This Creamy Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup is velvety smooth, bursting with the bold richness of sharp cheddar, and loaded with tender potatoes, all topped with crispy bacon for the perfect finishing touch. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making it quick and easy for weeknight dinners. Plus, since it’s made with broth instead of cream, this lightened-up version of an American classic still delivers all the comforting flavours you crave—without feeling too heavy!
Ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy bowl of deliciousness:
- Olive Oil & Bacon: Adds richness and that irresistible smoky flavour.
- Onion: Yellow onions lend a mild, savoury base for the soup.
- Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets break down perfectly, making the soup creamy without adding cream.
- Broth & Water: Chicken broth for richness, or vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth—grating your own cheese ensures it melts smoothly.
- Chives: A fresh and vibrant topping.
Pro Tip: For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and boost the flavour with a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a gentle kick of heat.
Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup in 3 Easy Steps
Making this cozy soup is simple and requires just one pot:
- Cook the Bacon & Onion: Sauté the bacon until crispy, then set it aside. In the same pot, cook the onion until soft and golden.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Add the potatoes, broth, water, and salt. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender and break apart easily.
- Blend & Add Cheese: Blend the soup until smooth or leave it a bit chunky if you prefer. Stir in the cheddar until melted and creamy, then top with crispy bacon and chives before serving.
Get the exact ingredient quantities in the printable recipe card below!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup
- Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes—it’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Everything comes together in just one pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
- Customisable to Your Taste: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version, add smoked paprika for an extra kick, or add some carrots or leeks to the soup for more depth.
- Family-Friendly Favourite: Loved by both kids and adults—serve it with crusty bread, and everyone will be happy!
- Great for Leftovers: This soup gets even better after resting, making it a perfect meal prep option for lunch or dinner the next day.
You’ll find yourself making this Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup on repeat all season long—it’s a classic for a reason! If you love comforting soups like this one, check out my German Split Pea Soup, or Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup for more cozy meal ideas.
Creamy Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup
Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup – a rich, one-pot comfort food with sharp cheddar, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, all without cream!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 100 g smoked diced bacon
- 150 g onion, chopped (2 small yellow onions)
- 1 kg starchy potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (2-3 cm)
- 500 ml chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 200 ml water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2-3 tablespoons chives, chopped (for serving)
Method
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Cook the Bacon: Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
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Sauté the Onion: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
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Cook the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes, broth, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender.
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Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave some chunks for a heartier texture if you prefer. Alternatively, carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender—just be careful with the hot liquid!
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Add the Cheese & Serve: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and chopped chives. Enjoy!
Notes
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.
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