Here’s a rich, hearty, and comforting **Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar** — perfect for chilly days or a cozy dinner.
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# 🥔 **Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon & Cheddar**
## **Ingredients** (serves 4–6)
* 6 slices bacon, chopped
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter soup)
* 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* 2 tbsp butter
* 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: extra cheddar, chopped green onions, crispy bacon
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## **Instructions**
### **1. Cook the Bacon**
1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Leave a little bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
### **2. Sauté Veggies**
1. Add butter (if needed) to the pot.
2. Sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
### **3. Add Potatoes & Broth**
1. Add diced potatoes and stir for a minute.
2. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer **15–20 minutes**, until potatoes are tender.
### **4. Make the Soup Creamy**
1. In a small bowl, whisk flour into cream to make a smooth mixture.
2. Stir cream-flour mixture into the soup and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
* Optional: For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup.
### **5. Add Cheese & Bacon**
1. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Return crispy bacon to the soup (reserve a few pieces for garnish).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
### **6. Serve**
* Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar, bacon, and chopped green onions if desired.
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## ⭐ Tips
* **Extra cheesy:** Stir in an extra ½ cup cheddar for a richer flavor.
* **Creamier soup:** Use half the potatoes and puree them for a smooth, velvety texture.
* **Make ahead:** Soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
* **Add-ins:** Corn, chives, or diced ham make great additions.
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If you want, I can also give you a **slow-cooker version** or a **loaded baked potato-style version** of this soup.
Do you want me to do that?
