There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy potato soup to bring comfort to your home. This classic recipe is designed for ease, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Featuring hearty potatoes, savory bacon, and rich cheese, this potato soup comes together in one pot. Get ready to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor, celebrating simple, homemade goodness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup
You are going to adore this potato soup for so many reasons. Its texture is incredibly rich and creamy, making every spoonful a pure delight. This hearty dish is satisfying enough to be a complete meal, warming you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a quick and easy one-pot wonder, simplifying your cleanup process. You can also customize it with a variety of versatile toppings, perfect for personalizing each bowl. This comforting potato soup is truly ideal for chilly weather or any time you crave a delicious, heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting classic. Gather these simple ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fantastic homemade meal.
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted will work)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (about 6 large potatoes for me/1.15kg)
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 1 ½ teaspoon* salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder**
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in your homemade potato soup. For potatoes, Yukon Gold or Russet varieties work best. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, while Russets provide a wonderfully starchy base that thickens the soup beautifully. Explore more about the culinary uses of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes to understand their unique qualities in various dishes.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, though these will alter the richness slightly. For a creamier result, half-and-half works well in place of some milk. For those avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is a fantastic substitute for the traditional flour to create the roux.
You can easily adjust the bacon in this recipe. For a leaner version, try turkey bacon, or omit it entirely for a simpler flavor profile. If you omit bacon, you may need an extra tablespoon of butter or oil for sautéing. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The ancho chili powder adds a subtle smoky depth; start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste if you enjoy a little extra warmth without too much heat. This flexibility allows you to customize the potato soup to your family’s preferences.
Equipment
You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to create this comforting potato soup. With just a few kitchen essentials, you’ll be ready to cook.
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Essential for cooking everything in one vessel.
- Immersion blender or standard blender: For achieving that wonderfully creamy texture.
- Knife and cutting board: For preparing your vegetables.
- Whisk: Helpful for creating a smooth roux.
How To Make Potato Soup
Creating this flavorful and creamy potato soup is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these steps for a heartwarming meal.
- Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and browned, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cooked bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook until it becomes fragrant, which takes approximately 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ingredients in the pot. Stir continuously with a spoon or whisk until smooth and well combined, forming a roux. Cook for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 10-15 minutes depending on potato size.
- Reduce heat to low. Carefully remove approximately half of the soup from the pot to a blender (about 5 cups, but just eyeballing the amount is fine). Blend until it is completely smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend half of the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture in your potato soup.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup. Stir in the sour cream and most of the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
- Allow the potato soup to simmer gently for an additional 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve hot, topping each bowl with additional sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, or leftover crispy bacon as desired. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect creamy potato soup is simple with a few helpful pointers. Cut your potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Pureeing only half of the soup creates a delightful balance, giving you both a creamy base and tender potato chunks in every spoonful. To keep your bacon wonderfully crispy, always add it at the very end or as a topping just before serving.
Always taste and adjust the salt as you cook, especially since different broths can vary in sodium content. When using ancho chili powder, start with less than the recommended amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of warmth and smokiness.
Remember to stir the soup frequently, especially as it simmers, to prevent any sticking or scorching at the bottom of the pot. These small steps will help ensure your potato soup turns out perfectly every time.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile potato soup is fantastic on its own, but you can also elevate it with simple additions and preparations.
- Serving Suggestions: Offer a build-your-own topping bar! Include extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, and additional crispy bacon bits. A warm crusty bread or a simple side salad makes a wonderful accompaniment.
- Storage: Let any leftover potato soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. According to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, refrigerated soup can be safely consumed within 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain its creamy texture.
- Freezing: We advise against freezing this creamy potato soup. The dairy content, especially heavy cream and sour cream, tends to separate and become grainy once thawed, impacting the lovely texture.
- Variations:
- Meaty: Stir in some leftover cooked ham or diced cooked chicken during the last 15 minutes of simmering for extra protein.
- Spicier: For those who love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the ancho chili powder.
- Vegetarian: Simply substitute the bacon with a drizzle of olive oil for sautéing and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some diced carrots or celery with the onions for more vegetable goodness.
Nutrition Information
This creamy potato soup offers a comforting and hearty meal. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 521 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 87 mg |
| Sodium | 1326 mg |
| Potassium | 1176 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 897 IU |
| Vitamin C | 50 mg |
| Calcium | 182 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Please note these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze potato soup?
We do not recommend freezing this particular potato soup recipe. The dairy components, like milk and heavy cream, tend to separate and become grainy after thawing, affecting the texture.
What are the best potatoes for soup?
For a creamy potato soup with good body, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices. Yukon Golds offer a natural creaminess, while Russets contribute starchiness for thickening.
How can I make the soup thicker/thinner?
To thicken, ensure your roux cooked properly, or you can mash a few more cooked potato pieces. For a thinner soup, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian/vegan?
Yes, absolutely! Substitute bacon with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and opt for plant-based milk and cream alternatives for a delicious vegetarian or vegan potato soup.
Can I use a slow cooker?
While possible, this recipe’s steps, like browning bacon and making a roux, are best done on the stovetop first. You could transfer the cooked ingredients to a slow cooker to simmer after the initial steps.
Why is my potato soup bland?
Flavor building is key! Ensure you’re sautéing onions and garlic properly, and don’t skip the ancho chili powder. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Final Thoughts
This homemade creamy potato soup is truly a recipe for the heart and soul, bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its rich, satisfying flavor and comforting texture make it an irresistible dish for family meals or a quiet evening in.
We encourage you to create this delicious potato soup in your own kitchen and savor every moment. Please share your cooking experiences, comments, and photos with us; we love hearing how our recipes become part of your family’s story.
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until they are crisp and browned.
- Remove the cooked bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot; then add butter and chopped onion and cook until tender for 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then sprinkle flour over the ingredients and stir until smooth, using a whisk if needed.
- Stir diced potatoes into the pot along with chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder, mixing everything well.
- Bring the soup to a boil and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, then carefully transfer about half of the soup (roughly 5 cups) to a blender and puree until smooth; alternatively, use an immersion blender.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot, then add the sour cream and the reserved cooked bacon pieces, stirring well to combine.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes before serving, and top with additional sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, or chives if desired.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
