If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy comfort food, look no further than this Potato Soup Recipe. It’s wonderfully creamy, loaded with savory bacon, and layered with mellow onions and cheese for that perfect blend of rustic flavor and richness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something soul-warming, this soup will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation—friends and family might just declare it a new favorite from the very first spoonful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Potato Soup Recipe lies in its everyday ingredients, each one playing a crucial role—crisp bacon for smoky flavor, potatoes for body, and a creamy base for that luscious texture. Nothing here is overly fussy, but together, these ingredients create soup magic you’ll crave again and again.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds smoky richness and that irresistible crispy bite to finish the soup.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant kick that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Russet potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): The essential star—these create the hearty, creamy texture you want in great potato soup.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Infuses the dish with savory undertones while helping the potatoes cook evenly.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Contributes to the creaminess without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes every spoonful extra rich and velvety.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup to that cozy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a kiss of classic spice.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings an aromatic, herbal note that marries effortlessly with potato and cream.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts in for tang and gooey goodness.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Offer a pop of fresh color and flavor to finish.
- Sour cream (for garnish, optional): For that final, creamy tang—classic on top of potato soup.
How to Make Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by setting a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your chopped bacon and cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, until those golden pieces are crispy and the fat has rendered. Don’t rush this step—the bacon’s smoky flavor sets the tone for the whole Potato Soup Recipe. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for the next layer of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the diced onion to the hot bacon fat and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and wonderfully fragrant. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just another minute—you’ll know it’s ready when everyone drifts into the kitchen just to inhale deeply.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Now pile in your peeled and diced potatoes, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle over salt, pepper, and that herbal hint of thyme. Crank up the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then drop it to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork. This is when your kitchen transforms into a haven of coziness.
Step 4: Creamy Base Magic
While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, and flour in a small bowl until smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly pour this creamy mixture into your soup while stirring constantly. Allow it to gently simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens wonderfully and smells irresistible.
Step 5: Mash for Texture and Add Cheese
For that irresistible, hearty texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down some (but not all!) of the potatoes right in the pot. This extra step makes the Potato Soup Recipe rich and comforting but still leaves bites of potato for body. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt in for gooey, tangy perfection.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Ladle your steamy Potato Soup Recipe into bowls, then top with those crispy bacon bits, a scatter of green onions, and a generous dollop of sour cream if you love extra richness. Grab some spoons and prepare for smiles all around!
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Pile on the crispy bacon you saved at the start, along with sliced green onions for freshness and a big spoonful of sour cream for extra creamy tang. If you’re feeling adventurous, an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika will do wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup plays wonderfully with a chunk of crusty bread, a piece of warm baguette, or even a buttery biscuit. If you’re aiming to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to all that velvety richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Potato Soup Recipe in sturdy bread bowls for an edible twist that feels restaurant-worthy, or ladle it into small mugs as a fun appetizer at your next gathering. You could even set up a “soup bar” with various toppings so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Potato Soup Recipe keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, so you might find it even more delicious the second day.
Freezing
This soup can absolutely be frozen, but keep in mind the creamy base may change texture slightly upon thawing. For the best results, let the soup cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm your Potato Soup Recipe on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often so the creamy base doesn’t separate. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems too thick, and taste for seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can even amp up the veggie factor by tossing in some chopped carrots or celery for extra flavor and color.
What’s the best way to get a creamy but still chunky texture?
Use a potato masher to smash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot while leaving plenty of pieces whole. Alternatively, pulse a bit with an immersion blender for a creamy base but with those lovely little chunks that make the soup hearty.
Can I use another type Soup
Yes, while russet potatoes are traditional (and provide lots of starch for body), Yukon Golds make a slightly buttery, golden-hued Potato Soup Recipe. Just steer clear of waxy potatoes, which can make the soup a bit gluey.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free thickener. Just mix it with a splash of the milk to make a slurry before whisking it into the soup for the same creamy effect.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and texture satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wrap yourself in a bowl of creamy comfort, this Potato Soup Recipe is truly a must-try. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, yet crowd-pleasing and delightful for cozy weekends at home. Enjoy every warming bite, and don’t be surprised if you come back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and creamy Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Bacon:
4 slices bacon (chopped)
Onion:
1 medium onion (diced)
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Potatoes:
4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
Chicken Broth:
3 cups
Milk:
1 cup whole milk
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Flour:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded
Green Onions:
2 (sliced)
Sour Cream:
for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Put in potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Thicken Soup: Whisk milk, cream, and flour. Slowly add to the soup and simmer until thickened.
- Finish Soup: Mash some potatoes for creaminess, stir in cheese until melted. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- You can add chopped carrots or celery for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
