There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of thick, cheesy soup on a cold day, and this Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup brings that cozy feeling with every single spoonful. It combines tender potatoes, crispy smoky bacon, hearty vegetables, and melty cheddar cheese to create a creamy, satisfying bowl of pure comfort. Every bite blends velvety texture, savory flavors, and just the right amount of rich, cheesy goodness to make this soup feel indulgent yet homey.
The magic of this soup lies in how simple the ingredients are while still delivering deep, comforting flavor. With just one pot and very little prep, you can create a warm, filling meal that feels perfect for busy weeknights, slow weekends, or days when you want something that tastes like a warm hug. The potatoes soften into the broth, the cheese melts into a silky base, and the bacon adds irresistible smoky crunch.
If you love hearty, creamy soups that hit the spot and bring instant comfort, this Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup will become one of your go-to favorites. It’s cozy, rich, and exactly what you want on a chilly day.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup
✔ Loaded with tender potatoes that make the soup naturally creamy
✔ Crispy bacon adds smoky richness to every spoonful
✔ Melty cheddar cheese creates a velvety, comforting broth
✔ One-pot recipe that’s simple, quick, and perfect for weeknights
✔ Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
✔ Easy to customize with vegetables or different cheeses
✔ Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This soup takes basic ingredients like potatoes, broth, and cheese and transforms them into a bowl of warm, savory comfort. The potatoes break down and help thicken the broth naturally, the bacon adds depth and flavor, and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy finish. It’s filling and flavorful without requiring complicated steps. Whether you’re craving something cozy, cooking for the family, or looking for a warm meal that tastes homemade, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheesy Creamy Finish
• 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional for thickness)
• Green onions or chives, for topping
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the bacon
Cook chopped bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove half for topping and keep the rest in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Add potatoes and broth
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 4: Simmer the soup
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Make it creamy
Whisk flour and milk together if you want a thicker soup. Add to the pot and stir. Add shredded cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Adjust and finish
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup
✔ Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for natural creaminess
✔ Add bacon at the beginning for flavor and at the end for crunch
✔ Shred your own cheese—it melts smoother than pre-shredded
✔ Add dairy at the end so it stays creamy and doesn’t curdle
✔ Lightly mash some potatoes for a thicker texture
✔ Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much
✔ Taste before serving and adjust seasonings
✔ Add a pat of butter for extra richness
Variations & Substitutions
• Chicken Bacon Potato Soup: Add cooked shredded chicken
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese
• Veggie Boost: Add corn, peas, or broccoli
• Creamier Soup: Stir in cream cheese
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Ham Instead of Bacon: Great for leftovers
• Gluten-Free: Skip the flour and thicken by mashing potatoes
What to Serve With Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup
• Garlic bread or buttery rolls
• Crusty artisan bread
• Parmesan breadsticks
• Caesar salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Roasted vegetables
• Warm biscuits
This soup pairs beautifully with any warm, buttery, or cheesy side.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
To Freeze
Freeze before adding dairy for best texture. Add cream and cheese after reheating.
To Reheat
Warm on low heat on the stovetop. Add broth or milk if it thickens. Avoid boiling once the dairy is added.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but the flavor will be less smoky.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Skip the flour and thicken by mashing potatoes.
3. Can I add chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken works well.
4. Why is my soup too thick?
Add broth or milk to thin it.
5. Can I use heavy cream?
Yes, for a richer soup.
6. What cheese works best?
Cheddar melts beautifully, but Colby or Monterey Jack work too.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, peas, corn, broccoli, or spinach are great.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add dairy at the end to keep it creamy.
9. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes, but the flavor will be lighter.
10. Does the soup taste better the next day?
Yes, but add broth when reheating because the potatoes thicken it.