it. I didn’t have bacon so used a low fat turkey sausage. Will make it again! Thanks:)
Sarah- So glad you enjoyed the recipe. All the best.
Tried this recipe today and I tell you I’m glad I did!! Absolutely delicious!!! Simple, but so flavorful.
Used about 2 tbls of butter to grease the wheels while cooking down the vegs. Never thought of combining these two main ingredients. I’m from South Louisiana and have not heard of this, but it’s good and you’d be a fool to pass on this recipe.
The title looks healthily inviting, and then you find out the hidden killer – bacon – processed, nitrates, cancer causing chemicals. For the taste buds sake, eh?
Hey Rebecca – Moderation is the key. All the best.
I can’t wait to try this recipe!!
Dona
Made this last night to celebrate cooler weather. Just three russets, along with the other ingredients, almost filled my 7.25 qt Dutch oven. Added a Parmesan rind during the simmer, and served with a few shots of Crystal Hot Sauce and sliced green onions. Very good results, and I look forward to the leftovers.
I quartered a few of the bigger Brussels sprouts, and I wish I had done it with more of them. Imagine them on a spoon and trying to eat them in one bite when deciding whether to half or quarter one. And don’t skip the bacon; a small sprinkle added a lot of flavor to bowl.
Chris – Thanks for the insightful comment. Your addition of a Parmesan rind is inspired; I will add that next time. And you are correct: Brussels sprouts come in large and small sizes; I will add your suggestion of halving or quartering them to bite-size portions in my recipe notes. Thanks so much, and I look forward to more great comments to come.