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Creamy Irish Potato Soup Recipe with Aged Cheddar and Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and creamy Irish potato soup featuring velvety potatoes, sharp aged cheddar, and crispy bacon, perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 oz aged cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the diced bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a thick paste.
  4. Pour in chicken broth while whisking gently to combine with the flour mixture. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
  6. Stir in whole milk and heat gently without boiling. Gradually add shredded aged cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not rush cooking the bacon to ensure crispiness and smoky flavor. Stir flour with butter and onions for 2 minutes to remove raw taste. Simmer soup gently to avoid mushy potatoes. Add cheese off heat or on very low heat to prevent clumping. Season gradually and taste often. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Optional smoked paprika or fresh chives add flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish potato soup, creamy potato soup, aged cheddar soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-irish-potato-soup-recipe-with-aged-cheddar-and-crispy-bacon-perfect-for-cozy-nights/