Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup
So you want something warm, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent? Something that makes you forget about salads and lean into comfort food like it’s your full-time job? Same.
Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is what happens when potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar decide to form the ultimate comfort squad. It’s thick, cozy, and loaded with flavor. This is not dainty soup. This is “grab a big spoon and settle in” soup.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First of all, bacon. Crispy, salty, smoky bacon. It immediately upgrades everything it touches.
Second, cheese. And not just any cheese—sharp cheddar. The kind that melts beautifully and brings that bold, creamy richness. Wisconsin would approve.
And the potatoes? They make it hearty enough to count as dinner. No “I’m still hungry” nonsense here. Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded—it melts smoother and tastes better.
It’s also surprisingly simple. Cook, simmer, stir, melt. Done. It’s basically idiot-proof comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your cozy lineup:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for topping)
Optional extras:
- Sour cream
- Extra bacon crumbles
- A pinch of smoked paprika
Simple ingredients. Maximum cozy vibes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. - Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now. - Make the Roux
Add butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This thickens your soup later. - Add Liquid and Potatoes
Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender. - Add Milk and Cream
Stir in milk and heavy cream. Simmer gently. Don’t let it boil aggressively—keep it smooth. - Melt the Cheese
Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar gradually. Add cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping. - Finish and Season
Add crispy bacon back in (save some for topping). Taste and adjust salt and pepper. - Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions, extra bacon, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and cozy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pre-shredded cheese
It doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly shredded works better.
Boiling after adding cheese
High heat can make cheese grainy. Keep it gentle.
Undercooking the potatoes
They should be fork-tender before adding dairy.
Skipping seasoning
Potatoes need salt. Taste and adjust.
Making it too thin
If it’s watery, simmer longer or mash a few potatoes to thicken naturally.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Want it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Vegetarian version?
Skip bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for depth.
Extra cheesy?
Add a bit of Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
Need gluten-free?
Replace flour with cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Prefer chunky soup?
Leave it as-is. Want smoother? Blend part of it with an immersion blender.
Add veggies?
Throw in diced carrots or celery with the onions.
Other Soups Dishes:
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats beautifully. Just warm gently.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based soups can separate slightly, but it’s still doable. Stir well when reheating.
Why is my soup grainy?
You probably overheated the cheese. Keep the heat low.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch.
How do I thicken it more?
Mash some potatoes in the pot or simmer longer.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook everything except cheese, then stir cheese in at the end.
Is this filling enough for dinner?
Absolutely. Add crusty bread and you’re set.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying without being complicated.
Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or whenever you just want something indulgent and hearty. And honestly? It tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
So crisp that bacon, shred that cheese, and stir like you mean it.
Now go impress someone—or just curl up with a bowl and treat yourself—to your ultra-cozy masterpiece. You’ve earned it.
