This Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cream, and melted cheddar cheese, this soup is thick, smooth, and full of delicious flavor. Every bowl is topped with crispy bacon and cheesy goodness, making it perfect for cozy family dinners, chilly evenings, or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Extra crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour into the pot and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth base.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to create a thicker, creamier texture, leaving some chunks for extra heartiness.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Cook gently for another 3–5 minutes without bringing the soup to a boil.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon and extra shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting homemade meal.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes help make the soup thick and creamy, while Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally buttery texture.
- Make it extra creamy: Mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese and cream.
- Add cheese gradually: Stir in the cheddar over low heat to help keep the soup smooth.
- Keep the bacon crispy: Add the bacon topping just before serving so it stays crunchy.
- Adjust the thickness: Add a little extra chicken broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American
SEO Title
Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup – Easy Comfort Food Recipe
Meta Description
Make creamy bacon cheddar potato soup with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cream, and melted cheese. An easy, hearty comfort food recipe for the whole family!