Description
A rich and comforting creamy potato soup made with tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of milk, cream, and cheddar cheese. This hearty American classic is perfect for a cozy meal and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Bacon & Garnish
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pot to add flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the unsalted butter to the pot with bacon drippings. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Potatoes: Reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, around 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This step creates a thicker, creamier texture without using a blender.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the crispy cooked bacon and chopped green onions or chives for garnish.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the dairy ingredients.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a lighter version.
- Add extra shredded cheese to increase richness and flavor.
