Description

This creamy and comforting Potato Soup features tender potatoes cooked with bacon, carrots, onions, and seasoned with parsley, celery seed, salt, and pepper, all simmered in chicken broth and enriched with milk and melted Velveeta cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup can be garnished with green onions and your favorite baked potato toppings for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

6 bacon strips, diced
3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
1 small carrot, grated
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

Thickening Mixture

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups 2% milk

Cheese and Garnish

8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon strips until crisp, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once cooked, drain off any excess drippings to reduce greasiness in the soup.
Add the vegetables and broth: To the same pan with the bacon, add the cubed potatoes, grated carrot, chopped onion, dried parsley flakes, salt, pepper, celery seed, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the flour and milk mixture: While the potatoes cook, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 2% milk in a separate bowl until smooth. This step helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth roux base for thickening the soup.
Thicken the soup: Gradually stir the flour and milk mixture into the simmering soup. Bring the soup back to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook for about two minutes until the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
Incorporate the cheese: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until fully melted and incorporated, adding richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired. For extra flavor, consider additional toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to mimic a loaded baked potato experience.

Notes

Whisk the flour and milk together before adding to prevent lumps and ensure smooth thickening.
Drain excess bacon drippings to avoid greasy soup.
Customize with extra toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or extra bacon for more flavor.
Use peeled potatoes for best texture in the soup.
Simmer gently to avoid breaking down the potatoes too much or mashing them into the broth.