When those cool evenings roll in and you’re craving something cozy and comforting, Potato Soup is the hero you need. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with all the good things (hello, cheese and bacon!), this soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Every spoonful delivers velvety potatoes, fragrant aromatics, and pops of savory goodness—exactly the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. If you love classic American comfort food, Potato Soup has everything you want: depth, richness, and a friendly “seconds, please” appeal. Let’s ladle up memories together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something this indulgent and satisfying. Each element in this Potato Soup recipe has a job: some bring creaminess, some build savory depth, others spark color or just a hint of zing. Here’s a look at what makes each one essential:
- Bacon: Savory, smoky, and crisp—bacon not only adds crunch but also infuses the soup base with irresistible flavor.
- Onion: The gentle sweetness of sautéed onion sets up a delicious foundation for the other flavors to shine.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring a subtle, robust aroma that elevates every bite.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy spuds break down beautifully, giving the soup its creamy body and pillowy texture.
- Chicken Broth: It seasons every potato with savory depth—use your favorite brand or homemade for even more flavor.
- Milk: Helps create that classic silky finish without making the soup too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to luscious richness, making each spoonful taste ultra-comforting.
- Salt: Essential for pulling out the best flavors from the potatoes and aromatics—adjust to your taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- Dried Thyme: This tiny addition adds herby depth and a bit of earthiness to the background.
- Smoked Paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky undertone and a hint of color—totally optional but delightful.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, bringing gooey goodness and sharpness.
- Sour Cream: Swirled in at the end for tang and an extra layer of creaminess.
- Green Onions: Sprinkle on top for a fresh, colorful finish and a pop of flavor.
How to Make Potato Soup
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by sizzling the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You want the pieces golden and crisp—they’ll be your sparkly garnish later. Once done, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon, but don’t even think of tossing out those tasty drippings! Leave about 2 tablespoons in the pot, since that savory fat is liquid gold for building flavor from the very first step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
To that happy pool of bacon drippings, add your diced onion. Cook until it turns soft and slightly caramelized, about five minutes. Toss in the garlic next—just half a minute is all it needs to lose that raw edge and infuse the soup base with a rich, inviting aroma. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Liquids
Next, pile in the diced russet potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir, crank up the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then drop it down to simmer. It’ll take about 15 to 20 minutes for the potatoes to become perfectly tender—use this time to let all those flavors mingle and work their magic.
Step 4: Mash for Creamy Texture
Once your potatoes are fork-tender, it’s texture time! You can use a potato masher for a rustic, hearty finish, or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender right in the pot. Either way, leave some potato chunks for a bit of bite—it’s what makes Potato Soup so irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream
Dump in your shredded cheddar cheese and dollop of sour cream, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns smooth and creamy. Give it a taste—this is your moment to adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the piping-hot Potato Soup into bowls and top each serving with the reserved crispy bacon and plenty of fresh green onions. It’s all about those finishing touches—and trust me, they make every spoonful extra special!
How to Serve Potato Soup
Garnishes
Go all-in with the toppings! Crispy bacon and snipped green onions are a must, but don’t stop there—extra cheddar, a little dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of chives take this Potato Soup to the next level, visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Serve Potato Soup with warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to mop up every last bit. A simple green salad or sliced apples can add freshness to your meal and balance out the richness on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little bit special, ladle Potato Soup into bread bowls or serve in individual mugs for cozy nights in. Dress up the table with small bowls of assorted toppings so everyone can customize their bowl to perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Potato Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making for an even tastier bowl the next day!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Potato Soup! Just let it cool, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture may change a bit (the potatoes can break down more and become softer) but a quick stir and gentle reheat will revive that creamy goodness.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If it’s a bit too thick, splash in a little extra milk or broth to loosen things up. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep that lovely smoky depth.
What are the best potatoes for Potato Soup?
Russet potatoes are great because their starchiness makes the soup extra creamy, but Yukon Golds are a tasty, buttery alternative. Avoid waxy varieties like red or fingerling—they stay too firm for this soup’s classic texture.
How do I adjust the thickness of my Potato Soup?
If your soup is too thick, stir in a little more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or mash in extra cooked potatoes.
Can I make this Potato Soup dairy-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and plant-based cream, skip the cheese or swap in a non-dairy variety, and garnish with vegan sour cream and crispy fried onions instead of bacon.
Is this Potato Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is entirely gluten-free as written! Just double-check that your broth and bacon are certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a bowl of homemade Potato Soup—it’s simple, it’s soul-warming, and it’s sure to leave you and your loved ones asking for just one more spoonful. So grab a big pot and invite a little extra coziness into your kitchen tonight!
Print
Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy comfort of this hearty Potato Soup recipe. Loaded with bacon, cheese, and a touch of green onions, this soup is the ultimate soul-warming dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bacon:
4 slices
Onion:
1 medium
Garlic:
3 cloves
Potatoes:
3 pounds russet
Chicken Broth:
4 cups
Milk:
2 cups
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup
Green Onions:
1/4 cup chopped
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Ingredients: Combine potatoes, broth, milk, cream, seasonings. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Mash Potatoes: Mash some potatoes for creaminess. Stir in cheese and sour cream.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with bacon and green onions.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half and less cheese.
- To make it vegetarian, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
