This smoky potato cheese soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for chilly evenings. Made with smoky bacon, potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, this soup is sure to satisfy your craving for comfort food. The delicious blend of flavors and textures will keep you coming back for more. It's easy to make and can be ready in just under an hour. This soup is great for lunch or dinner and can be served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.
- In the same pot with the remaining bacon grease, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the cooked potatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Add the thyme, salt, and black pepper to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the smoky potato cheese soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives and crispy bacon. Serve hot.
Interesting Facts
- The smoky flavor in this soup comes from the combination of smoky bacon and smoked gouda cheese.
- Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Cheddar cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein.