There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy, and this creamy potato soup recipe delivers exactly that. It’s a truly satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a rich, hearty meal everyone will adore. Get ready for an easy, flavorful experience.
Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
- Comforting and Delicious: This ultimate creamy potato soup recipe offers pure comfort in every spoonful.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with potatoes and savory bacon, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal on its own.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
- Easy to Make: With clear, step-by-step instructions, even beginners can master this soup.
- Customizable: Easily personalize your bowl with a variety of delicious toppings.
The Best Creamy Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and cook until crisp and browned, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add butter and chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until onions are tender, then stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all‑purpose flour over the mixture and stir constantly until smooth to form a roux.
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional ancho chili powder. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork‑tender, about 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove approximately half of the hot soup and puree until smooth using an immersion blender or a standard blender, then return the pureed soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup.
- Stir in the sour cream and reserved crispy bacon. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot in bowls and garnish with optional toppings like additional sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, or fresh chives.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients to create this rich and hearty potato soup. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible depth of flavor. We’ll use a mix of fresh produce, pantry staples, and creamy dairy to achieve that perfect comforting texture and taste.
- Bacon: 6 strips, uncooked, cut into small pieces.
- Butter: 3 Tablespoons, unsalted or salted.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g).
- Garlic Cloves: 3 large, minced.
- All-Purpose Flour: ⅓ cup (42g).
- Gold Potatoes: 2 ½ lbs, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg).
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (945ml).
- Milk: 2 cups (475ml).
- Heavy Cream: ⅔ cup (155ml).
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoon.
- Ground Pepper: 1 teaspoon.
- Ancho Chili Powder: ¼ – ½ teaspoon.
- Sour Cream: ⅔ cup (160g).
- Toppings (Optional): Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon.
Notes & Substitutions
For the best texture in your creamy potato soup, choose Gold potatoes. Their waxy texture holds up well while still providing a smooth consistency when blended. Russet potatoes work too, offering a starchier, thicker result, while Yukon Golds provide a buttery flavor. According to The Pioneer Woman, starchy potato varieties like russet are ideal for creamy soups.
Feel free to swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. You can also use beef broth for a richer, deeper flavor profile. For dairy, try half-and-half in place of milk and cream, though the soup may be slightly less rich. Adjust the ancho chili powder to your preference, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this delicious soup. A sturdy pot and a few basic kitchen implements are all you require.
- Large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot.
- Sharp knife for precise chopping.
- Sturdy cutting board for safe preparation.
- Whisk for smooth blending.
- Blender (traditional or immersion) for pureeing.
Instructions
Creating this comforting potato soup is straightforward, making it perfect for any cook. Follow these steps carefully for a bowl of pure deliciousness. Each step builds on the last, ensuring a rich and flavorful outcome.
First, place the bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes crisp and beautifully browned. Carefully remove the cooked bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the pot.
Next, add the butter and chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook the onions over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ingredients in the pot and stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth. A whisk can help achieve this consistency easily. Now, add the diced gold potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, ground pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook the soup until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Carefully remove approximately half of the hot soup from the pot and transfer it to a blender. Puree this portion until it is completely smooth. You can also use an immersion blender directly in the pot, which is much easier and safer.
Return the pureed soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup. Add the sour cream and the reserved crispy bacon pieces, then stir everything well. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Serve your hearty potato soup hot, garnished with additional sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, or fresh chives. Enjoy every spoonful!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect creamy potato soup is easier with a few expert insights. Avoid overcooking your potatoes, as they can become mushy. Cook them just until fork-tender to maintain some body. For perfect soup consistency, don’t blend all the potatoes; leaving some chunky bits adds lovely texture. Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. To prevent dairy from curdling, ensure your milk and cream are at room temperature before adding, and avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil after adding them. If your soup is too thin, create a quick slurry with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water, then whisk it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This comforting potato soup is incredibly versatile.
Serving Suggestions: Top your bowls with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chopped chives, extra crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or even some croutons. A warm crusty bread roll makes a perfect accompaniment.
Storage: Allow leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the sour cream or bacon. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, but vigorous stirring during reheating can help.
Reheating: Gently reheat thawed or refrigerated soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.
Variations: Boost the veggies by adding diced carrots or celery during the onion sauté. Experiment with different cheeses like smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Spice Level: Increase the ancho chili powder for more warmth, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Nutrition Information
This potato soup recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal. The nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. This information is intended as a general guide.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420-480 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-30g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-18g |
| Cholesterol | 80-95mg |
| Sodium | 700-800mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-5g |
| Total Sugars | 6-8g |
| Protein | 10-12g |
FAQ
- Can I make this soup ahead?
- Absolutely! This creamy potato soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Is potato soup freezer-friendly?
- Yes, it is, with a small caveat. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the sour cream, as dairy can sometimes separate upon thawing.
- How do I make the soup thicker?
- If your soup is too thin, create a slurry with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering soup.
- Can I use different types of potatoes?
- You can, but Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture. Russets will work but create a starchier soup, while red potatoes hold their shape more.
- How can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Replace milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use dairy-free sour cream and butter substitutes.
Conclusion
You now have the perfect recipe for a warm, comforting bowl of creamy potato soup. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe soon. Share your creations and feedback with us; we love seeing your delicious results!
