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Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

4.5 from 121 reviews

This creamy cheesy potato soup combines tender russet potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a rich, comforting bowl of goodness. Perfectly balanced with sautéed onions and fresh chives, this hearty soup is simple to prepare and ideal for warming up any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

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

Cheese and Garnish

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot—it will add flavor to the soup base.
  2. Sauté Onions and Make Roux: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  3. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk to prevent lumps. Once combined, add the diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chives for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk or add a bit more flour when making the roux.
  • You can substitute vegetarian bacon or omit bacon altogether for a vegetarian version, but adjust to your taste preferences.
  • Russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content and creaminess when cooked.
  • Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color as garnish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Potato Soup, Cheesy Potato Soup, Bacon Potato Soup, Comfort Food, Creamy Soup, Quick Soup Recipe