When the weather cools and you just want something comforting in a bowl, this Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder is just the soul-soothing recipe you need. Creamy, savory, cheesy — every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Hi, I’m Chef Mia — I love turning simple ingredients into cozy, Pinterest-worthy meals. Cooking is my way of infusing everyday life with small joys, and this chowder is one of my favorite comfort creations.
Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into 1″ cubes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk (or mix of milk + cream)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chives or green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. In a large soup pot (or Dutch oven), cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon bits, leaving the fat in the pot. Set the bacon aside (reserve ~¼ for topping).
- Sauté aromatics. Add onion, celery, and garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until softened and fragrant (about 4–5 minutes).
- Cook potatoes. Add cubed potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender (10–15 minutes).
- Make the roux & thicken. In a separate small saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, cook ~1 minute until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Combine & cheese. Stir the milk-roux into the potato mixture. Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and silky.
- Season & serve. Taste and season with salt & pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon and chives.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Small saucepan (for roux)
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Slotted spoon
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for better melting.
- For a richer chowder, use half heavy cream + half milk.
- If you want a thicker chowder, mash a few of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese mixture.
- Swap bacon with smoked ham or pancetta, or skip for a meat-free version (increase seasoning).
Storage, Serving & Variations
| Storage / Use | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat gently over low heat; add extra milk if it thickens too much |
| Freezer | Not ideal | Potatoes tend to turn grainy after freezing, so freeze only if necessary |
| Serving | — | Serve with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or a simple side salad |
Why This Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder Works So Well
This chowder combines the best of comfort-food elements: creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melting cheddar. The roux-milk mixture ensures a silky, luscious body that isn’t too heavy. Mashing a few potatoes helps thicken the broth naturally without relying solely on flour. The combination of textures — tender potato chunks with crispy bacon bits — gives a delightful contrast.
I love serving this during cozy dinners at home or for casual get-togethers, where guests can customize their bowls with extra toppings (more cheese, chives, a dollop of sour cream). It also reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
More Cozy Recipes to Try
If this Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder warmed your heart, here are more comforting ideas from my kitchen:
- Warm up with this rich and flavorful Sinigang soup recipe, a cozy classic with a tangy twist.
- For a creamy comfort dish, try the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine — it’s indulgent and perfect for weeknights.
- Add a touch of sweetness to your table with Churro Cheesecake, a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
- Snack time gets an upgrade with Strawberry Protein Muffins — soft, moist, and packed with flavor.
Feel free to browse through my recipe collection for more cozy, comforting meals.
Thanks so much for cooking along with me — if you make this chowder, I’d love for you to save or pin it on Pinterest and share with your friends. 💛
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Bacon Cheddar Potato Chowder — A Cozy, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, savory chowder loaded with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar — the ultimate comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon (½-inch pieces)
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4–5 medium potatoes, cubed
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
Salt & pepper to taste
Chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crisp, remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, celery, garlic in bacon fat until soft.
3. Add potatoes + broth and simmer until tender.
4. Make a roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, then whisk in milk until thick.
5. Stir the thickened milk into the potato mixture; remove from heat.
6. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
7. Season with salt & pepper. Serve with bacon & chives.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
Mash a few potatoes for extra thickness.
For richer chowder, use half cream + half milk.
Swap bacon with smoked ham if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
