There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chunky Bacon Potato Soup to satisfy your cravings for a rich and creamy meal. This hearty soup is loaded with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, cheese, and a smooth, velvety broth, making it the ultimate comfort food.

If you love potato and bacon combinations, you should also try Country Ranch Green Beans & Potatoes with Bacon, a rustic side dish packed with smoky, savory flavors.

Looking for the perfect crispy side dish to complement your soup? Homemade Crispy Hash Browns will add the perfect crunch to your meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Thick, creamy, and full of flavor
✔ Loaded with crispy bacon and tender potatoes
✔ One-pot recipe for easy cleanup
✔ Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
✔ Customizable with different cheese, vegetables, or proteins

Ingredients for Chunky Bacon Potato Soup

Main Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Additions

1 cup sour cream for extra richness
½ cup green onions, chopped, for garnish
1 tsp hot sauce for a spicy kick
Croutons or extra bacon bits for added crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pot.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter, onions, and garlic to the pot.
Cook until onions are soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).

3. Cook the Potatoes

Add potatoes and chicken broth, then simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Blend for a Creamy Texture

Mash half of the potatoes with a potato masher for a chunky consistency.
For a smoother soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender.

5. Add the Cream & Cheese

Stir in heavy cream, cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish & Serve

Stir in crispy bacon (reserving some for garnish).
Serve hot, topped with cheese, green onions, and extra bacon bits.

For an easy slow cooker alternative, check out Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup!

Best Side Dishes for Chunky Bacon Potato Soup

Crusty bread or garlic bread
Side salad with balsamic dressing
Cheddar biscuits or cornbread
Homemade Crispy Hash Browns for a classic diner-style pairing

Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Potato Soup

✅ Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
✅ Crisp the bacon first and save some for topping.
✅ Mash or blend part of the soup for thickness.
✅ Add cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
✅ Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

For a cheesier and even heartier version, try Homemade Crispy Hash Browns as a side dish!

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months (avoid freezing if using heavy cream, as it may separate).
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook bacon first, then add all ingredients except cream and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in cream and cheese before serving.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup won’t be as rich. Try whole milk or evaporated milk for a creamier result.

3. How do I thicken my soup more?

Mash more potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

Final Thoughts

This Chunky Bacon Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Want to try another creamy potato soup variation? Check out Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup for an easy, slow-cooked version.

Enjoy your warm and delicious bowl of soup! 🥔🥓🍲

Chunky Bacon Potato Soup: A Hearty & Comforting Classic

Author: kynall

Print Recipe

Description

This is our Granny’s potato soup recipe and man, is it good! It is far from diet food, but you won’t even care about the calories once you try it.

Ingredients

Scale

12 slices bacon
1 (32 oz.) carton low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water, optional
5 russet potatoes, cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups half-and-half
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy, then transfer to a separate, paper towel-lined plate.
Drain all but 3 tablespoons bacon fat and return pot to heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, then add onions and celery and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until softened.
Season generously with salt and pepper, dried parsley and red pepper flakes, if using.
Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth (and water, if thinner consistency is desired) and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water, then pour slurry into soup. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and half-and-half.
Stir until cream cheese and sour cream melt smoothly, and cook for another 5 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary, then transfer to serving bowls.
Top with crumbled bacon and freshly ground pepper and enjoy!