Warm up with a bowl of Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup, the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, velvety potatoes with melted cheese and crispy bacon. This rich and hearty soup is packed with flavor and perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal.

My first time make potato soup was when I was in culinary school and I loved it. In the last 20 plus years since that first time making this soup, I have made this soup every year in the Fall. At this point, making this recipe is all muscle memory. It's a hit every single time and perfect as an appetizer or for a hearty meal.

Why you'll love this bacon potato soup

Here's why you'll love a cheesy bacon potato soup:

Comforting and Satisfying: It's a hearty and filling soup that's perfect for a cold day.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
Easy to Make: It's a simple recipe that doesn't require many ingredients or complex steps.
Customizable: You can add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It's a versatile soup that can be enjoyed as a meal or a side dish.

A bowl of cheesy bacon potato soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

What to serve with cheddar bacon potato soup

This cheesy soup can be served as an appetizer or as a hearty entree. Here are some ideas of what to serve with bacon potato soup:

Bread:

Garlic bread: A classic pairing that complements the rich and savory flavors of the soup.
Cornbread: A slightly sweet and slightly savory option that adds a nice contrast to the soup.
Crusty bread: A good option for dipping into the soup.

Side dishes:

Salad: A fresh green salad can help balance the richness of the soup.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots can add a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Toppings for this potato cheddar soup

I always serve this soup with cheddar, bacon and chives, but you can also add these other toppings to make it a fully loaded soup:

Bacon pieces
Shredded cheese
Roasted corn kernels
Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Croutons
Red pepper flakes
Green onion or chives

Ingredients needed for this cheesy potato soup

Bacon
Potatoes
Yellow onions
Garlic
All purpose flour
Chicken broth
Whole milk
Heavy Cream
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Smoked paprika
Ground mustard
Garlic powder
Minced Chives

Instructions for this homemade potato soup

Place sliced potatoes into a stockpot and completely cover with water. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook 15 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a knife then drain.
Meanwhile, saute bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy and then transfer to a plate, reserving all of the bacon grease in the pot.
Add chopped onions then saute until tender. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Quickly whisk in the flour then slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a soft boil.
Add drained potatoes and season soup with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, ground mustard, black pepper and smoked paprika.
Stir in shredded cheddar, heavy cream and half of your cooked bacon (reserving the rest for garnish). Bring to a boil then remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.

Variations and substitutions for this homemade potato soup

Ingredient Variations:

Potatoes: You can use different types of potatoes, such as Russet, or Red potatoes. Each type will give the soup a slightly different texture and flavor.
Dairy: Instead of milk or cream, try using half-and-half or coconut milk for a richer and creamier soup.
Broth: Vegetable broth or beef broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a more flavorful soup.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, or red pepper flakes to add complexity to the flavor.

Add-Ins:

Cheese: Instead of cheddar, use Gouda, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese can be added for a rich, creamy flavor.
Vegetables: Carrots, leeks, celery, or broccoli can be added to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor.
Protein: Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage for this potato bacon soup

To store potato soup, follow these steps:

Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it.
Transfer to an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. Glass containers are ideal as they can withstand temperature changes better than plastic.
Refrigerate: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Potato Cheddar Soup:

Stovetop: Gently heat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Freezing Potato Soup:

While it's not ideal, you can freeze potato soup for up to 3 months. Here's how:

Cool Completely: Let the soup cool completely.
Portion: Divide the soup into individual portions or freezer-safe bags.
Freeze: Place the portions in the freezer.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Note: Freezing potato soup can affect its texture, making it slightly thicker. Add a bit of broth or milk to adjust the consistency if needed.

Cheesy Potato Soup