There’s something about the first chilly day of fall that makes me crave comfort in a bowl. Years ago, during a crisp October in Michigan, I was house-sitting for a friend who had the coziest cabin-style kitchen. With nothing but a bag of russets, a pack of bacon, and leftover cheddar in the fridge, I whipped together what became one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes. Now, this Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar is a staple in my winter rotation, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
🥣 The Ultimate Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar
This soup is creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor. Crisp bacon brings the salt, sharp cheddar adds boldness, and the potatoes create the velvety base that holds it all together. Whether you’re hosting a casual fall dinner or meal-prepping for busy weeknights, this one’s a soup recipe you’ll want to bookmark.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth & Potatoes: Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Add diced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Add Dairy: Lower heat and stir in milk and heavy cream. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Cheese It Up: Add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crispy bacon on top and chives if you like.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar fits right into any cozy night lineup. It’s ideal for those seeking easy soup recipes without compromising flavor. You can also make it in a crockpot by adding cooked bacon last for the perfect texture. It even doubles beautifully as a starter for your fall dinner ideas lineup.
For a slightly healthier twist, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or sub in turkey bacon. If you’re watching carbs, try blending in some cauliflower with the potatoes.
🥄 Soup Pairings & Add-Ons
Pair this soup with crusty homemade bread or a fresh green salad. For a full fall comfort meal, serve it alongside our Beef and Noodles Recipe – A Comforting Classic. Want more bowl inspiration? You might enjoy our Crockpot Recipes High Protein for hearty slow-cooker meals.
🧊 Storage Tips
This soup stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Just skip adding the cheese until after reheating to prevent curdling.