Life gets crazy, right? Between work, family, and just trying to keep up, sometimes the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share these 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss) with you. This recipe, in particular, is my little secret weapon for those nights when you need something warm, delicious, and super easy. Trust me, it uses just a handful of things you probably already have, and it’s become a lifesaver in my kitchen. It all started when I was figuring out how to make healthy meals after my celiac diagnosis. I needed quick wins, and this simple soup was born out of necessity, proving that comfort food doesn’t need a ton of ingredients or complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love These 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Seriously, this soup is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making it over and over:
- Seriously Simple: We’re talking just a handful of ingredients, making grocery runs a breeze and prep time practically non-existent.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal chopping and mostly hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Flavor-Packed: Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! Bacon, potatoes, and cheese make this soup incredibly cozy and satisfying.
- Perfectly Comforting: It’s the ultimate bowl of warmth for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hug in a bowl.
- No Fuss Guaranteed: This recipe truly lives up to its name – it’s all about deliciousness without the stress.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
Alright, let’s get ready to make some magic! You won’t believe how few things you need for this amazing soup. Just grab these from your pantry and fridge:
- 1/2 pound bacon: It’s the crispy, salty heart of our soup!
- 1 (28 ounce) bag potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers: These pre-cut goodies are a total lifesaver, saving you all that chopping.
- 30 ounces chicken broth: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade – it’s the savory base.
- 8 ounces garlic and herb cheese spread: This creamy stuff melts in and makes everything so luscious.
- A pinch of black pepper: Just to give it a little zing!
See? Told you it was simple! These few things come together to make something seriously comforting.
Effortless Steps for Your 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, let’s get this delicious soup going! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed. These steps make this one of my favorite 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss). For more simple ideas, check out these easy 4-ingredient soup recipes.
Browning the Bacon
First things first, get that bacon sizzling! Toss it into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it until it’s nice and browned all over, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Then, lay those crispy strips on some paper towels to drain. Once they’re cool enough to handle, give them a rough chop.
Preparing the Potatoes and Broth
Now, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, toss those amazing O’Brien potatoes into the same skillet (don’t clean it – that bacon fat is flavor gold!). Cook them until they’re lightly browned, maybe 5 minutes. Transfer those beauties to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then dollop that creamy garlic and herb cheese spread right on top. Scatter your chopped bacon all over, cover the slow cooker, and let it do its thing on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until those potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s wonderfully hands-off! If you’re looking for other hearty meals, this gluten-free chicken recipe is also a winner.
Achieving Creamy Texture (Optional Blending)
If you love a creamier soup, here’s your secret! Carefully ladle some of the soup into a high-powered blender. Make sure you don’t fill it more than halfway full. Hold the lid down with a potholder (super important for safety!) and pulse a few times to break it up before leaving it on to blend until it’s smooth and luscious, about 45 seconds.
Final Touches and Serving
Pour that creamy blended soup back into the slow cooker with the rest of the soup. Give it a good stir to combine everything beautifully. Ladle it into bowls, and serve it up hot right away!
Tips for Success with Your 12-Ingredient Soup
Even with only a few ingredients, a little care goes a long way to make this soup extra special. Trust me on this! One of the biggest things is using good quality bacon – it really makes a difference in the flavor. And don’t be tempted to rush the browning of the potatoes; that little bit of crispiness adds so much texture. If you can’t find the ‘potatoes O’Brien’ mix, just use regular diced potatoes and add a little extra onion and bell pepper if you have them. For more quick meal ideas, you might like these easy one-pot low-carb meals!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec, and what to do if you can’t find exactly what we need! The star here is the ‘potatoes O’Brien with onions and peppers’. I love it because it saves SO much chopping time – it’s already diced and has those little bits of onion and pepper in there for extra flavor. If you absolutely can’t find it, no worries! Just grab a bag of regular diced potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 pounds) and add about 1/4 cup of finely diced onion and 1/4 cup of finely diced bell pepper (any color you like!) to the mix when you brown them. For the cheese spread, anything garlicky and herby works wonders. If you’re dairy-free, you might be able to find a dairy-free cream cheese alternative with herbs!
Serving Suggestions for Cozy Comfort
This hearty soup is practically a meal in itself, but who doesn’t love a little something extra? It’s amazing served with some crusty gluten-free bread for dipping. A simple side salad also adds a nice fresh contrast. For packed lunches, check out these gluten-free lunch box ideas that pair perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This recipe is all about making your life easier, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering about. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What kind of cheese spread works best?
I love using a garlic and herb cream cheese spread because it brings so much flavor and creaminess. Any good quality brand with those savory herbs will work wonderfully!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use regular bacon (check labels to be sure!) and your chicken broth is gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free. The potatoes and cheese spread are typically gluten-free too.
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate! Nutritional values can change depending on the specific brands you use for things like bacon and cheese spread. But generally, one serving of this cozy soup comes in around 450-550 calories, with about 25-35g of fat, 15-20g of protein, and 20-30g of carbohydrates. It’s a nice, hearty meal!
Share Your Culinary Creations!
Tried this amazing 12-Ingredient Soup Recipes (No Fuss)? I’d LOVE to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below, give it a star rating if you loved it, or snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your delicious creation! Learn more about my journey 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.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Certified Gluten-Free Culinary Master
Everything changed in 2017 when I received my celiac diagnosis. After ten years as a traditional pastry chef creating elaborate wedding cakes and French pastries, I suddenly couldn’t even taste my own work. It felt like the end of my culinary world.
Instead, it became my greatest challenge. I had to completely relearn baking – understanding how gluten-free flours behave differently, how they bind, how they absorb moisture. Adding the low-carb requirement? That was like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing.
My breakthrough came with what I now call my “foundation flour blend system” – different combinations that seamlessly replace wheat flour while maintaining low-carb macros. These techniques have been adopted by culinary schools and have helped countless bakers who thought their favorite treats were gone forever.
That first successful batch of gluten-free, low-carb chocolate chip cookies? Watching my husband close his eyes and smile told me I’d found my true calling. Now, with over 300 tested recipes, I prove daily that dietary restrictions don’t mean culinary limitations.
When I’m not experimenting in my Austin test kitchen, I’m teaching weekend workshops or tending my herb garden with Biscuit, my rescue beagle who’s become an expert at detecting oven timers.