Hearty Cheddar Bacon Potato Celery Soup – Creamy & Delicious Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort in a bowl with our Hearty Cheddar Bacon Potato Celery Soup. This creamy and delicious recipe combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tender potatoes, and fresh celery for a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, this one-pot soup is easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors that your family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping or seeking a nourishing dish, this Cheddar Bacon Potato Celery Soup is a must-try!

Ingredients

Bacon and Base

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 carrots, finely diced (optional)
• 3–5 celery stalks, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (adjust based on size)

Soup Essentials

• 4 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 cups herb bouillon broth (prepared as per package instructions)
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free)

Additional Herbs

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Cheesy Goodness

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ cup Gruyère or Fontina cheese, shredded (optional for added depth)

Seasonings

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme (if replacing with fresh, 3 sprigs)
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky kick)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added umami)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for brightness)

Enhancements

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, for umami)
• ½ cup white wine (optional, for depth)
• 1–2 tablespoons miso paste (optional, for added savoriness)
• Hot sauce or sriracha (optional, for extra heat)

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions or chives
• Additional shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
• Crispy fried onions or croutons (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
• Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

2. Caramelize the Onions and Optional Vegetables

• Add the finely chopped onion (and diced carrots, if using) to the bacon fat.
• Sauté over medium to medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown and sweet.
• Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and any optional spices like smoked paprika or bay leaves. Stir well to incorporate the heat.

3. Enhance with Celery and Optional Mushrooms

• Add the diced celery (and sliced mushrooms, if using) to the pot.
• Sauté until tender, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

• If using white wine, pour in ½ cup now and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Add Garlic

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Incorporate Potatoes and Broth

• Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
• Pour in 2 cups beef stock and 2 cups herb bouillon broth (prepared as per package instructions).
• Add soy sauce or tamari if using.
• Tuck in the 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and 2 bay leaves for enhanced aromatic depth.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

7. Partial Blending for Creaminess and Texture

• Safety First: Ensure the soup is slightly cooled (but still hot) before blending to avoid pressure build-up in the blender. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to minimize handling hot liquids. See below

Using a Blender:

1. Transfer Half the Soup: Carefully ladle or pour about half of the soup into a blender. Do this in batches if necessary, depending on your blender’s capacity.
2. Puree Until Smooth: Blend until the soup reaches a smooth consistency. This will naturally thicken the soup and create a creamy base.
3. Return to the Pot: Pour the pureed soup back into the pot, combining it with the remaining unblended soup.

Using an Immersion Blender (Alternative):

• If you prefer not to transfer hot liquids, use an immersion blender. Submerge it halfway into the soup and blend until you reach a combination of smooth and chunky textures according to your preference.

Note: Blending part of the soup allows for a harmonious balance between creamy smoothness and hearty bite-sized pieces, enhancing both the texture and flavor complexity.

8. Adjusting Soup Thickness

• Natural Thickening: The partial blending process will naturally thicken the soup. Additionally, the diced potatoes contribute to the overall thickness.
• Optional Thickener: For a thicker, heartier consistency, incorporate one of the following methods: a. Flour Slurry:
  • Preparation: Mix 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
  • Incorporation: Gradually whisk the slurry into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  • Cooking: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to activate the thickening power of the flour. The soup will continue to thicken slightly after removing from heat.
  b. Cornstarch Slurry:
  • Preparation: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold wateruntil smooth.
  • Incorporation: Gradually whisk the slurry into the soup.
  • Cooking: Let the soup simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens. Cornstarch provides a glossy finish and a slightly different texture compared to flour.
  c. Potato Starch or Mashed Potatoes:
  • Preparation: For an extra potato boost, mash a small portion of the cooked potatoes directly in the soup using a potato masher or fork.
  • Incorporation: Stir the mashed potatoes back into the soup for added thickness without introducing additional flour or starches.
  d. Reduction:
  • Method: Increase the heat slightly and let the soup simmer uncovered for an extended period (10–15 minutes) to evaporate excess liquid, naturally thickening the broth.
  • Note: Be cautious to stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Choosing a Method: Select the thickening method that best suits your dietary preferences and desired texture. The flour and cornstarch slurries are quick and effective, while mashing additional potatoes provides a more natural thickening without altering the soup’s flavor.

9. Add Cheesy Goodness

• Reduce the heat to low.
• Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the soup.
• If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Gruyère or Fontina cheese for added depth and richness.
• Continue to stir until all cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.

10. Final Seasoning Adjustments

• Taste and Adjust: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Brighten the Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness.
• Umami Boost: Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari if desired.
• Extra Heat: Incorporate hot sauce or sriracha to your preference for an extra kick.

11. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the creamy cheesy bacon soup into bowls.
• Garnish Options:
  • Chopped green onions or chives
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled crispy bacon
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Crispy fried onions or croutons

Optional Enhancements

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms for added umami
• ½ cup white wine for depth
• 1–2 tablespoons miso paste for added savoriness

Tips for Success

• Browning the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy to impart maximum flavor to the soup base.
• Caramelizing Onions: Take your time to caramelize the onions properly; this step adds a deep, sweet flavor to the soup.
• Blending Safely: Always allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent accidents with hot mixtures.
• Cheese Selection: Use high-quality cheeses for the best melting and flavor results.
• Adjust Thickness Gradually: When thickening the soup, add your chosen thickener slowly to achieve your desired consistency without over-thickening.

Why Adjusting the Thickening Step Enhances the Soup:

• Customized Consistency: Offering multiple thickening options allows cooks to tailor the soup’s thickness to their personal preference, ensuring a satisfying and hearty meal.
• Flexibility: Whether you prefer a naturally thickened soup with extra potatoes or a smooth, rich texture with flour or cornstarch, the recipe accommodates various methods to achieve the desired consistency.
• Enhanced Texture: Proper thickening methods maintain the soup’s creamy base while preserving the delightful chunks of potatoes and vegetables, providing a balanced and hearty bite.

Tips for a Perfectly Thickened Soup:

1. Gradual Thickening: Always add thickeners gradually. It’s easier to achieve the desired consistency by adding small amounts over time rather than adding too much at once.
2. Stir Continuously: When incorporating slurries or pureeing, stir the soup continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of the thickening agent.
3. Adjust Based on Potatoes: If you opt to add more potatoes as a natural thickener, ensure they are adequately cooked and mashed to blend seamlessly into the soup without overpowering the texture.
4. Monitor Consistency: After each thickening step, check the soup’s consistency. Remember that the soup will slightly thicken as it cools and after adding milk and cheese.
5. Balance Flavors: Thicker soups can mellow flavors, so adjust seasoning after thickening to maintain a well-balanced taste profile.

Final Recipe Overview

By incorporating a flexible thickening step, the Hearty Cheddar Bacon Potato Celery Soup now caters to a wider range of texture preferences. Whether you prefer a thick, hearty stew or a creamy, velvety soup, these adjustments ensure that each bowl is perfectly tailored to your liking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Salad Pairing: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich soup.
• Additional Toppings: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.