This mouthwatering Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or gathering. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite in my household. Follow me as I guide you through this simple yet delicious recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

To start, let me gather the ingredients you will need. Here’s what you need for this delightful soup:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or chives for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! First, I heat a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. I cook it until it’s crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it is nice and crispy, I remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.

Next, I add the diced onion to the pot and sauté it in the remaining bacon grease until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, I stir in the minced garlic and cook it for an additional minute until fragrant. To this mixture, I add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. I bring the whole pot to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. I cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

After the potatoes are cooked, I take a potato masher and mash some of the potatoes right in the pot, leaving the rest chunky for texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

Next, I stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and the reserved bacon pieces. I let everything warm through and mix well. At this point, I season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a deliciously creamy texture.

Once everything is heated through, I ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and some chopped green onions or chives. For an added touch, I sometimes put a few crispy bacon pieces on top.

And there you have it, my delightful Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar! This soup is comforting, hearty, and absolutely perfect for chilly days. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!