Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup with Bacon and Green Onions Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 oz bacon, bite-sized pieces
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or Gluten Free 1:1 flour)
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup mild or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste
• Green onions, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a stockpot and cover completely with about 1 inch of water. Add ½ tsp salt to the water. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a knife. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the bite-sized bacon pieces in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it on a plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot.

3. 3

   Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the bacon grease in the pot. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add Flour and Liquids: Whisk in the ¼ cup of flour quickly to create a roux. Slowly pour in the 2 ½ cups of whole milk and 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring.

5. 5

   Combine Potatoes and Season: Add the drained potatoes back into the pot with the soup base. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, adjusting to taste.

6. 6

   Finish Soup: Stir in ¾ cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon pieces. Bring the soup to a boil briefly to melt the cheese and incorporate the ingredients well. Remove from heat.

7. 7

   Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon and green onions or other favorite toppings.