Description

This Cheesy Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort meal in a bowl. Packed with tender potatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy bacon, this creamy soup is like a loaded baked potato—only spoonable! Perfect for chilly days or any time you crave something warm, hearty, and satisfying. Ready in under an hour and easy enough for beginners!

Ingredients

Scale

6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to create a thick paste.
Add broth and potatoes: Gradually whisk in the broth, then add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash some potatoes: Lightly mash about half the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while keeping some chunks for texture.
Stir in milk and cheese: Lower the heat and pour in the milk or half-and-half. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with bacon bits, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip mashing some of the potatoes—it helps create that thick, creamy texture. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Want extra richness? Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg