The Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon: An Easy Comfort Food Classic
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy, especially when it’s as rich and satisfying as this creamy cheddar potato soup. This recipe takes simple, wholesome ingredients and transforms them into an unforgettable culinary experience, made even better with a generous topping of crumbled crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or a hearty lunch any day of the week.
Our star ingredients are humble yet powerful: tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese that melts into a velvety smoothness, creamy milk, aromatic onion and garlic, and savory broth. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a soup that is both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe promises a delicious outcome that will become a cherished staple in your home.
Why This Creamy Potato Cheese Soup Recipe Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why this particular potato cheese soup will quickly become a family favorite:
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, this comforting soup comes together in approximately 30-40 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Serving Options: While it makes a fantastic standalone lunch, its rich and creamy texture also allows for various serving possibilities. Portion it into smaller bowls for a delightful appetizer before a main course, or serve it alongside your favorite sandwich for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad, offering a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
- Pure Comfort Food: The combination of tender potatoes, savory broth, and decadent melted cheddar cheese creates a texture and flavor profile that truly defines comfort. The added layer of crispy bacon on top elevates it further, providing a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy base.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need exotic items for this soup. The magic lies in the quality of everyday ingredients and how they come together to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a hit with both kids and adults. Its mild yet flavorful profile, coupled with familiar ingredients, makes it an easy sell for even the pickiest eaters.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Potato Soup
Crafting the perfect creamy potato cheese soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each choice matters:
- Butter: Forms the flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for building deep flavor. While we love sweet Vidalia onions for their mildness, any yellow or white onion will provide that essential savory note. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best taste.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe. Their waxy-starchy texture holds its shape well when diced but also breaks down beautifully to contribute to the soup’s creamy consistency. You can peel them for a smoother soup or leave the skins on for added fiber and rustic appeal (just be sure to scrub them thoroughly!).
- Broth: Chicken broth provides a robust, savory foundation. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly without compromising flavor. Choose low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning.
- Milk: The key to that luxurious creaminess! Whole milk will give you the richest texture, but 2% milk can also be used. Avoid skim milk, as it might make the soup too thin.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is where the magic happens! Extra sharp cheddar delivers a pronounced, tangy flavor that truly shines through the soup. While regular sharp cheddar works, the “extra sharp” variety makes a noticeable difference. You can also opt for white extra sharp cheddar if you prefer. Always shred your own cheese from a block for the best melt and flavor, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Always season to taste.
- Garnish (Optional but Highly Recommended): Crumbled bacon and fresh chopped chives are the ultimate finishing touches. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, while chives provide a fresh, oniony bite that cuts through the richness.
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card provided at the end of this post.
How to Make Your Perfect Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup: Step-by-Step
Bringing this comforting soup to life is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step instructions, complete with photos to guide you through the process. Remember, the full printable recipe with exact quantities is available below!
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by melting one tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your chopped Vidalia onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes and chicken (or vegetable) broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This ensures they’ll be easy to mash or blend for a creamy texture.
- Create Creaminess: Carefully transfer about 1 cup of the potato and broth mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that wonderfully thick and luxurious consistency without adding flour or cornstarch.
- Combine & Heat: Pour the smooth potato mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chunky potato mixture. Stir in the milk. Gently heat the soup over medium heat until it’s hot and steaming, but be sure not to bring it to a boil. Boiling after adding milk can cause it to curdle. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir one cup of the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese into the hot soup until it is completely melted and beautifully integrated. The cheese will thicken the soup further and add an irresistible tangy depth.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the rich potato cheese soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the soup’s heat. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon and fresh chopped chives for flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Enjoy immediately!
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Soup
To ensure your creamy cheddar potato soup turns out perfect every time, and to answer some common questions, here are some expert tips and FAQs:
Garnish Matters (But Not for Nutrition)
- Nutritional information typically does not include garnish. If you’re tracking macros or calories, remember to account for any toppings like bacon, extra cheese, or sour cream, as these can add significantly to the nutritional value.
Broth Substitutions
- Vegetable broth can be easily substituted for chicken broth. This makes the recipe vegetarian-friendly without compromising the overall flavor. Ensure you use a good quality vegetable broth for the best taste.
To Peel or Not to Peel?
- If you prefer, you don’t have to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skins on can add a rustic texture and extra fiber to your soup. Just be sure to scrub them very thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt before dicing.
Choosing Your Onion
- We use sweet Vidalia onion, but any yellow or white onion will be fine. Vidalia onions are milder and sweeter, lending a subtle sweetness to the soup. Yellow onions offer a more pungent flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked, while white onions are crisp and sharp, good for a more pronounced oniony taste.
The Best Cheese for Flavor
- Extra sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Its robust, tangy profile stands out beautifully against the creamy potatoes. While a milder cheddar will work, it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor. You can also use white extra sharp cheddar for an equally delicious, slightly different aesthetic.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
- Absolutely! This potato cheese soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare the soup according to the instructions, but if possible, add the final cup of shredded cheese and garnishes just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to Reheat Potato Cheese Soup?
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling.
Can I Freeze Potato Cheese Soup?
- While you can freeze potato soup, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the milk and cheese. Thaw, then add the dairy and cheese during the reheating process. If you do freeze the finished soup, reheat very slowly and whisk well to try and re-emulsify it.
Are There Any Variations I Can Try?
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Thicker Soup: For an even thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes with a potato masher directly in the pot after simmering, or puree a larger portion of the soup mixture in the blender.
What to Serve with This Hearty Potato Cheese Soup
This creamy potato cheese soup is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and main dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
- Sandwiches: For the ultimate cheesy lunch, serve a bowl alongside a toasted cheddar ham sandwich. The robust flavors complement each other beautifully. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is also an unbeatable pairing!
- Crusty Bread: A great dipper for this rich soup is a couple of slices of my homemade Italian bread. The crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up every last drop. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls also work wonderfully.
- Salads: A light, crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette or a more substantial Cobb salad would be excellent choices.
- Crackers: You might try topping this creamy potato cheese soup with my ranch seasoned oyster crackers for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Or simply serve with your favorite plain crackers.
- Protein Sides: For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken, a simple baked fish, or a leafy green side salad with some protein.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful potato cheese soup, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of soup recipes offers a wide array of flavors and styles to satisfy every craving. Explore some of our other popular and comforting soup creations:
- Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Corn Chowder
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Pasta Fagioli
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Be sure to check out all of my delicious soup recipes for more inspiration!
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Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes peeled, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 14 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 ¼ cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese , divided
- crumbled bacon and chopped chives for garnish, optional
Things You’ll Need
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Large saucepan
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Wooden spoon
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Ladle
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Before You Begin
- Nutritional information does not include garnish
- Vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth
- If you prefer, you don’t have to peel the potatoes, just be sure to scrub them first
- We use sweet Vidalia onion, but any yellow or white onion will be fine
- Extra sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, you can also use white extra sharp
Instructions
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add potatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 12 to 14 minutes or until vegetables are tender.1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion, 2 cloves garlic, 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, 14 oz chicken broth
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Transfer 1 cup of the mixture to a blender or food processor; pureé until smooth. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir in milk; heat over medium heat until hot (do not boil). Season to taste with salt and pepper.1 cup milk, salt, pepper
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Stir 1 cup of the cheddar cheese into the soup until melted and heated through.
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Ladle soup into four bowls; top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
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Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.crumbled bacon and chopped chives
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Feb 19, 2012. It has been updated and expanded for clarity, improved SEO, and to provide more value to our readers.