Million Dollar Soup Recipe: Easy & Delicious

The million dollar soup recipe is a rich, creamy corn and potato soup with bacon, onions, and cheddar cheese that earned its name from its exceptionally luxurious taste—not its cost. This easy-to-make recipe requires common pantry ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality results in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Million dollar soup isn't actually expensive to prepare—the "million dollar" name comes from how incredibly delicious and satisfying this creamy corn and potato soup tastes. Home cooks and professional chefs alike praise this dish for its perfect balance of sweet corn, savory bacon, and velvety cheese sauce that creates a comforting experience worth far more than its modest ingredient cost.

Why It's Called Million Dollar Soup

The origin of the "million dollar soup" name traces back to mid-20th century American diners and restaurants. Chefs began calling this particular corn and potato soup recipe "million dollar" because customers consistently described it as "worth a million dollars" due to its rich, satisfying flavor profile. Unlike many gourmet soups, this recipe achieves luxury status through technique rather than expensive ingredients.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

The magic of the best million dollar soup recipe lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. Here's what you'll need for an authentic preparation:

Ingredient	Amount	Key Purpose
Canned corn (drained)	2 cups	Provides sweet base flavor
Potatoes (diced)	2 cups	Creates creamy texture when blended
Bacon	6 slices	Adds smoky depth
Yellow onion (chopped)	1 medium	Builds aromatic foundation
Chicken broth	4 cups	Forms flavorful base
Heavy cream	1 cup	Creates luxurious mouthfeel
Sharp cheddar cheese	1 cup shredded	Provides tangy richness
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons	Thickens the soup properly

Step-by-Step Million Dollar Soup Recipe

Follow these instructions for perfect million dollar corn soup every time. This easy million dollar soup recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish.

1. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
2. Saute 1 chopped yellow onion in the bacon fat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add 2 cups diced potatoes and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender (12-15 minutes).
4. Stir in 2 cups drained corn and cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Create a roux by melting 3 tablespoons butter and whisking in 3 tablespoons flour. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in 1 cup heavy cream until smooth, then add to the soup.
7. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup until creamy while leaving some texture.
8. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
9. Crumble the cooked bacon and add back to the soup.
10. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for depth.

Pro Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Soup

Master this million dollar soup from scratch recipe with these professional techniques:

• Texture control: For the ideal million dollar soup cooking time balance, blend only half the soup to maintain some chunkiness while achieving creaminess.
• Cheese selection: Sharp white cheddar creates the most authentic million dollar corn soup flavor profile—avoid pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Flavor layering: Cook the onions slowly in bacon fat to develop maximum sweetness before adding other ingredients.
• Temperature management: Never boil the soup after adding dairy—keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.

Popular Million Dollar Soup Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences while maintaining that signature million dollar soup taste:

• Vegetarian version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use smoked paprika instead of bacon for that smoky element.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Replace flour with cornstarch (2 tablespoons) mixed with cold water for thickening.
• Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese to 1/2 cup for a million dollar soup recipe that's still delicious but lower in calories.
• Southwestern twist: Add 1 diced jalapeño and 1 teaspoon cumin for a spicy million dollar soup variation.

Serving and Storage Recommendations

Million dollar soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple green salad. For special occasions, serve in warmed bowls with a drizzle of cream and fresh chives.

Proper million dollar soup storage extends its enjoyment. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream as the soup thickens when chilled. This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months—just omit the dairy before freezing and add it when reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite its indulgent reputation, the classic million dollar soup recipe offers surprising nutritional value. Corn provides fiber and antioxidants, potatoes deliver potassium and vitamin C, and the moderate dairy content offers calcium. For a healthier million dollar soup recipe, increase the vegetable content by adding diced carrots or celery during the sauté step.

What makes million dollar soup special compared to regular corn soup?

Million dollar soup stands out due to its perfect balance of creamy texture from blended potatoes, rich flavor from bacon and cheddar cheese, and the sweet corn base. The technique of partially blending creates a luxurious mouthfeel that regular corn soup lacks, justifying its 'million dollar' name through exceptional taste rather than expensive ingredients.

Can I make million dollar soup without bacon for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can create a delicious vegetarian million dollar soup recipe by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and replacing bacon with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika plus 2 tablespoons olive oil. Some cooks also add a strip of kombu seaweed while simmering for umami depth that mimics bacon's savory quality.

Why does my million dollar soup turn out grainy?

Grainy texture usually happens when cheese is added directly to boiling soup. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese, and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Using freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) also prevents graininess as pre-shredded contains starches that don't melt smoothly.

How can I thicken million dollar soup without flour?

For a flour-free thickener, blend more of the potato and corn mixture to create natural thickness. You can also make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup. Another option is to add a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes which dissolve smoothly and enhance creaminess.

What's the best way to reheat million dollar soup?

Reheat million dollar soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened in storage, add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to restore the ideal consistency. Never boil the soup after dairy has been added as this can cause separation. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat immediately.