Print

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Cheesy Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender russet potatoes simmered in a creamy base of chicken broth and milk, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives, this soup is both rich and flavorful. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it makes a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pot and sauté until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Create Roux: Stir in the butter and let it melt completely. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and onions. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux which will thicken the soup.
  4. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk to the roux, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Add the diced potatoes into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Melt Cheese and Season: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot cheesy potato soup into bowls. Top each serving with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for color and added flavor.

Notes

  • Using russet potatoes gives the soup a creamy texture as they break down during cooking.
  • For a thicker soup, cook the potatoes a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour in the roux step.
  • You can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for whole milk for an even richer soup.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as garnish.

Keywords: cheesy potato soup, bacon potato soup, creamy potato soup, cheddar cheese soup, comforting soup recipe