Introduction

This Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly days. Rich, hearty, and loaded with tender potatoes and sharp cheddar, it’s a satisfying meal for the whole family.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 slices bacon, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Fresh chives for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and flour, cooking for 2 minutes to form a roux.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Add the diced potatoes, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve the soup hot, topped with the crispy bacon and fresh chives for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cheese.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian (omit bacon or use vegetarian bacon).
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much when cold, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving. Keep the bacon separate until serving to maintain its crispiness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, you can substitute with Colby, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend depending on your preference.

Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 370 reviews

This Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup is a comforting and rich recipe featuring tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth blend of chicken broth and whole milk. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines the flavors of savory bacon and sharp cheese with the creamy texture of a classic potato soup.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 slices bacon, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Garnish

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, which releases their sweetness and builds the soup’s base flavor.
Create Roux: Stir in the butter and all-purpose flour to the sautéed onions, cooking the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk to the roux to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Melt Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with the crispy bacon pieces and fresh chives for added flavor and texture.

Notes

For a smoother texture, partially mash some of the potatoes in the soup before adding cheese.
You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it suitable for vegetarians if you omit the bacon.
Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
If dairy-free is needed, substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and omit or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Adjust thickness by adding more broth if the soup is too thick or cooking longer if too thin.

Keywords: creamy potato soup, cheesy potato soup, bacon potato soup, comforting soup recipe, cheddar cheese soup