A hearty and comforting soup, potato cheddar soup is the perfect dish for a chilly day. Made with savory bacon, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is a blend of flavors that are sure to satisfy. Topped with fresh chives, this soup is not only delicious but also pleasing to the eye.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should easily be found in your local supermarket. However, you might want to pay special attention to the type of potatoes and cheddar cheese you buy. For this recipe, baking potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are the best choice due to their high starch content which helps to thicken the soup. For the cheddar cheese, opt for sharp cheddar as it adds a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Ingredients for Potato Cheddar Soup
Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor to the soup and acts as a crunchy topping.
Onion: Gives a depth of flavor.
Baking potatoes: High in starch, helps to thicken the soup.
Water: Used to boil the potatoes and form the soup base.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of other ingredients.
Cheddar: Provides a creamy and tangy flavor.
Chives: Used for garnishing, adds a mild onion flavor.
One reader, Kingsly Sumpter says:
This potato cheddar soup recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich cheddar flavor make it a comforting delight. The addition of bacon and chives adds a perfect touch. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying soup. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Making Potato Cheddar Soup
How to cook bacon: In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
How to sauté onions: In the same saucepan, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat or, if you don't have 2 tablespoons, add enough cooking oil to make up the amount. Reduce the heat to moderately low and add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
How to prepare potatoes for soup: Stir in the potatoes, water, and salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
How to puree soup: Remove half the soup from the pan and puree in a food processor. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher, then return the puree to the pan.
How to melt cheese into soup: Over low heat, add the cheese and stir until melted.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt if needed.
How to serve potato cheddar soup: Serve the soup topped with the bacon and chives.
This cheddar potato soup is thick and rich in flavor. Its chicken broth soup base is mixed with tasty mashed potatoes, onions, and melted cheddar cheese. And then, top it off with some crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for extra flavor and texture. So, if you’re looking for delicious cheesy soup with potatoes and bacon, then I suggest making this super easy homemade potato cheese soup recipe. It only uses a handful of ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery stores.
For this cheddar potato soup recipe, you’ll need good quality baking potatoes that are perfect for mashing. The best potatoes for soup are the large potatoes with brown skins or white flesh. They have a high starch, low moisture content which makes them suitable for deep frying, boiling, or mashing. I recommend using either large Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Avoid using red, waxy-skinned potatoes. These types of potatoes are too waxy and firm to blend well in this bacon cheddar potato soup.
Besides the potatoes, the cheese and bacon are also essential to the overall flavor of the soup. I used cheddar cheese for a mild earthy, creamy, and slightly buttery flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese also works as an alternative for this potato cheddar soup. It’s a bit tangier and strong in flavor, but it really amps up the taste of the soup a lot. On the other hand, for the bacon, I cook each strip until it’s crispy and then crumble it to use as toppings after.
The key to making this potato cheddar cheese soup extra delicious is to puree some of the potatoes until it’s smooth and cream-like. This gives the soup a thick broth that is just so appetizing to eat. It’s so much different from the loaded baked potato soup I’m used to cooking before which mainly has cheese, milk, and heavy cream in the broth. This cheddar potato soup is much fuller and richer in flavor. The baked potato soup I made was delicious as well, but the mashed potatoes mixed with cheese and bacon really satisfied my cravings.
How To Make Potato Cheddar Soup
Crisped bacon and mashed potatoes come together to make this comforting cheddar potato soup made with a savory chicken broth base.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼ lb bacon, sliced
- 1 onion
- 3 lb large baking potatoes, (about 6), Yukon gold potatoes or Russet potatoes
- 4½ cup chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, or sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chives, chopped, or scallion tops
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Wait until the bacon is cool, and crumble bacon with your hands.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat or add enough cooking oil to make up the amount. Reduce the heat to moderately low
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the potatoes, chicken broth, and salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove half the soup from the pan and puree in a blender or food processor. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Return the puree to the pan.
- Over low heat, add the cheese and stir until melted. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Taste the soup and add more salt if needed.
- Serve the soup topped with crumbled bacon and chives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 573.02kcal
- Fat: 25.96g
- Saturated Fat: 12.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.54g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.60g
- Carbohydrates: 65.45g
- Fiber: 5.03g
- Sugar: 3.89g
- Protein: 21.52g
- Cholesterol: 62.09mg
- Sodium: 1071.91mg
- Calcium: 350.99mg
- Potassium: 1561.69mg
- Iron: 3.23mg
- Vitamin A: 121.50µg
- Vitamin C: 23.45mg
Insider Tip for Perfecting Potato Cheddar Soup
When preparing your potatoes for the soup, it's important to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and you don't end up with some pieces that are mushy while others are still hard. Additionally, when you're pureeing part of the soup, remember to allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or food processor. Hot soup can create steam and pressure that can cause the lid to blow off, potentially causing burns. Always be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Speed up the pureeing process by using a food processor to blend the soup.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, prepare the toppings and set the table to make the most of your time.
Leftover makeover: Save time by making a larger batch and freezing individual portions for future quick and easy meals.
One-pot wonder: Consider using an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, eliminating the need for extra dishes.
Substitute Ingredients For Potato Cheddar Soup Recipe
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian meat that is similar to bacon but has a slightly different flavor profile, adding a unique twist to the soup.
baking potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes will add a hint of sweetness and a different texture to the soup, creating a unique variation of the recipe.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water will enhance the flavor of the soup and add depth to the overall taste.
cheddar - Substitute with Gruyère: Gruyère cheese has a nutty flavor and melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the soup.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Soup Experience
Elevate the plating: When presenting the potato cheddar soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of finesse by delicately sprinkling freshly chopped chives over the soup. This adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider serving the soup with a side of artisanal bread or crackers to provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
Emphasize the bacon: Crumble the crispy bacon and artfully arrange it on top of the soup. This not only adds a savory element but also creates an enticing visual appeal.
Opt for elegant tableware: Choose sophisticated tableware that complements the rustic charm of the soup. A minimalist, earth-toned bowl can enhance the overall presentation.
Highlight the cheese: Before serving, grate a small amount of high-quality cheddar over the soup. This adds a touch of elegance and showcases the star ingredient.
Consider the overall composition: Pay attention to the balance of colors and shapes on the plate. Aim for a harmonious composition that draws the eye and captivates the senses.
Essential Tools for Making Potato Cheddar Soup
- Large saucepan: A large, deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making soups.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquid to drain through while lifting solid foods.
- Paper towels: Absorbent paper sheets used for drying or cleaning up spills in the kitchen.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Potato masher: A handheld tool with a grid of wires or blades used to mash cooked potatoes and other soft foods.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Potato Cheddar Soup
Let the potato cheddar soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the soup's flavor.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions:
- Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until the soup is frozen solid, then stack them to save space.
- Frozen potato cheddar soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat the soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasonings as needed before serving, as flavors can sometimes change after freezing and reheating.
Avoid reheating the soup multiple times, as this can affect its texture and flavor. Instead, reheat only the portion you plan to consume.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Cheddar Soup
Reheat the potato cheddar soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the soup from scorching or separating.
If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer individual portions of the soup to microwave-safe bowls. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the soup to become grainy or separate.
If you have an immersion blender, use it to quickly blend the reheated soup to restore its creamy texture. This is particularly helpful if the soup has separated during storage.
To add a fresh flavor and texture to the reheated soup, garnish it with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives or green onions.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or the back of a spoon while reheating. This will help to thicken the soup without the need for additional ingredients.
For a tangy twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This will add a creamy, slightly tart flavor that complements the rich cheddar and smoky bacon.
Interesting Trivia About Potato Cheddar Soup
Potato cheddar soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Is Making Potato Cheddar Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this potato cheddar soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available. The use of bacon and cheddar cheese may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense for a household of 4 should be reasonable. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations and substitutions, making it adaptable to different budgets. Rating: 8/10. Approximate cost: $15-20.
Is Potato Cheddar Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This potato cheddar soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The inclusion of bacon and a generous amount of cheddar cheese adds significant amounts of saturated fat and sodium to the dish. Additionally, the recipe relies heavily on potatoes, which are high in carbohydrates and can cause blood sugar spikes when consumed in large quantities.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to this soup. Potatoes, when consumed in moderation, provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. The onions and chives also add a small amount of vitamins and minerals to the dish.
To make this soup healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or diced chicken breast
- Use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease the saturated fat content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the soup, such as carrots, celery, or leafy greens, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower or parsnips for a lower-carb alternative
- Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to add flavor without increasing the sodium content significantly
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting potato cheddar soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal while still retaining its hearty, satisfying flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Comforting Soup
The potato cheddar soup recipe is a classic comfort food that delivers rich and hearty flavors. The combination of bacon, cheddar, and potatoes creates a satisfying and indulgent dish. The use of baking potatoes ensures a creamy and velvety texture, while the addition of chives adds a fresh and aromatic element. The wine recommendation of a Washington state merlot is a thoughtful touch, as the wine's restrained nature and mineral undertones complement the soup beautifully. Overall, this recipe is a delightful choice for a cozy and flavorful meal.
Enhance Your Potato Cheddar Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Potato Cheddar Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon, creating a rich and comforting soup. The use of baking potatoes ensures a creamy texture, while the addition of chives provides a fresh and aromatic finish. The method of pureeing a portion of the soup allows for a perfect balance of chunky and smooth consistency. The inclusion of Washington state merlot as a wine pairing recommendation showcases a thoughtful attention to detail. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
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