Creamy Potato Soup Cheese Bacon (Printable Version)
A comforting bowl with tender potatoes, melted cheese, and savory halal turkey bacon for a warm meal.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2.2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 stalks celery, diced
05 - 2 medium carrots, diced
→ Meats
06 - 5 oz halal turkey bacon, chopped
→ Dairy
07 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 3 1/3 cups whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded halal cheddar cheese
→ Pantry
11 - 3 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
→ Garnishes
14 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
15 - Extra shredded cheese, for topping
# How To Make It:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped turkey bacon and cook until golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon and reserve for garnish.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in diced potatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15 minutes.
04 - Partially puree the soup using a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
05 - Stir in whole milk and heavy cream. Cook gently over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
06 - Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into serving bowls and top with reserved crispy turkey bacon, additional shredded cheese, and chopped fresh chives.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The turkey bacon creates this incredible smoky depth without overwhelming the delicate potato flavor
- Its one of those rare soups that actually tastes better the next day, if you somehow manage to have leftovers
02 -
- Never let the soup come to a rolling boil after adding dairy or it will separate and become grainy
- Grating your own cheese makes the difference between restaurant quality and something that tastes like it came from a can
03 -
- Cook your turkey bacon in the butter first so the fat infuses everything with smoky flavor
- Room temperature dairy incorporates more smoothly than cold ingredients straight from the fridge