Amish Snow Day Soup

 

Amish Snow Day Soup ❄️🥔🥓

Introduction

There’s something magical about a bowl of warm soup on a cold winter’s day — especially the kind that feels like it came straight from an Amish farmhouse kitchen. Amish Snow Day Soup is cozy, creamy, and unbelievably comforting… the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and makes the whole house smell like home.

Thick-cut bacon, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and a velvety cream base come together to create a rustic, old-fashioned soup that tastes like childhood snow days, wool blankets, and slow afternoons by the fire.

One spoonful is all it takes — this is comfort food at its finest. 💛


Ingredient Overview

  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped – Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture.

  • 1 small onion, finely diced – Builds a sweet, aromatic base.

  • 3 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) – Make the soup hearty, creamy, and filling.

  • 2 cups frozen or canned corn, drained – Sweet pops of goodness in every bite.

  • 3 cups chicken broth – The savory backbone of the soup.

  • 1 cup milk – Helps create a silky, velvety broth.

  • 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the soup incredibly rich and luxurious.

  • 3 tbsp flour – Thickens the soup to that perfect chowder-like consistency.

  • 3 tbsp butter – Adds depth and helps form the roux.

  • ½ tsp salt – Balances the flavors.

  • ½ tsp black pepper – For gentle warmth.

  • Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of thyme – Adds cozy, earthy flavor that elevates the soup beautifully.


Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving a bit of the drippings behind for flavor.

Step 2 — Sauté the Onion

Add the finely diced onion to the pot and cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3 — Create a Roux

Add butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in the flour.
Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and smooth — this is what thickens the soup.

Step 4 — Build the Broth

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the diced potatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 12–15 minutes until tender.

Step 5 — Add Corn & Creaminess

Stir in the cornmilk, and heavy cream.
Season with saltpepper, and optional smoked paprika or thyme.
Simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6 — Finish & Serve

Stir half of the cooked bacon into the soup.
Serve hot, topped with the remaining crispy bacon and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Every bowl tastes like a warm winter embrace. ❄️💛


20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without bacon?
Yes — use butter or olive oil and add smoked paprika for flavor.

2. Can I use ham instead of bacon?
Absolutely! Diced ham works beautifully.

3. Can I use fresh corn?
Yes — cut kernels off 2–3 fresh ears.

4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, the soup will just be slightly lighter.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour.

6. Can I use almond milk?
Yes, but the soup will be less creamy.

7. Can I blend the soup?
Blend partially for a thicker, chowder-like texture.

8. Can I add cheese?
Yes — cheddar or Parmesan makes it even richer.

9. Can I add vegetables?
Carrots, celery, and peas all work well.

10. Can I use evaporated milk?
Yes, it creates a lovely creamy base.

11. Can I make this vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.

12. Can I freeze it?
Dairy soups don’t freeze well — best enjoyed fresh.

13. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but crisp it well for texture.

14. Can I add chicken?
Shredded chicken turns this into a full meal.

15. Can I add spices?
Yes — thyme, paprika, or bay leaf are delicious.

16. Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, they hold their shape well.

17. Can I cook this in a crockpot?
Yes — cook potatoes & broth 4 hours on LOW, add cream last 30 min.

18. Can I make it thicker?
Add more flour or mash some potatoes.

19. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — perfect for feeding a crowd.

20. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely — it’s mild, creamy, and comforting.


20 Helpful Tips

1. Cook bacon slowly for maximum crisp.
2. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess.
3. Whisk flour fully to avoid lumps.
4. Add broth gradually.
5. Don’t boil after adding cream — just simmer.
6. Season at the end — bacon adds salt.
7. Add a little butter for extra richness.
8. Let soup rest 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with green onions for freshness.
10. Add paprika for color and depth.
11. Stir often to prevent sticking.
12. Add shredded cheese for a cheesy version.
13. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.
14. Use leftover roasted veggies to bulk it up.
15. Add more cream for ultra-luxury soup.
16. If too thick, add broth to thin.
17. If too thin, simmer uncovered.
18. Add a splash of hot sauce for warmth.
19. Store leftovers in individual portions.
20. Save some bacon for topping — essential!


10 Storage & Reheating Tips

  1. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.

  2. Cool completely before storing.

  3. Store in airtight containers.

  4. Reheat gently over low heat.

  5. Add a splash of milk when reheating.

  6. Avoid boiling — dairy can separate.

  7. Microwave in 30-second intervals.

  8. Stir well to recombine cream.

  9. Add fresh bacon after reheating.

  10. Not recommended for freezing (dairy separates).


20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Add a Parmesan rind while simmering.

  2. Use smoked bacon for depth.

  3. Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance creaminess.

  4. Add roasted garlic instead of raw.

  5. Use heavy cream for the richest texture.

  6. Mash a few potatoes to thicken naturally.

  7. Add chopped chives for brightness.

  8. Use real butter — never margarine.

  9. Simmer low and slow for the best flavor.

  10. Add diced celery for a classic chowder feel.

  11. Top with shredded cheddar for a cheesy upgrade.

  12. Add thyme for an earthy flavor.

  13. Add a dash of cayenne for heat.

  14. Use homemade broth for the deepest flavor.

  15. Salt at the end — bacon varies in saltiness.

  16. Add a splash of white wine before broth for depth.

  17. Serve with oyster crackers for crunch.

  18. Stir in a spoon of sour cream for smoothness.

  19. Let the soup sit 10 minutes before serving.

  20. Always garnish with the reserved crispy bacon — the magic bite!


Final Thoughts

This Amish Snow Day Soup is the very definition of winter comfort — creamy, hearty, and bursting with simple, rustic flavor. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, soul-warming recipe that turns even the coldest day into something cozy and delicious.

Serve it with crusty bread, a sprinkle of bacon, and a warm blanket — you’ve got the perfect snow day meal. ❄️💛