Velvety Cream Cheese Potato Soup with Rosemary & Bacon Crunch

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Picture baking weather, cozy blankets, and a warm, soothing bowl of soup. This Velvety Cream Cheese Potato Soup with Rosemary & Bacon Crunch brings all the comfort of classic potato soup, elevated by tangy cream cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up on any chilly day.

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Ingredients

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  • 6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (2% or whole)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 6 slices bacon, crisped and crumbled (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by melting the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh rosemary, allowing them to become fragrant for a minute or two.

Next, add the peeled and chopped potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, generally 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

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Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches) to purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Stir in the milk and cream cheese, making sure they are fully incorporated. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash more broth or milk to achieve your preferred consistency.

Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then allow the soup to gently simmer for another five minutes. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. Finally, top each bowl with crisp, crumbled bacon for a delightful crunch. Feel free to garnish with extra rosemary or a swirl of cream if you like.

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Remove the soup from heat and serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying, comforting meal.

This luscious potato soup is perfect for anyone craving a cozy, homemade meal with minimal fuss. It suits those who’d like a heartwarming dinner or a nourishing lunch to take on the go. For lighter variations, swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or skip it altogether to make it vegetarian-friendly. Add extra vegetables like broccoli or carrots, or stir in shredded cheddar for even more indulgence. With its velvety texture, savory flavor, and ease of preparation, this cream cheese potato soup is bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.