On one of those super chilly afternoons, you know the kind, when your stomach is rumbling and you glance into the fridge only to find… not much? Yeah, been there! That was me, staring down a culinary void, but with a rumbling tummy and a bunch of hungry mouths to feed. That’s exactly how my passion for these 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) really kicked off. I just wanted something warm, comforting, and *fast*. The joy on everyone’s faces when they tasted that first spoonful of my super simple, 12-ingredient creation? Pure magic! It reminded me that a truly nourishing bowl of soup doesn’t need to be complicated. So, if you’re anything like me, always on the hunt for delicious meals that don’t demand hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place!
Why You’ll Love These 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, let me tell you why this recipe is an absolute lifesaver for when you need something delicious *yesterday*. Seriously, it’s going to become your go-to!
- Super Speedy: We’re talking about getting a hug in a bowl ready in just about an hour total. Perfect for those weeknights when you just can’t even.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need 12 main ingredients, which means less shopping and less fuss. Trust me, with this recipe, fewer ingredients absolutely do not mean less taste!
- Effortless Preparation: Most of the magic happens in the slow cooker, which means you can practically set it and forget it. No need for constant stirring or hovering over the stove!
- Pure Comfort Food: This soup is like a warm blanket on a chilly day. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the cozy meal dreams are made of.
- Family-Approved: I’ve made this for picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike, and it’s always a huge hit. It’s that good!
- Flexible and Fun: While the core recipe is simple, you can totally play around with it. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! It’s forgiving and adaptable.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Easy Soup
Okay, gather ’round, because this is where the magic starts! For this super cozy 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss), you won’t need a fancy grocery run. Most of these goodies are probably already hiding in your kitchen or pantry. Let’s get them all lined up:
For the Soup:
- 1/2 pound bacon: Get yourself some good quality bacon. We’ll chop it up later.
- 1 (28 ounce) bag potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers: This is the shortcut star! It already has your potatoes, onions, and peppers ready to go. So easy!
- 30 ounces chicken broth: Use your favorite kind. Low-sodium is great if you want to control the saltiness.
- 8 ounces garlic and herb cheese spread: This makes the soup wonderfully creamy and adds a delicious flavor boost.
- 1 pinch black pepper: Just a little something to wake up the flavors.
That’s it! See? Simple and straightforward. You can always add an extra veggie or two if you’re feeling adventurous, but these core items give you a fantastic, fuss-free soup every single time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, let’s get this cozy soup cooking! Honestly, the steps are so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made a soup like this before. It’s truly a breeze, and before you know it, you’ll be diving into a bowl of pure comfort. Here’s how we do it:
- Crisp Up That Bacon: First things first, get your bacon into a large skillet. Cook it over medium-high heat, giving it a little turn now and then until it’s all golden and crispy. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once it’s perfect, lay those bacon slices on some paper towels to drain. Wait until they’re cool enough to handle, then give them a rough chop. This is going to add such a yummy smoky flavor!
- Prep Those Potatoes: Now, you’ll use that same skillet (less cleanup, yay!) to cook your Potatoes O’Brien. Work in batches if you need to, just to make sure they get nice and lightly browned. This step adds a little something extra to the texture. Around 5 minutes should do it. Once they’re looking good, carefully scoop them into your slow cooker.
- Bring It All Together in the Slow Cooker: Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to High and let it cook for about 3 to 4 hours. You want those potatoes to be super tender. This is the ‘set it and forget it’ part that makes these 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) so amazing.
- Make it Creamy (Optional But Recommended!): If you like your soup a little thicker and creamier, this is your chance! Carefully ladle about halfway of the soup into a high-powered blender. Make sure the lid is on tight and hold it down with a potholder – trust me on this one, hot soup can be feisty! Pulse it a few times, then let it blend until it’s smooth, about 45 seconds. Pour the blended soup back into the slow cooker.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give everything one last gentle stir to combine all those lovely flavors. You can find more simple soup recipes here, and check out these other easy soup ideas here. Ladle your delicious soup into bowls, maybe add a sprinkle of extra chopped bacon on top if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in!
Tips for the Best 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
You know, making a fantastic soup doesn’t have to be complicated! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate these simple dishes. For our 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss), a few little things make a big difference. First off, don’t skimp on the bacon quality – it really adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Also, browning those O’Brien potatoes? It might seem like an extra step, but it gives them such a great texture and a subtle nutty flavor that makes the soup feel way more gourmet.
And that blending step? Don’t skip it if you want that super creamy, dreamy texture! It totally transforms the soup. If you’re feeling extra, a little sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness. For more of my tried-and-true tips and favorite recipes, you can always check out my author page!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes those specific ingredients can throw you for a loop, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let’s break down a couple of things and talk about easy swaps.
Potatoes O’Brien Shortcut
Those Potatoes O’Brien bags with the onions and peppers? They’re totally my secret weapon for making this soup so quick! If you can’t find them, no biggie. Just grab about 4 cups of diced potatoes (russets or Yukon Golds work great), a finely chopped medium onion, and about 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper. You’ll just sauté them all together in the skillet for a bit longer until they’re softened before tossing them into the slow cooker. Easy peasy!
Cheese Spread Choices
The garlic and herb cheese spread is what makes this soup so wonderfully creamy and flavorful without needing tons of extra steps. If you’re not a fan or can’t find it, a block of cream cheese (8 ounces, softened) with a tablespoon of dried Italian herbs and a teaspoon of garlic powder mixed in is a fantastic substitute. You could even try a good quality, plain cream cheese and just add some extra seasonings to the soup later.
Broth Boosters
Chicken broth is key here for that savory base. If you don’t have any on hand, vegetable broth works perfectly well too, especially if you want to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly (just skip the bacon!). You could even use turkey broth if that’s what you have. Just aim for about 30 ounces total.
Serving and Storage
This comforting soup is just perfect on its own, but if you want to make it a meal, it pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a simple side salad. Check out some fun side dish ideas to go with it! Leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the soup into an airtight container and it’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just scoop it back into a pot on the stove over low heat, or even pop a bowl in the microwave. Give it a stir halfway through, and it’ll be just as delicious as the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Got a question buzzing around your head about this super simple soup? I totally get it! Let’s clear a few things up and make sure you feel super confident in whipping up this cozy bowl of goodness.
Can I really make this 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) in under an hour?
Absolutely! While the slow cooker does its thing for a few hours, the actual hands-on prep time is incredibly quick – like, 15 minutes tops! Crucially, if you’re short on time and want a warm, quick soup, this is your recipe. You can even speed up the blending step or skip it if you’re *really* in a pinch, though it does give it that amazing creamy texture.
Is this soup considered healthy?
This recipe is designed for comfort and ease, but it’s also pretty wholesome! We’re using potatoes, broth, and veggies from the Potatoes O’Brien mix. The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, and the cheese spread makes it wonderfully creamy. You can definitely call it a healthy comfort food! If you’re looking for even lighter options, you could always reduce the cheese spread or use turkey bacon. It’s a flexible recipe for a cozy meal!
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I still make this easy soup?
Oh, for sure! No slow cooker? No problem! You can totally make this on the stovetop. Just brown the bacon and potatoes O’Brien in a large pot, then add the broth and cheese. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon after blending (if you choose to blend!). It’s still a super quick soup without the slow cooker!
How can I make this a soup with very limited ingredients even more interesting?
That’s the beauty of these 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) – while they’re simple, they’re also a fantastic base! If you want to jazz it up a bit, try adding some shredded rotisserie chicken towards the end, or stir in some frozen corn or peas. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick, or a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving makes it extra decadent. You can find tons of soup recipe ideas to get inspired!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Just a heads-up, these are estimates, okay? What you get can tweak a bit depending on the brands you use and if you add anything extra. But generally, a serving of this comforting soup clocks in around 450-550 calories, with about 30-40g of fat, 15-20g of protein, and roughly 25-35g of carbs. For more ideas on calorie-smart recipes, I’ve got you covered!
Share Your Cozy Comfort Food Creation!
I absolutely love hearing from you all! Have you tried making this super simple soup? Did it become your new favorite? Please, PLEASE share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you whipped up a batch and snapped some pics, tag me on social media – I live for seeing your delicious creations! You can learn more about my kitchen adventures here.
12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
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.
