Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Pantry
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten free option)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to combine and form a roux. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while stirring to prevent burning.
- Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, setting the base for the soup’s broth.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add dairy and thicken: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, then simmer gently to heat through without boiling. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot using a potato masher or fork.
- Incorporate cheese and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the flavors are well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the soup from heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions for freshness and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding extra chicken broth if it becomes too thick after resting.
- For extra richness, top each bowl with additional shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Use gluten-free flour in the roux if you need to make the soup completely gluten free.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free