Cheddar and Bacon Potato Soup

A rich and comforting potato soup, made creamy with cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, perfect for a cozy fall evening. Served with warm crusty bread.

• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 20 min
• Total: 30 min
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $3.83/serving

Dietary

• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Low-Sugar
• High-Protein

Tags

• quick
• comfort food
• savory

Ingredients

• 4 slice bacon (diced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (medium, diced)
• 2 clove garlic (minced)
• 3 Russet potatoes (medium, peeled, diced small)
• 4 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
• 1 crusty bread (small loaf)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot. Set the cooked bacon aside.
2. Add the olive oil, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the diced Russet potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully mash about one-third of the potatoes in the soup against the side of the pot using a potato masher or large spoon. This will help thicken the soup while leaving some chunks.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh chives, if desired. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it's too thick.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 20.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fat: 39.8 g
• Fiber: 3.8 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Sugar: 4.8 g
• Cholesterol: 123 mg