Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup – a rich, one-pot comfort food with sharp cheddar, hearty potatoes, and crispy bacon, all without cream!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.