Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

Introduction

A warm bowl of potato soup is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. This Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavors from tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a comfort food classic, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you need a little extra warmth in your life.

History

Potato soup has been around for centuries, originating from European cuisine, especially in countries like Ireland, Germany, and France. Potatoes became a staple food in the 16th century, and creamy soups were often made to stretch ingredients during harsh winters. Over time, variations emerged, adding bacon, cheese, and other rich ingredients, making it a beloved dish worldwide.

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

For garnish:

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
• Crumbled cooked bacon

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Roux

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute. This will help thicken the soup.
2. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

1. Add the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Make it Creamy & Cheesy

1. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, allowing the soup to heat up but not boil.
2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and creamy.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

• If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
• If you like it chunky, leave it as is!

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Stir in half of the crispy bacon.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving & Garnishing

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions or parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Methods for Making Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

This Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Below are three different methods to prepare it: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, and Instant Pot. Choose the method that best fits your schedule!

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Method 1: Stovetop (Traditional Method)

Best for: A rich, creamy texture with full control over the cooking process.
Time: 40–50 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 6–8 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble the bacon.

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot (with bacon grease), add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• Add 4 cups of diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold) to the pot.
• Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

1. Make the Roux (Thickening the Soup):

• In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour.
• Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
• Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth.

1. Combine Everything:

• Stir the roux into the soup.
• Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

1. Season and Serve:

• Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor.
• Stir in half of the crumbled bacon and garnish with extra cheese, green onions, and the remaining bacon.

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Method 2: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

Best for: A hands-off approach with deep, infused flavors.
Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: Crisp 6–8 slices of bacon in a pan, then crumble and set aside.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker:

• Place 4 cups of diced potatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves in the slow cooker.
• Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

1. Mash Some of the Potatoes:

• Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture.

1. Add Cream and Cheese:

• Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt & pepper.

1. Thicken if Needed:

• If too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water and stir into the soup.

1. Serve & Garnish:

• Top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and green onions.

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Method 3: Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)

Best for: A quick, flavorful soup in under 30 minutes.
Time: 20–25 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook 6–8 slices of bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.

1. Sauté the Onions & Garlic:

• In the bacon grease, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2–3 minutes.

1. Add the Potatoes & Broth:

• Add 4 cups of diced potatoes and 4 cups of chicken broth.
• Seal the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.

1. Release Pressure & Mash:

• Quick-release the pressure, then mash some of the potatoes.

1. Stir in Cream & Cheese:

• Set to Sauté mode again and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
• Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

1. Garnish & Serve:

• Top with crumbled bacon, cheese, and green onions.

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Conclusion: Which Method is Best?

• Stovetop: Best for rich, creamy texture and traditional cooking lovers.
• Slow Cooker: Perfect for busy days, allowing flavors to blend deeply.
• Instant Pot: Ideal for quick, easy meals with the same great taste.

Benefits of this Soup

• Rich in nutrients – Potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
• Good source of protein & calcium – Thanks to cheese and milk.
• Warm & satisfying – Great for cold weather or when you need comfort food.
• Customizable – You can add more vegetables or swap ingredients for dietary preferences.

This delicious Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup isn’t just comfort food—it also has some surprising health benefits! Here’s why this soup is a fantastic addition to your meal plan:

1. Packed with Nutrients

• Potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which support digestion, heart health, and immunity.
• Cheese and milk provide calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscles.
• Onions and garlic contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and boost the immune system.

2. Keeps You Full & Satisfied

• This soup is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which keep you feeling full for longer.
• Helps prevent unnecessary snacking and overeating, making it a great meal choice for those looking to maintain their weight.

3. Comfort Food for Mental Well-being

• Warm, creamy soups are known for their comforting effects—perfect for reducing stress and boosting mood.
• Cheese contains tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin, the happiness hormone.

4. Supports Muscle Growth & Energy Levels

• Bacon and cheese provide high-quality protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
• Potatoes and dairy offer a great source of carbohydrates, giving you energy for the day.

5. Can Be Made Healthier

If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can:

• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for less fat.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for added protein and probiotics.
• Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach for more vitamins.

6. Good for Cold Weather & Immunity

• The warmth of this soup soothes sore throats and congestion, making it a great meal for sick days.
• Garlic, onions, and potatoes contain immune-boosting compounds that help fight colds and flu.

7. Customizable for Different Diets

• Gluten-Free? Use cornstarch instead of flour.
• Low-Carb? Swap potatoes for cauliflower.
• Vegetarian? Skip the bacon and add mushrooms or smoked paprika for flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 820mg

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	820mg
Cholesterol	55mg
Calcium	250mg (25% DV)
Iron	2mg (10% DV)
Vitamin C	20mg (22% DV)
Potassium	900mg (26% DV)

Key Nutritional Highlights

• High in Protein & Healthy Fats – Helps keep you full and supports muscle growth.
• Rich in Calcium – Great for bone health thanks to cheese and milk.
• Good Source of Fiber – Helps digestion and keeps you satisfied longer.
• Packed with Potassium & Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and supports heart health.
• Moderate in Calories – Can fit into most meal plans, especially if portioned properly.

How to Make it Healthier?

• Lower the Calories & Fat → Use low-fat milk and cheese, or swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
• Reduce Sodium → Use low-sodium broth and cheese, and season with herbs instead of salt.
• Add More Fiber → Mix in carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make it Lower Carb → Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.

This soup is nutrient-dense and satisfying, making it a great option for a balanced meal. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, whether you want a lower-calorie version, a high-protein meal, or a low-carb alternative.

Would you like a custom version with specific nutrition goals? Let me know

Lovers of this Dish

This soup is adored by:

• Families – Kids and adults love the creamy, cheesy taste.
• Potato lovers – If you love potatoes, this is your dream soup.
• Cold weather foodies – Nothing beats a hot bowl of soup when it’s freezing outside.

Formation (Storage & Reheating Tips)

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with extra milk if needed.
• Reheat – Warm on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

This Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is satisfying, easy to make, and incredibly delicious.

So, grab your spoon, take a warm bite, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled moment!