Creamy Potato Soup: 4 Sinful Twists With Bacon

Is there anything better than a big bowl of soup on a chilly evening? I’m talking about real comfort food here, like a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar. Mmm, just thinking about it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Seriously, this is the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book.

You know, I didn’t always love making soup. It seemed like such a fuss! But then I stumbled upon this recipe, and wow, it totally changed my mind. It’s seriously easy, packed with flavor, and you can tweak it however you like. What’s not to love, right? I’m Oliver Hargrove, by the way, and for me, this soup is special. I’ve spent years sharing food stories and experimenting in kitchens, and this recipe is a real winner. Trust me; you’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Okay, so why *this* creamy potato soup recipe? Well, let me tell you, it’s got a few things going for it that’ll make you wanna make it again and again:

Quick and Easy

Seriously, you don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to whip this up! It uses simple ingredients you probably already have and the steps are super straightforward. No fuss, no muss!

Incredibly Flavorful

Oh my goodness, the flavor! The creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar? It’s a match made in heaven, I’m telling ya! Every spoonful is like a party in your mouth!

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like cheddar? Use a different cheese! Wanna add more bacon? Go for it! This recipe is so easy to tweak to your liking. It’s your soup, make it your own!

Perfect for a Cozy Meal

Let’s be real, this soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s comforting, satisfying, and just makes you feel good. Perfect for a night in with the family, or just when you need a little pick-me-up!

Ingredients for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, just good ol’ basics that come together to make something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:

Base Ingredients

For the foundation, you’ll want about 4 cups of potatoes – peeled and cubed, please! Then grab one medium onion, diced, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of butter.

Creamy and Cheesy Goodness

Now for the *really* good stuff! You’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (I like a sharp cheddar!), and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Trust me on the sour cream, it adds a little *something* extra!

Bacon and Seasoning

Of course, you can’t forget the bacon! You’ll need 6 slices, cooked until crispy and then crumbled. Plus, a teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on the pepper!

Garnish

And last but not least, some sliced green onions for garnish. About 2 should do the trick. They add a nice little pop of freshness. My favorite part is sprinkling them on top!

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar: Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of the most amazing creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar in no time!

Cooking the Bacon and Onions

First things first, get your bacon cooking in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy – you want that good, crunchy bacon! Once it’s done, take the bacon out and crumble it up. Now, this is important: leave about 2 tablespoons of that bacon fat in the pot. Trust me; it adds so much flavor!

Next, add your diced onion and 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook the onion until it’s softened, usually around 5 minutes or so. You want it to be translucent and fragrant.

Simmering the Potatoes

Now, dump in those cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’ll want to simmer it for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. You should be able to easily poke them with a fork.

Achieving Creamy Perfection

This is where things get *really* creamy! Take an immersion blender and carefully blend the soup right in the pot until it reaches the consistency you like. Some people like it super smooth, and some like it a little chunky – it’s totally up to you! If you don’t have an immersion blender, no worries! Just carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender (be careful, hot soup can splatter!) blend it, and then pour it back into the pot.

Adding the Cheese and Finishing Touches

Time for the cheese! Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Don’t let it boil at this point, though! Just keep it on low heat.

Serving Your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with that glorious crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Serve it hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss! Enjoy every bite!

Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Want to take your creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar from good to *amazing*? Of course you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Okay, potato choice matters! Yukon Golds are my go-to because they get super creamy when cooked. Russets work great too, but they can be a bit starchier, so just keep that in mind!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

This is all about personal preference, honestly! If you like a super smooth soup, blend it all up! If you want some chunks, just blend part of it. Play around and see what you like best! You can always add more broth if it’s too thick, too.

Enhancing the Flavor

Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Use high-quality bacon – it makes a HUGE difference. And get yourself some nice, sharp cheddar cheese. The better the ingredients, the better the soup, simple as that!

Don’t Skip the Garnish

Seriously, don’t even think about skipping the bacon and green onions! They add so much flavor and a pop of freshness that really takes this soup to the next level. Plus, it just looks prettier, right?

Variations on Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Okay, so you’ve made the basic creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar, and you’re loving it. Awesome! But what if you wanna mix things up a little? Here are a few fun variations to try:

Spicy Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Feeling a little fiery? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while you’re simmering the potatoes! Or, for an extra kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Wowza!

Healthier Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Want to lighten things up a bit? No problem! Use milk instead of heavy cream – it still tastes amazing, I promise! You could also toss in some extra veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrients. Sneaky, sneaky!

Different Cheese Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Cheddar’s great, but why not experiment? Gruyere would be amazing, or maybe some Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Oh, and a little bit of smoked Gouda? Yes, please!

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

This creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar is pretty amazing on its own, but you know what makes it even *better*? The right side dish! Here are a few of my faves:

Bread

Oh, you gotta have bread! Crusty bread for dipping is always a winner. Or, how about a grilled cheese sandwich to dunk in the soup? Garlic bread is also a total YES in my book!

Salad

Wanna keep things a little lighter? A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is perfect. Or, go for a classic Caesar salad! The creamy dressing is a nice contrast to the soup.

Sandwiches

Speaking of grilled cheese… any kind of sandwich is awesome with this soup! A ham and cheese would be delicious, or even just a simple turkey sandwich. Get creative!

Storing and Reheating Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar, and you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Storage

Let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy!

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just zap it in the microwave! Just be sure to stir it every now and then so it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Got questions about making this amazing creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I make creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar in a slow cooker?

You betcha! Just toss the potatoes, onion, and broth into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Then, blend it up, stir in the cream, cheese, and bacon, and you’re good to go!

Can I freeze creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar?

Freezing can be a little tricky because the texture might change a bit, but it’s doable! Let it cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers. When you thaw it, it might be a little grainy, but a good stir should help! Maybe add a splash of cream to freshen it up.

Can I make creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar without bacon?

Absolutely! If you’re not a bacon fan (gasp!), you can totally leave it out. Or, try using diced ham or sausage instead! Smoked sausage would be especially yummy!

What can I substitute for cheddar cheese in creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar?

So many options! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious! Just make sure you use a cheese that melts well!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Okay, quick disclaimer: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, take any numbers you see with a grain of salt (or maybe a sprinkle of cheddar!).

Enjoy Your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar!

Alright, you did it! Now go enjoy that amazing creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar. And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment and rate the recipe! I wanna know what you think!

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