Trashed potato soup has a way of just making everything feel better, doesn’t it? I remember one particularly chilly autumn evening when I was craving something warm and comforting. I didn’t have a lot of time, but I wanted something that felt like a hug in a bowl. That’s when I decided to whip up this incredibly easy and delicious loaded potato soup with bacon and cheddar. The aroma of simmering potatoes and savory bacon filled my kitchen, promising a truly hearty meal. It’s become my go-to comfort food recipe ever since. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Trashed Potato Soup

This hearty bacon cheddar potato soup is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly satisfying and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

Unbeatable Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any time you need a little warmth and coziness.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender potatoes is pure deliciousness.
Quick & Easy: Despite its rich taste, this trashed potato soup comes together surprisingly fast.
Highly Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste.
Hearty & Filling: It’s a substantial meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Crowd-Pleaser: This loaded potato soup with bacon is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or a delicious starter.

Ingredients for Trashed Potato Soup

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious and creamy loaded potato soup with bacon and cheddar:

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our aromatic base
1 cup chopped yellow onion – provides a sweet foundation
1 cup chopped celery – adds a subtle, fresh flavor
1 cup chopped carrots – brings a touch of sweetness and color
4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
8 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our hearty soup
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced – these create a wonderfully creamy texture when mashed
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a gentle kick
1 cup half-and-half – makes our trashed potato soup luxuriously creamy
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that irresistible cheesy goodness
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – the star of our loaded potato soup
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish – adds a pop of freshness and color

How to Make Trashed Potato Soup

Let’s get this incredibly comforting soup simmering on your stove. This recipe for loaded potato soup with bacon is straightforward and yields amazing results. You’ll be enjoying a bowl of pure deliciousness in no time!

Step 1: Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 cup chopped carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until these veggies are nice and softened, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You’ll start to smell their sweetness as they cook down.
Step 2: Toss in the 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Pour in the 8 cups chicken broth and add the 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced, along with the 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring this glorious mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Now it’s time to thicken our soup. You can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon for a rustic texture, or for a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. I love the slight chunkiness you get from mashing.
Step 5: Stir in the 1 cup half-and-half and the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is heated through. It’s crucial *not* to let this cheesy potato soup boil after adding the dairy and cheese, as it can curdle.
Step 6: Ladle your beautiful, creamy trashed potato soup into bowls. Top generously with the 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, and a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley. Enjoy this hearty bacon cheddar potato soup immediately!

Creamy Trashed Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Pro Tips for the Best Trashed Potato Soup

Want to elevate your loaded potato soup with bacon and cheddar from good to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. These simple tips will ensure your soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned every single time.

Don’t skip sautéing the mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots) – it builds a fantastic flavor base.
For an extra creamy texture without adding more dairy, mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot.
Use good quality cheddar cheese and shred it yourself; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
Taste and adjust seasoning *before* adding the cheese, as cheese adds its own saltiness.

What’s the secret to perfect Trashed Potato Soup?

The real secret to a perfect bowl of this hearty bacon cheddar potato soup is in the mash! Mashing some of the tender potatoes against the side of the pot creates a natural thickener, giving you that luxurious, creamy texture without needing heavy cream. If you prefer it super smooth, an immersion blender is your best friend. For more tips on achieving the perfect soup consistency, check out this guide.

Can I make Trashed Potato Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This loaded potato soup with bacon is actually even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare the soup completely but hold off on adding the cheese and bacon until just before serving. This prevents the cheese from becoming oily and keeps the bacon delightfully crispy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Trashed Potato Soup?

The biggest pitfall is overcooking after adding the dairy and cheese – always heat gently and never let it boil, or it can curdle. Also, resist the urge to add too much salt initially; taste the broth first, as the bacon and cheese will add saltiness. Finally, don’t over-blend if you want some texture! Learning about common cooking mistakes can help prevent these issues.

Best Ways to Serve Trashed Potato Soup

This hearty bacon cheddar potato soup is delicious on its own, but serving it with the right accompaniments truly makes it a feast. I love to serve a big bowl of this creamy potato soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory goodness. You can find some great bread recipes here.

For a more complete meal, consider pairing this loaded potato soup with bacon with a light, fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad provides a lovely contrast to the rich soup. You could also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate comfort food indulgence. This trashed potato soup recipe is so versatile!

Nutrition Facts for Trashed Potato Soup

This rich and creamy soup is a hearty meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the National Nutrition Portal.

How to Store and Reheat Trashed Potato Soup

Leftover trashed potato soup is a gift that keeps on giving! Once your delicious bowl of loaded potato soup with bacon is completely cool, transfer it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

If you want to store your hearty bacon cheddar potato soup for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Your homemade trashed potato soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trashed Potato Soup

Can I make this trashed potato soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this a vegetarian loaded potato soup, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add other savory elements like sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. It’s still a wonderfully creamy potato soup packed with flavor!

What kind of potatoes are best for trashed potato soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my top pick for this hearty bacon cheddar potato soup because they have a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor that breaks down beautifully when cooked. Russets will also work, but they can sometimes make the soup a bit starchier. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious, cheesy potato soup.

How can I make my trashed potato soup richer and creamier?

For an even more decadent bowl of this comfort food potato soup recipe, you can substitute some or all of the half-and-half with heavy cream. Alternatively, stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche right at the end, just before serving. This adds a wonderful tang and extra creaminess to your loaded potato soup.

Variations of Trashed Potato Soup You Can Try

While this classic loaded potato soup with bacon and cheddar is amazing as is, I love experimenting with ways to switch things up! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to explore new flavors, here are a few ideas for delicious variations of trashed potato soup.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a bit of heat. This spicy trashed potato soup is perfect for those who like a little fire in their comfort food.
Smoked Gouda Twist: Swap out half of the cheddar cheese for smoked Gouda. The smoky flavor adds a wonderful depth to this creamy potato soup.
Slow Cooker Method: For an even more hands-off approach to making this hearty bacon cheddar potato soup, combine the sautéed veggies, broth, and potatoes in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then finish with the dairy and cheese.
Vegan Delight: Make a hearty vegan version by using vegetable broth, plant-based milk (like unsweetened cashew or oat milk), and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Skip the bacon, but consider adding some crispy smoked tofu bits for texture.