There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Best Homemade Potato Soup to warm you from the inside out. Creamy, velvety, and utterly rich thanks to layers of smoky bacon, golden potatoes, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of savory, hearty flavors and that irresistible homemade touch. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe is legendary in my kitchen — and it will earn a beloved spot in yours.

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Best Homemade Potato Soup starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a big part in flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing classic and the crucial role each ingredient plays.

6 slices bacon (chopped): Adds smokiness and deep, savory richness right from the first bite.
1 small onion (diced): Gives a gentle sweetness and rounds out the soup’s flavor.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle, aromatic punch that mingles perfectly with the bacon.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Provides body and thickens the broth to a luscious, creamy consistency.
4 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced): The soul of this soup — they’re starchy and melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked.
3 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory, flavorful base and keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
2 cups milk: Contributes creaminess without weighing the soup down.
1 cup heavy cream: Takes the texture to a dreamy level; don’t be tempted to skip this!
1 teaspoon salt: Balances every bite and brings out all those hidden nuances.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a little background heat to keep each spoonful interesting.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Underscores the smokiness and adds a lovely blush to the soup.
1/2 cup sour cream: Lends bright tang and plenty of luxurious creaminess.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for flavor, color, and pure comfort.
Chopped green onions and extra cheese for garnish (optional): Adds freshness, a pop of color, and a little extra cheese for good measure!

How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You’ll want the bacon to become perfectly crisp, lending its smoky flavor to everything that follows. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to scoop the bacon out, but make sure to leave about a tablespoon of bacon drippings behind — this becomes liquid gold for sautéing the aromatics.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add your diced onion straight into that fragrant bacon fat and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, waking up those bold flavors without burning. The kitchen should already be smelling fantastic!

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly. Cook it for 1 minute — just long enough to get rid of any raw flour taste and allow it to begin thickening. This quick step lays the foundation for a soup that’s luxuriously creamy, not gloopy.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, letting the roux dissolve seamlessly. Add in the diced potatoes and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This is where those potatoes begin to tenderize and soak up all the savory goodness. Let them simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re perfectly fork-tender and beginning to fall apart.

Step 5: Add Dairy & Spices

Once your potatoes are just right, reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let the soup continue to simmer gently for another 5 to 10 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil. This is your ticket to silky, dreamy Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Step 6: Mash & Melt

Using a spoon, lightly mash some of the potatoes right in the pot to help thicken the soup and add irresistible body. Now, stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese and watch as the soup transforms into a rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy masterpiece. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and maybe a sprinkle of extra cheese if you love a loaded finish. Every bowl will be layered with color, texture, and pure comfort — just the way potato soup should be!

How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup

Garnishes

When it comes to making Best Homemade Potato Soup unforgettable, garnishes are your best friends. Pile on the crispy bacon, scatter a handful of chopped green onions for a burst of freshness, and don’t hold back on extra shredded cheddar. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of black pepper or a dollop of sour cream never hurts. Every garnish brings more flavor and excitement to the bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is such a complete meal on its own, but it plays well with others, too! Try serving it alongside warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances out the creaminess and keeps things feeling fresh. And for extra coziness, pair it with your favorite roasted or steamed veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Best Homemade Potato Soup in individual bread bowls instantly upgrades the experience to restaurant-worthy status. For gatherings, set up a “toppings bar” so everyone can customize their bowl — think crispy shallots, diced jalapeños, or even hot sauce for a little kick. If you’re entertaining, use small mugs or cups and offer the soup as a charming appetizer. People will be raving about your presentation almost as much as the taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Best Homemade Potato Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing it up. The flavors only get better as they mingle overnight!

Freezing

While creamy soups can sometimes separate when frozen, this one holds up surprisingly well. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Label with the date and use within 2 months for the best flavor and texture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat Best Homemade Potato Soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If the soup seems a bit thick, just add a splash of milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate. It’s just as inviting and delicious after a reheat!

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil instead of bacon fat to sauté the onion and garlic. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and pile on your favorite vegetarian toppings, like roasted veggies or smoked paprika-spiced chickpeas.

What’s the best potato variety to use?

Both russet and Yukon Gold potatoes make delicious soup, but each brings something special. Russets result in a fluffier, lighter texture, while Yukon Golds make for a naturally creamier, richer bowl. Mix them if you like for the best of both worlds.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Super simple! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch (use about 2 tablespoons), mixing it with a splash of cold broth or milk before stirring it into the soup. You’ll get thick, creamy results without any gluten concerns.

Can I use an immersion blender to puree the soup?

Sure! For extra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion — or all — of the soup right in the pot. If you prefer some potato chunks for texture, blend just a third of the pot and then stir everything together. Best Homemade Potato Soup is customizable to your ideal consistency!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’d like to lighten things up, swap in half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the texture will be a bit less luscious. You can also try adding a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt to boost richness and tang.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe every home cook should experience the delight of crafting Best Homemade Potato Soup at least once. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your table with smiles. Give it a try soon — I promise it’ll win over everyone who takes a spoonful!

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor, it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

6 slices bacon (chopped)

Aromatics:

1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Roux and Broth:

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
3 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Seasonings:

2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

Chopped green onions and extra cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour and cook to form a roux.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in broth, add potatoes, and simmer until tender.
Finish Soup: Stir in milk, cream, seasonings, and simmer. Add sour cream and cheese until melted.
Serve: Top with reserved bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.