Potato soup with bacon and cheese is a warm hug in a bowl. Imagine creamy potatoes mingling with crispy bacon, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy broth that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. creamy cheese sauce recipe The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table, eager for a spoonful of comfort.
This dish brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with family, where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the delicious soup. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends on game day, this potato soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. cozy Zuppa Toscana soup.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This potato soup with bacon and cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free. Its flavor profile balances creamy richness with smoky bacon goodness. The visual appeal of melted cheese bubbling on top will impress your guests. Perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made potato soup with bacon and cheese; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for the recipe. chicken bacon ranch casserole.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Russet Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes that break down beautifully for a creamy texture. For more inspiration, check out this comforting white bean soup recipe.
Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor; the crispiness will elevate your soup.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic depth; don’t skip this essential ingredient. garlic bread side dish.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works too; aim for low-sodium varieties.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness; feel free to substitute with half-and-half if desired.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor; it melts beautifully into the soup.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add fresh zest; they make a lovely garnish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Once done, remove bacon and drain excess fat while keeping about two tablespoons in the pot.
Add Vegetables and Broth: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant. Next, stir in diced potatoes along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Simmering the Soup: Reduce heat to low once boiling. Cover partially and let simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
Mashing and Creaminess**: After simmering, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot for creaminess while leaving some chunks intact for texture. Stir in heavy cream gradually.
Cheesy Finish**: Once combined thoroughly, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup while stirring gently until melted and gooey.
Topping It Off**: Serve hot! Garnish each bowl with crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of potato soup with bacon and cheese that’s sure to warm your heart and tickle your taste buds! Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this cozy pumpkin soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This creamy potato soup with bacon and cheese not only warms your belly but also lifts your spirits. The delightful aroma of sizzling bacon combined with the earthy scent of potatoes creates an irresistible atmosphere in your kitchen. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish is a hug in a bowl. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then use its drippings to sauté onions and garlic for maximum flavor. Add diced potatoes, broth, and seasonings to create a rich base, blending flavors perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors. Toss in some greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition and color that brightens up your soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery texture and flavor, creating a creamier soup. Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender yet intact for the perfect bite. For an extra touch, drizzle with olive oil before serving to enhance richness. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of chilly evenings spent making it with my family. Each spoonful reminds me of laughter and joy around the dinner table.
FAQ
What can I substitute for bacon in potato soup with bacon and cheese?
You can use turkey bacon or smoked sausage for a lighter option with great flavor.
Can I make potato soup with bacon and cheese vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace bacon with mushrooms sautéed in olive oil for a delicious plant-based version.
How can I thicken my potato soup?
Blend some of the soup until smooth or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it easily.
Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Warm up with this creamy potato soup featuring crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a satisfying blend of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Each bowl is a delightful combination of creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese that brings joy to the table.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, diced (about 2 lbs)
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about two tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and partially cover; simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash some potatoes in the pot for creaminess while leaving chunks for texture. Gradually stir in heavy cream.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese; mix until melted. Serve hot garnished with crispy bacon pieces and chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
