Cheesy Potato Soup With Bacon

The best potato soup recipes are warming, rib-sticking affairs designed to keep the winter blues at bay. This rendition is wonderfully rich thanks to a generous dose of melty cheddar cheese, a shower of crispy crumbled bacon, and an undercurrent of onions, which you’ll sauté in the rendered bacon fat before deglazing with a splash of white wine.

The potatoes lend some body to the broth, but they will need a little help. Instead of a roux, this easy recipe uses a simple mixture of flour whisked into a measured amount of cold water before it’s added to the soup pot. For an even richer broth, substitute whole milk or more chicken stock for the water. Waxy potatoes work best here (think Red Bliss and similar types of potatoes), transforming from hard cubes to creamy, tender bites. You could also use Yukon Gold potatoes, but avoid russet potatoes or similar starchy varieties, which can break down and turn the broth gluey.

For a fully loaded baked potato soup vibe, set out bowls of toppings, like the chives or sliced green onions, crispy shallots, roasted broccoli (or whatever veggies you like), and sour cream so that diners can customize their bowls of soup with the various garnishes.

Looking for a different kind of potato soup? Try this creamy potato-leek purée or a briny, chunky clam chowder.