If you're looking for a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this Creamy Bacon & Cheddar Potato Soup is your ticket to coziness. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup combines rich flavors with a silky texture that’s hard to resist.
Bacon brings a smoky, savory depth to the soup that’s hard to beat. The crispy bits also add a lovely texture when sprinkled on top. Butter helps to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a rich, creamy base to the soup. Onion and garlic are the aromatic backbone, providing a sweet and savory foundation. Chicken broth acts as the liquid base, infusing the potatoes with flavor as they cook. Potatoes are the heart of the soup, giving it a velvety texture once blended. Heavy cream adds richness and body, making the soup luxuriously creamy. Cheddar cheese contributes a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon. Finally, chives offer a fresh, onion-like bite, perfect for garnishing.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. A glass of crisp, dry white wine complements the creamy texture and rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but don’t discard those delicious drippings! Add a couple of tablespoons of butter to the pot, letting it melt into the bacon drippings. Now, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re translucent and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they’re tender, which usually takes around 15–20 minutes depending on their size. Once the potatoes are soft, take an immersion blender and purée the soup until it’s smooth. Be careful with this step to avoid splashes!
Now, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, topped with your reserved bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of chives for a fresh touch.