The Best Cheesy Potato Soup

Last Updated on January 24, 2024

December 1, 2023

 

 

The Best Cheesy Potato Soup

There is not much more comforting than a bowl of potato soup on a cold, winter day. Add in some cheese and bacon and you def have a winner! This recipe is the culmination of a couple years making and tweaking my potato soup recipe until I could get it just right for my viewers. Hope you enjoy as much as we did!
4.84 from 36 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs red potatoes
  • 1 lb bacon
  • 1 lb diced ham
  • 1/2 cup flour for roux
  • 20 oz Velvetta
  • 16 oz cheese (cheddar jack or cheddar gruyere)
  • 4 cups milk
  • 32 oz chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 tsp Dried rosemary
  • 3/4 tsp Dried sage
  • 3/4 tsp Dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 tsp onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp potato slayer seasoning

Instructions

  • Boil potato’s separately until fork tender in heavily salted water.
  • In a separate pot(at least 7qts) Cook ham for a couple min then remove, then cook diced bacon on medium heat and remove once cooked through.
  • Add flour and whisk to create a roux.
  • Add seasonings and stir into roux (I got ahead of myself and did not do this).
  • Slowly add milk and broth. Then cream of chicken and sour cream.
  • Stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time then add Velveeta.
  • Once Velveeta is melted you can add potatoes, ham, and bacon.
  • Turn heat all the way to low and cook for about 10-15 min stirring frequently.  Enjoy!

Video

Notes

If you can’t find potato slayer seasoning,  use 3/4 tsp dried dill, 1 tbsp tomato bouillon, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in its place! 

160 Comments

  1. Alora Perse

    No broth in the list and it says one cup of milk.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Corrected, thanks!

      Reply
      • Tammie

        It say sour cream twice. Is this a mistake?

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          Mistake, I’ll correct it. Thanks!

          Reply
          • Sandra

            It’s really good! I did add a finely diced onion after I removed the bacon, before the flour. Allowed to soften and turn translucent before adding flour. It’s really a good recipe.

          • Matt Ramsey

            So glad you enjoyed it!

        • Leah c

          What if I wanted to cook this in the crockpot? How should I adjust the cooking and the chronological way also

          Reply
          • Matt Ramsey

            I have a slow cooker recipe as well. Just search potato and both should come up!

  2. Becca

    I make a potato soup that also includes celery, carrots and onion in it. In my recipe I sauté those in butter by themselves. If I were to incorporate those vegetables in do you think I could do it the same way with this recipe? Just cook them and then put them in at the same time I add the potatoes? Your recipe looks delicious and I’m gonna try to blend yours and mine lol.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Yes, that should be fine!

      Reply
  3. Brock Williamson

    had to made this for myself and let me tell you this was absolutely boom 💥 !!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Love it! 🙌

      Reply
      • Renee

        Being Cheese based, any idea how well it freezes/thaws? I would like to freeze in portions for meals later. Has this been done? I know many cheese based items thaw and have a bad/gritty consistency. So just trying to Guage this one before I mess it up! Lol

        It was super yummy, despite the bit of burned bacon…haha!

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          I haven’t tried it, that would be my fear as well.

          Reply
        • Jeremy

          Its been my experience that if you intend to freeze a cheesy thing like this soup or cheezy dips for later consumption follow these steps. 1st make sure it is cooled to room temp this will help prevent bacteria from growing (never put warm or hot foods in the refrigerator or freezer with out allowing the steam to escape so always vent). I like to refrigerate over night them move to freezer next day. 2) When going to reheat from frozen, dont do it, thaw it 24hrs in the refrigerator first at least 24hrs. 3) the best method i find to reheat anything like this is steam like a steamer in a restaurant if you dont have one you can do the simmer in a doubled ziploc bag. If you freeze the soup or dip in the zip lock bag it makes this method easier. Get a 8 to 12 qt pan filled about half way with hot water place on stove on low heat untill its start to simmer ( tiny little bubbles will start forming) but not boiling. Place sealed and doubled up ziploc bag into simmering water for 10 to 20 min being sure to leave the zip up out of the water (also a side note the ziplock freezer bags hold up alot better as they are thicker) heat soups till it reachs 165°F and enjoy

          Reply
        • Rhonda Rutledge

          I do it with my cheese soup all the time just thaw completely and then reheat

          Reply
    • Patricia

      You said 1/2 cup of flour in the video but you listed 1/4 which is it?

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        1/2, corrected it!

        Reply
  4. Glen

    Looks great. Will be trying this soon

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Matt Ramsey

    Will get it corrected, thanks!

    Reply
    • JOYCE CHRZANOWSKI

      What is potato slayer? I’ve never heard of it.

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        It’s the name of a seasoning from “Fire and Smoke Society” brand. I get it at Walmart.

        Reply
        • Dana filbert

          How much of the potatoe slayer and when do you add it? It’s not on the recipe

          Reply
          • Matt Ramsey

            2 Tbsp, I need to fix it. Thanks

      • Trey

        4 stars
        It’s good but there is no way you got yours to thicken on 1/2 cup of flour. I had to use 2 cups. This has to be a mistake.

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          No, made it again today with 1/2 cup…. Try adding your milk more slowly for the first couple cups.

          Reply
        • Diane M

          5 stars
          You sure you letting your roux cook as well Trey? You must let that flour taste cook out.

          Reply
        • Diana

          Mine thickened almost too much! I added the milk slowly first then gradually added the broth after I was starting to thickened. My soup was so thick, I added extra liquid to thin it out a little. So strange that ours were so different!

          Reply
      • Pauline

        I would like to have this to it sounds good

        Reply
    • Kyleigh

      5 stars
      What would be portions for 4 servings instead of 10?

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        Just cut all the ingredients in half for 5 servings. Only have a little extra.

        Reply
      • Diana

        4 stars
        Mine thickened almost too much! I added the milk slowly first then gradually added the broth after I was starting to thickened. My soup was so thick, I added extra liquid to thin it out a little. So strange that ours were so different!

        Reply
    • Gail A Ridgeway

      Made this today – my best friend and her family loved it! Increased bacon to 1.5 lb (try Nueske’s from Wisconsin). Four cups of milk and four cups of chicken broth – double check ingredients. Her husband (very picky) said it was “a solid 10” – thanks!

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        Awesome, love to hear it!

        Reply
  6. Amy Winningham

    Hello! I am making this tonight and following your recipe. You left out the broth and the incorrect amount of milk in the recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Should be corrected!

      Reply
      • Katie Hook

        How long does it take to make this

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          I don’t remember exactly, I’m gonna say 45-60 min?

          Reply
      • Judi

        It 6:47 a.m and it’s a cold Texas morning….arrrrgh I need to make this!

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          Def warm you up!

          Reply
    • Ashley

      Is it self rising flour or all purpose?

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        All purpose!

        Reply
  7. C.l

    4 stars
    This was fantastic! It does seem there a couple steps missing like what to do with the soup and sour cream but I figured it out!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Fixed!

      Reply
      • Christel Davis

        Can this recipe be halved? I think it would be to much for 2 people. Conversely can it be doubled for holidays?

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          Yes on both! Would need 2 large pans(7QT) or larger if you double it.

          Reply
  8. Sheryl

    I watched the video, which made me want to make it. Then I followed the recipe and it never told me when to add the spur cream and cream of chicken soup. Soooooooo I forgot about them until I went to clean up the counter and they were still there 😂😂 It is still so good!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      I fixed the instructions. Very sorry about that!

      Reply
      • Sheryl

        It was still SO GOOD!!! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    • Elizabeth

      5 stars
      My husband seen this and sent it to me. I made it but used Gouda and Munster cheese and no herbs bc he doesn’t like that stuff. It was AMAZING! I shared it with some friends and family and they said it was the best they’ve had in a really long time! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        Glad you all enjoyed it!

        Reply
  9. Kaitlin Brase

    5 stars
    Such good soup! Made it lastnight for my family, every one here loves it! I’m definitely keeping this recipe.

    I am curious though, are the leftovers freezeable?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Honestly, I’ve never tried. We just eat it til
      It’s gone. Next time I make it I’ll trial
      That!

      Reply
  10. Amber Cosmen

    5 stars
    Our family has been looking for a good potato soup recipe! Please make it. You won’t regret it 🫶

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  11. Don Gross

    Hey in the TikTok video you mentioned Thyme as one of the seasonings, but it is not on your list. I added 1/2 a tsp to mine and it turned out really good. How much do you use?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      3/4 tsp, I’ll corrrect it. Thanks for the heads up!

      Reply
  12. Amber

    5 stars
    Making this right now and I just KNOW it’s gonna be amazing! I was even inspired to finally buy myself the 7qt dutch oven I’ve had my eye on (gotta love them Kohls deals at Christmas time!)I’m adding some chopped broccoli tho, just cuz it sounds like a good add on. Wish me luck!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, hope you love it! Good luck!

      Reply
      • Amber

        5 stars
        It was SO great!! I shared it with a few of our neighbors and everyone absolutely loved it!! I’m making it again right now!!

        Reply
  13. Kimberley

    5 stars
    This recipe is AMAZING! Won a family soup competition with this bad boy! Highly recommend☺️😁

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Now that is what I love to hear! Thank you!!!!

      Reply
  14. Sanford

    I think that I would rather have a bowl of MY chili…………………. with a side of,, a big ol bowl of YOUR potato soup!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Solid combo!

      Reply
  15. Nate

    Stop yelling. It makes you look like a child.

    Reply
  16. Laura

    This was fantastic 😍. Although I had everything besides sour cream and I used cream cheese instead.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  17. Jessica

    5 stars
    Hands down the best soup ever!! This is gonna be a staple in our home. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Love to hear it, thank you!

      Reply
  18. Amanda Dehart

    5 stars
    Cook this for my family today, New Year’s Eve, and had fresh Sourdough Bread for dipping. It was a smash!! 💥 Everyone loved it!! We will be freezing part of it for another rainy day. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, thank you!

      Reply
  19. Rachel

    5 stars
    Just finished making this about 5 min ago. Altered the seasonings just a bit (to my family’s taste). Was a little heavy handed with the milk and stock, so I added a bit of instant mashed potatoes to thinken it up to a chowder consistency. Added some frozen corn to make it a corn and potato chowder, and it is soooooo yum!

    Now, just waiting on the waygu steak on the grill, and it’s gonna be an amazing twist on steak and potatoes for New years eve dinner!

    Thanks for an amazing recipe!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Matt

        I’m making this tomorrow I’m gonna use Applewood smoked bacon also love your tiktoks

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          Thank you!

          Reply
  20. Kirsten Michael

    I had a similar version of this last week at my local pub & grub. Then I see this amazing little video and I knew it was on. I just returned from the grocery store with the ingredients I didn’t have on hand. It’s going down tonight in chilly Detroit! I’ll come back later to report how the fam damily liked it.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
      • Kirsten Michael

        Well Matt, family approved! This turned out amazing! I did sauté up some shallot & celery that needed to be used in the fridge. My 73 year old father said this is a keeper! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

        Reply
  21. Adam Paul Jackson

    5 stars
    Made this the other night, it was a big hit with the family. I will see definitely be making this again, along with some of your other recipes.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome!

      Reply
      • Tamara

        5 stars
        Made this today after finding you on TikTok and omgoodness, it was amazing! Followed the recipe exactly with no issues. Thank you for a great recipe!

        Reply
        • Matt Ramsey

          Awesome, thank you!

          Reply
  22. Rachel

    I made this tonight for my kids and I. Soooo delicious! I didn’t put the diced ham because my local grocery store was out but this is definitely a winner in my kids book!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Love to hear it!

      Reply
  23. Linda

    Broccoli is perfect!!

    Reply
    • B

      How do you suggest reheating the next day ?

      Reply
      • Matt Ramsey

        We just microwave it 30 sec at a time until it’s where you want it.

        Reply
    • Matthias

      5 stars
      I made this and it turned out great today

      Reply
  24. Matt Ramsey

    We sure enjoyed it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

    Reply
  25. Eric Stephens

    Omg……I found this recipe on tic Tok and my wife made it tonight and oh my goodness the best potato soup I have ever ate……she used cheddar and smoked Gouda cheese. Cause it’s what we had……sir you are amazing…thank you for sharing….

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Thanks a bunch!

      Reply
  26. Patsy Smith

    What are the names of all the herbs and spices?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      They are listed in the recipe.

      Reply
  27. Kelly Myers

    Deliciousness!!! Great soup! Wonderful taste!!! I did add some finely chopped onion to bacon while cooking. Definitely a keeper!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Thank you!

      Reply
  28. Nicole Marks

    5 stars
    Great recipe! It’s one of the few recipes that I’ve made that far exceeded my expectations! I enjoyed it in a sourdough bread bowl and it was far more delicious than any I’ve had in a restaurant. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  29. Heather

    Can’t wait to make this tonight

    Reply
  30. Elizabeth

    5 stars
    I’m a lover of potatoes in any form but my husband is not. He’s a little picky and I’m not one to cook two separate meals for both of us but this recipe has him loving potato soup!! I halved the recipe since I don’t have a soup pot that big and it turned out just amazing!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome!

      Reply
  31. Elizabeth

    5 stars
    I’m a lover of potatoes in any form but my husband is not. He’s a little picky and I’m not one to cook two separate meals for both of us but this recipe has him loving potato soup!! I halved the recipe since I don’t have a soup pot that big and it turned out just amazing!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Fantastic!

      Reply
  32. Jen

    Husband found the receipe on tik tok and making it today with some left over ham. Smells so good. Thank you for the receipe.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  33. Ashton Saum

    2 stars
    This is almost more of a side dish than a soup. Super heavy and you can almost build a house with how thick it is. Very strong flavor of bacon due to using the grease to make your roux. Hubby liked it but I probably won’t make again.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      That’s ok, everyone has different preferences…

      Reply
  34. Crystal Brown

    5 stars
    Made it with yellow potatoes and added a block of cream cheese …excellent!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      🙌

      Reply
  35. Jodi

    Fat chick doing a dance… YASSSSS

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  36. Angel

    5 stars
    The Best!!! Everyone love it that could get to it lol. My husband ate most of it !! Instructions were well put. Thank you! ❤️

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      I really appreciate the feedback, glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  37. Walter Rommel

    5 stars
    DUDE!!! This is the bomb! My kids are picky and they loved this.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      🙌

      Reply
  38. Deborah Prefontaine

    I can’t wait to make this for my crew at work.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Hope they love it!!

      Reply
  39. Stephanie Dean

    I seen this recipe on TikTok and bought the stuff to cook tomorrow. I love to cook like you do and I’m so excited to try this. From NW Georgia.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  40. Kingcutter

    5 stars
    Was great!! Only thing I may change is not as much rosemary.. it’s a little over powering for me. The wife loves it though.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      You can def reduce those!

      Reply
  41. Meghan

    5 stars
    I just made this tonight and I really enjoyed it. I don’t cook much, so the instructions could have been more specific. (Cut the potatoes before cooking them unlike me) Making the roux was a bit confusing to me. Was this suppose to be on low or? And I’m not entirely sure why we had to slowly add the milk and chicken broth. It didn’t seem to do anything? Anyways, it still turned out delicious. I think next time I will add Jalepeno’s and shredded chicken to it. Cause, I think it will make it 🤌

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      The video kind of clears some things up as well as I go through the process.

      Reply
  42. Cindy Morris

    Can this be made to cool in Crock pot?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      I’m working on a crockpot version now, will have a couple tweaks to make it super easy while still keeping the same flavor profile!

      Reply
  43. Jacqueline

    5 stars
    My dad had wisdom teeth surgery plus a bone graft. And he does NOT like soups. It was quite difficult to find food he can eat and like at the same time. And then I finally came across your recipe! He absolutely LOVES it! Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe 🥳

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, love to hear it!

      Reply
  44. Sheryl

    I didn’t see it listed….How many servings is this recipe?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Depending on size, prob 10-12 bowls.

      Reply
  45. Jen Hartman

    5 stars
    Just made this today-VERY delicious, very filling and absolutely perfect on a cold winter’s day!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Love to hear it!

      Reply
  46. Dom Jordan

    5 stars
    Made this over last night and finished this morning.. Do not have a 7 quart pan, so added it to the 7 quart slow cooker.. Added FAR more Chicken Broth than called for, and most of it was FORTIFIED, so after eating about two bowls worth of broth, I STILL don’t have room for the cheeses OR the sour cream, yet.. But even so, as is, it’s better than My regular potato soup, and THAT has a cult following at work! When I first read the recipe, and saw RED potatoes, I thought NAH.. GOLDEN potatoes make the best soup.. But DAYAMM man! Phenomenal!
    Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  47. Christie

    I was in a big rush and tried making this. I accidentally did 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika instead of 2 teaspoons. It was still good, but a bit smokey! I’m going to have to try again!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Bummer! I bet it did overpower it.

      Reply
  48. Brooke Smith

    5 stars
    I have recently falling in love with making soup! Never made potato soup before. Made this tonight and omg! I can’t believe I made this!! It tastes so good!! Question- how do you think this would freeze? Have you tried doing that?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      I have not frozen it but I suspect it would do fine!

      Reply
  49. Amy Swanson

    5 stars
    This soup is amazing 🤩 I just got done making it for a very late dinner lol.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Glad you enjoyed, thank you!

      Reply
  50. Jessica

    5 stars
    Loved this it was so yummy and making it again for our work souper bowel at work hoping this wins grist prize lol

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, hope you win! Let me know!

      Reply
  51. lou

    hello i would like to make this for game day but instead of chopped ham can i substitute for steak?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Yeah, that should be fine. Depending on how done you want the steak might add it in the bowls individually.

      Reply
  52. Amber Kartes

    this soup is ahhhhhmazing WE LOVE IT I was worried I would mess up the roux because id never made a roux before but it came out great!!! This will be a staple in my household for sure!! Thank you for the recipe!!!

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  53. Faye Davis

    5 stars
    I made this one weekend and my son and his 3 friends smashed it. The recipe is literally perfect for a 7 quart pan. I am trying it today in a 7.5 instapot still cooking my potatoes first so we will see how this goes. I love making soups so I’ll be looking through here to see what others u have on here!

    Reply
  54. Faye Davis

    So here is a spin off from my comment. I had like 3 cups of beef broth in my fridge from another recipe and forgot to buy more chicken broth. So I made 4 cups of broth from both beef that I had and a little chicken I had. And how about it is still Yummo!!!!! I bought that potato slayer spice from Walmart for this time around. And yes sir!!!! I can’t wait for it to be completely done. And it’s working at well in the instapot too

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Awesome, how long in the instant pot?

      Reply
  55. Carole Swinney

    I love your recipe and I am going to try it.

    I am 79 yrs old and when I make potato soup

    I cook my potato’s in chicken broth

    You might try it and see if it works for you

    When I make mine it is for kids and grandkids 35 +

    Thanks and God Bless you

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Great idea, thank you!

      Reply
  56. Amy Preston

    5 stars
    I made this the other night and followed the directions exactly. It turned out perfect and was so delicious. The next time I will halve the recipe because it makes a lot of soup.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Great to hear!

      Reply
  57. Kim Hinkle

    the crockpot thick potato soup looks amazing! so does everything else! I would love to have the recipe!

    Reply
  58. Carla P.

    I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. I do have a question regarding substitutions. I have a Keto diet observer that can’t have potatoes so I sub cauliflower in their place. Would this recipe work with cauliflower? Also, I am curious whether I could sub out the AP flour for GF flour for those with gluten allergies? Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Don’t see why it wouldn’t work!

      Reply
  59. Brett Wolverton

    5 stars
    I made this tonight after seeing one of your videos

    The soup was rich, hearty, and packed with flavor with plenty of leftovers to eat off of this week.

    Will definitely make this again.

    Reply
  60. Tammy

    I didn’t see the potato slayer seasoning in the ingredients list. How much did you add and is it used in addition to all the other seasonings or as a substitution?

    Reply
    • Matt Ramsey

      Can sub for the dill and tomato bullion with 2tbsp if you like!

      Reply
  61. Penny

    5 stars
    this is so good.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Filter by Categories
Recipes
Appetizers
Beef
Breakfast
Casserole
Chicken
Dessert
Dinner
Fish
Pasta
Potatoes
Side Dishes
Sliders
Snacks
Sandwiches

Categories

Archives

You Might Also Like