Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup

The Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is a celebration of Midwest heartiness and dairy-rich decadence. Born from Wisconsin’s deep culinary love affair with cheese and bacon, this soup delivers on comfort and flavor. The creamy broth is enriched with sharp cheddar and balanced by tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and smoky, crispy bacon.

Each spoonful of this soup is a reminder of how simple, wholesome ingredients—when paired with a few key techniques—can result in something extraordinary. It’s warm, it’s filling, and it’s exactly what you need when the weather turns cold or your soul craves comfort.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup baby carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• ⅓ cup chopped onion

• ⅓ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced small

• 4½ cups chicken broth (divided)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups half and half cream

• 10 strips cooked bacon, diced and divided

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1 teaspoon Frank’s hot sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or 1 clove minced garlic)

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are tender.

3. In a separate pot, boil the diced potatoes in 1½ cups of chicken broth until fork-tender, then drain.

4. Add the cooked potatoes to the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat evenly.

5. Pour in the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth and half and half. Stir and cook over medium heat until slightly thickened.

6. Reduce the heat. Stir in ¾ cup of the diced bacon, dry mustard, hot sauce, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.

7. Gradually add shredded cheese while stirring. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted. Do not boil after adding cheese.

8. Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon bits and optional garnishes like green onions or fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings

A Heartwarming Taste of the Midwest: The Legacy of Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup

When the weather turns cold and the wind bites through your coat, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to restore comfort to the body and soul. Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup is a rich, indulgent, and satisfying dish that blends smoky bacon, hearty potatoes, and creamy cheese into a single pot of comfort. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a taste of Midwestern hospitality served with a spoon.

Rooted in the heart of America’s Dairyland, this soup is a homage to Wisconsin’s renowned cheese culture, its cold winters, and the tradition of wholesome, home-cooked meals. From family dinners to game-day gatherings, it’s a dish that never goes out of season.

The Wisconsin Connection

What makes this soup especially meaningful is its geographic and cultural origin. Wisconsin is not just a state—it’s the state when it comes to dairy. It’s home to over 600 types of cheese, world-renowned creameries, and generations of cheese-making traditions passed down through immigrant families.

The cheese used in this soup—typically a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack—is reflective of Wisconsin’s best. Paired with smoky bacon and earthy russet potatoes, the result is a creamy, savory meal that feels both rustic and refined. Every spoonful carries the essence of Wisconsin’s commitment to flavor, craftsmanship, and hearty nourishment.

Why This Soup Stands Out

Among the many cheese soups out there, what makes the Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup particularly special? It’s the balance between comfort and complexity, indulgence and simplicity. Here are several reasons why this soup has earned its place in kitchens across the country:

• Rich Flavor Profile: The smoky bacon offers depth, while the potatoes create a hearty base. The sharp cheddar brings bite, and Monterey Jack adds a creamy finish.

• Foolproof Cooking: This recipe is approachable for beginners yet still impressive for experienced cooks. It’s a classic “one-pot” soup that delivers gourmet flavor without fuss.

• Customizable: You can easily add your own twist—spicy heat with cayenne, extra veggies for nutrition, or different cheeses for flavor variety.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for batch cooking and leftovers.

• Universally Loved: This is one of those rare dishes that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t love creamy cheese and crispy bacon?

The Power of Key Ingredients

The magic of this soup lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. But don’t let that fool you—each one plays a vital role in crafting the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

• Bacon: It’s more than just a garnish. Cooking the vegetables in the bacon drippings builds a base of deep, smoky richness that permeates every bite.

• Russet Potatoes: Known for their starchy texture, russets break down just enough to thicken the soup naturally while still leaving some chunks for heartiness.

• Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar adds complexity, while the melting quality of Monterey Jack ensures a smooth, silky finish.

• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and red bell pepper create an aromatic foundation and add color, crunch, and nutrition.

• Half and Half Cream: It creates the luxurious texture that transforms this from a basic soup to a decadent main dish.

Together, these ingredients make for a soup that is deeply satisfying without being overly heavy or greasy.

Health Benefits in a Comforting Package

At first glance, a bacon and cheese soup might seem like a purely indulgent treat. But surprisingly, this dish also offers several nutritional perks, especially when balanced with thoughtful portions and sides.

• Protein-Packed: Between the bacon, cheese, and cream, this soup contains a significant amount of protein—great for keeping you full and supporting muscle repair.

• Vitamin-Rich: The inclusion of carrots, celery, potatoes, and red bell peppers brings in essential vitamins like A, C, and B6.

• Calcium Boost: With all that dairy, it’s no surprise this soup is a strong source of calcium, important for bone health and nerve function.

• Hearty Without Overeating: The soup’s richness means a small bowl goes a long way, helping you feel full and satisfied without needing a huge portion.

You can also tweak the soup to be lighter if desired: substitute milk for some of the cream, use turkey bacon, or reduce the cheese slightly.

Make It Your Own: Variations and Add-Ons

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can modify it to suit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs.

• Add Protein: Shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or even ground turkey can turn this into a more substantial meal.

• Spice It Up: A teaspoon of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or jalapeños can add some heat for spice lovers.

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in corn, kale, or even cauliflower for added texture and nutrition.

• Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère for nuttiness, smoked gouda for depth, or blue cheese for bold flavor. A mix of cheeses works wonderfully.

• Garnish Ideas: Croutons, scallions, chives, or a swirl of sour cream can add flair to your final bowl.

Tips for the Perfect Pot Every Time

Even the most comforting recipe benefits from a few professional tips. Here’s how to make sure your soup turns out flawless with every batch:

1. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect how smoothly it melts. For best results, grate it fresh.

2. Don’t Let It Boil After Adding Cheese: High heat can cause the cheese to curdle. Once the cheese is added, keep the soup at a gentle simmer.

3. Cook Bacon First: Use the bacon drippings to sauté the vegetables—it infuses the entire soup with a smoky undertone.

4. Use a Roux for Texture: Combining flour with melted butter before adding the liquids helps to thicken the soup evenly.

5. Let It Rest Before Serving: A brief 5–10 minute rest allows the soup to thicken further and makes the flavors more cohesive.

How to Serve Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup

This soup is filling enough to stand alone but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: The perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop.

• Green Salad: Light, fresh greens with a vinaigrette balance the soup’s richness.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Go all-in on the comfort with a gooey grilled cheese on sourdough or rye.

• Stuffed Baked Potato: For an ultra-indulgent meal, serve the soup alongside a loaded baked potato.

And don’t forget the toppings. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, some chopped chives, or an extra handful of crispy bacon bits can take your bowl from great to unforgettable.

Midwestern Nostalgia in a Bowl

There’s something deeply nostalgic about cheese soup. For many, it brings back memories of Sunday dinners, snowy afternoons, or watching football with family. The Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup honors that nostalgia but upgrades it with bold flavors and a satisfying texture that hits all the right notes.

It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household tradition—the dish you turn to during cold snaps, long weekends, or when someone needs cheering up. Every family has their own version, and over time, this soup can become yours—adapted, tweaked, and passed on just like the best recipes always are.

Conclusion

In a culinary world overflowing with trends, gadgets, and fancy ingredients, the Wisconsin Bacon and Potato Cheese Soup reminds us of the joy of simplicity done well. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and warming—everything you want in a comfort dish. But more than that, it captures a slice of regional pride and home-cooked love that can be shared anywhere, from small-town kitchens to big-city apartments.

So, whether you’re serving it on a snowy evening or adding it to your weekly dinner rotation, this soup promises to deliver not just a meal, but a memorable experience. Hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.