The Creamy Potato Soup brings everything you love about cozy comfort food into one bowl. With tender Yukon gold potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a swirl of tangy sour cream, this soup is a dreamy, warming meal perfect for any evening. The slight blending keeps just enough texture for each bite to feel rustic and satisfying.
It’s not just a winter favorite it’s the kind of dish that makes you pause and savor. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting dinner or prepping ahead for the week, this soup brings a home-cooked charm to your table. Top it with extra cheese, scallions, and bacon bits, and watch it disappear faster than you made it.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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1 small yellow onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 cups whole milk
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2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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2 green onions, sliced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
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In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
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Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps, followed by the milk.
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Add diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
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Use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend half of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
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Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
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Top each serving with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar
Few dishes evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia quite like a hearty bowl of potato soup. When it’s infused with the smoky richness of crisp bacon and the velvety melt of sharp cheddar cheese, it transforms into something deeply satisfying a meal that not only fills the stomach but also comforts the soul. Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar is more than just another soup recipe; it’s a celebration of homestyle cooking, a culinary hug in a bowl, and a staple for chilly nights and family gatherings.
A History Rooted in Simplicity
Potato soup has humble beginnings, born out of the need for inexpensive, accessible ingredients that could feed large families without sacrificing flavor. Potatoes, native to South America but widely adopted in European and North American kitchens, became a central food source due to their versatility and affordability. In rural households, soups and stews often combined what was readily available: vegetables, bits of meat, and pantry staples like milk or broth. The addition of dairy for creaminess and smoked meats for depth was a natural evolution of this simple dish.
Flavor Profile: Rich, Savory, Balanced
At its core, creamy potato soup delivers a silky, smooth texture. The Yukon gold potatoes commonly used are known for their buttery flavor and moderate starchiness, which help create that perfect creamy base when blended. The bacon adds a smoky, salty contrast, giving the soup a deep umami layer that cuts through the richness. Sharp cheddar cheese melts seamlessly into the broth, adding tang and body, while sour cream introduces a subtle acidity that balances everything out.
The onions and garlic sautéed in bacon fat at the start offer aromatic undertones that build the flavor from the ground up, and a final sprinkle of green onions provides a fresh finish. Every spoonful contains a little bit of everything savory, creamy, crunchy, and light.
Why It Works: Texture and Taste in Harmony
What makes this soup particularly appealing is the harmony of textures and tastes. A good potato soup isn’t just thick it’s luscious. The goal is to strike the perfect balance between smooth and chunky. That’s why many cooks prefer to blend only part of the soup, leaving behind bites of tender potato for a rustic, satisfying mouthfeel.
Bacon, used both within the soup and as a garnish, adds crispness that contrasts the softness of the potatoes. The cheddar cheese, when melted in carefully, binds the ingredients and enhances the mouth-coating quality of the soup without making it heavy or greasy. This layering of textures is what sets a great soup apart from a merely average one.
Customization: Make It Yours
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. Whether you’re dealing with dietary restrictions or simply a desire to experiment, this soup welcomes modifications.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that hint of smokiness without the meat.
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Add More Veggies: Boost nutrition by incorporating diced carrots, celery, or even cauliflower. These vegetables blend well and add complexity.
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Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for some heat. A dash of hot sauce on top works well too.
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Lighten It Up: Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, and swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while maintaining the creaminess.
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Extra Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey to turn it into a heartier one-pot meal.
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Garnish Creativity: Beyond bacon and scallions, try adding crunchy fried shallots, a dollop of herbed crème fraîche, or a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Creamy Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments:
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Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough, rye, or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
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Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the soup’s richness.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese bonus points for using the same sharp cheddar in both.
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Roasted Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots make a nutritious and flavorful addition to round out the meal.
Nutritional Considerations
Potato soup may not be a low-calorie option, but it can be a wholesome one when made thoughtfully. Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber (especially if you leave on the skins). Using a moderate amount of high-quality cheese and bacon can enhance flavor without making the soup too heavy or indulgent.
Portion control is key one bowl goes a long way in satisfying hunger. If you’re meal-prepping or planning for a family, this recipe scales up easily and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes fairly well, though dairy-based soups may separate slightly when reheated (a quick whisk solves that issue).
A Cozy Staple for Every Season
While often considered a fall or winter recipe, this soup can be enjoyed year-round. In spring, serve it with fresh chives and a side of asparagus. In summer, try a lighter version with seasonal herbs like dill or tarragon. The beauty of this dish lies in its timeless comfort and year-round adaptability.
It also makes an excellent dish for casual entertaining think game day gatherings, family movie nights, or a rustic dinner party. It’s comforting without being overly complex, and it delivers on both presentation and taste with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
Creamy potato soup can be made in advance and even improves after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld. If you’re prepping for a busy week, it holds well in airtight containers and reheats quickly. Just be careful when reheating always warm gently over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating or curdling.
For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly, stirring frequently.
Conclusion:
Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking, versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences, and indulgent enough to satisfy cravings on cold or stressful days. Every bowl delivers rich, savory flavor with the kind of heartwarming satisfaction that only homemade soup can bring.
Whether you’re serving it up on a snow day, prepping it ahead for a busy week, or sharing it with guests at your table, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your culinary rotation. It reminds us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated it just has to be made with care, flavor, and a little love.