Description
Classic potato soup delights with its rich, comforting blend of russet potatoes, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Creamy textures and bold flavors make this simple soup a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (approximately 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 cup chives, finely diced
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients at room temperature, including shredded cheese, sour cream, and half and half.
- Slice bacon into 1-inch pieces and render in a large pot over low heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Cube potatoes and boil in salted water for 20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and gently mash, keeping some texture.
- Sauté diced onions in bacon drippings for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and butter, cooking for an additional minute.
- Incorporate flour, whisking continuously for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour flavor and create a smooth base.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Gradually add half and half, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Fold in mashed potatoes and sour cream, seasoning with pepper. Use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency if desired.
- Slowly incorporate shredded cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Maintain a moderate temperature to ensure smooth integration.
- Ladle soup into bowls, topping with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Potato Perfection Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the creamiest texture and best flavor absorption.
- Bacon Brilliance Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and a satisfying crunch when crumbled as a topping.
- Consistency Control If the soup becomes too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth or warm milk until desired smoothness is achieved.
- Dietary Flexibility For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk and use turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while maintaining delicious taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg