Cozy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe: A Homestyle Comfort Classic

Creamy potato soup with a delightful cheese twist will instantly warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Potatoes blend seamlessly with rich dairy ingredients for maximum comfort.

Cold weather demands hearty meals that nourish and satisfy.

Melted cheese creates magic when stirred into smooth, velvety broth.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this classic kitchen staple.

Crispy bacon bits and fresh chives make perfect garnish companions.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this delectable soup.

Cheesy Potato Soup: Rich and Delicious

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this hearty soup in less than an hour with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Indulgence: Bacon, cheese, and creamy potatoes combine to create a rich, satisfying meal that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this soup adapts to any casual gathering and pleases even picky eaters.
• Customizable Delight: Top with your favorite garnishes like extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Bacon: A crispy, flavorful meat that adds rich depth to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the hearty base of the soup.
• Onions: A aromatic vegetable that builds a savory flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste.

• Broth: A savory liquid that helps create the soup's consistency.
• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that add richness and smoothness.
• Butter: A dairy fat that helps develop a silky texture.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth soup base.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavor.
• Chives: A fresh herb that adds a light, oniony garnish.
• Sour Cream: A tangy topping that provides a cool contrast to the warm soup.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Crispy Bacon Bits

Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until perfectly crisp.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a separate plate, keeping about a tablespoon of delicious bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Saute until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pot, stirring constantly to create a smooth base.

Cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Slowly pour in broth while whisking continuously.

Add diced potatoes and let the mixture simmer gently.

Step 5: Tenderize Potatoes

Allow the soup to bubble softly for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become perfectly tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Blend Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth texture.

Step 7: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt and pepper to elevate the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with optional garnishes like extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for Cheesy Potato Soup Success

• Reserve some crispy bacon bits for a crunchy topping that adds incredible texture and smoky flavor to your soup.
• Whisk flour carefully to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy base for your potato soup.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese that can contain anti-caking agents.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for a creamier, thicker soup consistency that truly satisfies.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the soup's rich, comforting texture.

Variations for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth and swap bacon fat for olive oil. Add diced mushrooms for umami flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use less flour or replace with xanthan gum. Add extra cheese and cream for richness. Top with crispy bacon bits.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Ensure broth is gluten-free. Choose gluten-free bacon or pancetta. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug in a dish.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up every delicious, cheesy spoonful and add extra texture.
• Salad Sidekick: Complement the rich soup with a light, crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy potato base.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream on top for a restaurant-style finish that adds crunch and flavor complexity.

Storing Cheesy Potato Soup Properly

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing garnishes like bacon or chives.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of milk if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add extra milk or broth to restore original consistency if needed.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable butter to sauté the onions. Replace bacon fat with vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well and provide a creamy, starchy texture perfect for this soup.

• How can I thicken the soup if it's too runny?

Add a bit more flour or use cornstarch mixed with cold water. Slowly stir it into the soup and simmer for a few minutes until it reaches desired consistency.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it without the cream. Add fresh cream when reheating to maintain the soup’s smooth texture and prevent separation.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Rich wisconsin cheddar and tender potatoes create a hearty meal you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6–8 slices bacon, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
2. Melt butter in the same pot and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes and increase heat to bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let potatoes cook until fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes. Gently mash some potatoes against the pot’s side to thicken the soup naturally.
6. Pour heavy cream and milk into the pot, stirring to integrate. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until completely melted and soup becomes silky.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits, additional cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for deeper flavor and better texture, which adds more richness to the soup’s overall taste.
• Potato Tip: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier, more velvety soup consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap bacon for smoked paprika and use vegetable broth to create a plant-based version that maintains a similar smoky depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg