Description
Creamy potato soup with crispy bacon beckons comfort seekers through hearty winter meals. Rich potato, bacon, and cheese flavors combine smoothly to satisfy hungry souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 pound bacon
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Liquid Base:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and roast potatoes for approximately 45-60 minutes until fully softened and easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are roasting, crisp bacon in a large Dutch oven until golden brown and rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Utilize the remaining bacon drippings to sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully scoop potato flesh from the roasted skins and add to the pot with caramelized onions.
- Pour chicken broth and whole milk into the pot, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and gradually thicken for 10-15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rich and velvety consistency with some potato chunks remaining.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until cheese melts completely.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced green onions, and an additional sprinkle of cheese.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the creamiest, most luxurious soup texture.
- Cook bacon slowly to render maximum fat and achieve perfect crispiness without burning.
- Only partially blend the soup to maintain some potato chunks for delightful textural contrast.
- Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheese for lactose-free or vegan versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg