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Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

4.7 from 93 reviews

This creamy cheesy potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this soup combines rich flavors and smooth textures. It’s an easy stovetop recipe that delivers a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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 and Garnish

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pot. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Create Roux: Add the butter and all-purpose flour to the onions. Stir continuously and cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
  4. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Incorporate Cheese & Season: Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and chopped fresh chives for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot after cooking.
  • Use low-fat milk as a lighter alternative, but whole milk gives a richer flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit bacon, or use a smoky vegetarian bacon alternative.
  • To make the soup gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: potato soup, cheesy potato soup, creamy soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade soup