Cozy Bowl of Joy: Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives with this incredibly creamy potato soup that promises warmth in every delightful spoonful.

A recipe so rich and satisfying that memories of grandmother’s kitchen instantly flood back.

Cold winter evenings transform when these humble ingredients blend into something magical.

Hearty potatoes combine with smooth cream and subtle seasonings, creating a soul-soothing experience you’ll adore.

Incredibly simple techniques ensure anyone can master this classic comfort dish.

Welcoming aromas will dance through your kitchen, drawing everyone near with anticipation.

Each bowl promises a culinary hug that feels like pure happiness.

Grab a ladle and let’s make something spectacular that will become your new favorite meal.

FAQs About Best Homemade Potato Soup

• Can I make this potato soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing bacon with olive oil, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skipping the bacon garnish. Add extra herbs or roasted vegetables for more flavor.

• How do I prevent my soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour and milk thoroughly before adding to the soup, and stir constantly while incorporating to prevent lumps. Using cold milk and gradually adding the mixture helps create a smooth consistency.

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They’re starchy and break down nicely, creating a creamy texture while still maintaining some potato chunks. Red potatoes can work too, but they’ll hold their shape more.

• Can I freeze this potato soup?

While you can freeze potato soup, the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Cream-based soups can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, do so before adding cream and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Why Best Homemade Potato Soup Is A Bowl Of Warmth

• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Indulge in a rich, creamy potato soup that delivers mouthwatering bacon and cheese goodness in every spoonful.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a perfect balance of smooth, velvety base with chunky potato pieces that create an exciting and satisfying eating experience.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for busy families or solo diners craving a warm, delicious dinner.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients, adjusting consistency, or adding your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

What Goes Into Best Homemade Potato Soup

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, use thick-cut for better results.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich base for soup, low-sodium recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders, fresh ingredients create deeper taste profile.
• Potatoes: Hearty main ingredient, starchy varieties like Russet work best for creamy texture.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Create rich, smooth consistency, whole milk recommended for fuller flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken soup, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and creamy texture, sharp varieties provide more intense taste.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy finish, optional garnish for extra richness.

• Thyme: Adds subtle herbal note, fresh thyme preferred but dried works too.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors, freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
• Crumbled Bacon: Provides extra crunch and smoky accent.

Steps To Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in bacon pieces and cook until golden and crispy. Carefully remove bacon with a slotted spoon, placing on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the delicious bacon drippings in the pot. (Skip this step if not using bacon and add butter instead)

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Drop chopped onions into the pot with bacon drippings. Swirl and dance them around until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a moment, releasing its magical fragrance.

Step 3: Potato Party

• Diced potatoes
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer gently, allowing potatoes to become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk milk and flour until silky smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot, followed by heavy cream. Let everything bubble and blend together, stirring occasionally until the soup transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 5: Texture Adventure

For extra creaminess, grab an immersion blender. Partially blend the soup, keeping some potato chunks for a rustic feel. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, then return to the pot.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• A dollop of sour cream
• Crispy bacon crumbles

Enjoy your soul-warming potato soup!

Tips To Get Best Homemade Potato Soup Creamy

• Bacon Boost: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious smoky flavor.
• Potato Perfect: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for creamy, thick soup consistency that melts smoothly.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative that keeps soup rich and creamy.
• Texture Trick: Control soup thickness by adjusting milk and flour ratio – less flour creates lighter soup, more flour makes heartier version.
• Flavor Depth: Add roasted garlic or smoked paprika for an extra layer of complexity that elevates the soup's overall taste profile.

How To Store And Reheat Best Homemade Potato Soup

• Refrigerate and Preserve
• Transfer leftover potato soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Reheat with Care
• Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the original creamy consistency if the soup has thickened.
• Freezing Option
• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Avoid Microwave Mishaps
• When using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of cream-based ingredients.

Bread And Toppings For Best Homemade Potato Soup

• Crisp Bacon Companion: Pair this hearty potato soup with a crisp, cold pilsner beer that cuts through the richness and complements the bacon's smoky flavor.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve with a warm, crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the creamy soup and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Add a light, tangy mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal and provide a fresh counterpoint to the soup's creamy richness.
• Wine Harmony: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay, which has enough buttery notes to match the soup's creaminess without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Twists You Can Try With Best Homemade Potato Soup

• Rustic Herb Potato Soup: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary and sage, adding a woodsy and aromatic flavor profile to the classic recipe. Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs for extra brightness.
• Southwestern Spicy Version: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of chili powder during cooking. Top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices for a zesty kick that brings warmth and complexity.
• Vegetarian Potato Comfort Bowl: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon. Include roasted mushrooms and smoked paprika to create depth and umami, maintaining the soup's rich and satisfying character.
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup Style: Increase potato chunks and incorporate more cheese directly into the soup. Top generously with crispy bacon bits, green onions, extra sharp cheddar, and a dollop of tangy sour cream for a hearty, indulgent experience.

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 5 cups)
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 slices bacon, diced (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions or chives
• Sour cream
• Additional cooked bacon, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium temperature until golden and crisp, transferring the pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate while preserving the rendered fat.
2. Introduce diced onions into the residual bacon drippings, sautéing until translucent and softened, then incorporate minced garlic and cook momentarily to release its aromatic essence.
3. Cascade cubed potatoes into the seasoned foundation, complementing with chicken broth, fragrant thyme, and a balanced mixture of salt and pepper, then elevate to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover and allow the potatoes to tenderize, approximately 15-18 minutes, ensuring they’re fork-piercing soft but not disintegrating.
5. Whisk flour and milk in a separate vessel until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency, then fold this liaison into the simmering soup along with rich heavy cream.
6. Continue simmering, stirring intermittently, permitting the liquid to thicken and develop a luxurious texture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. For enhanced creaminess, utilize an immersion blender to partially pulverize the soup, maintaining some robust potato chunks for rustic appeal.
8. Ladle the velvety soup into warming bowls, garnishing generously with sharp cheddar cheese, delicate green onion slivers, dollops of tangy sour cream, and the reserved crispy bacon fragments.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crispier texture, which elevates the overall soup experience.
• Potato Precision: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a perfect creamy consistency and smooth blending.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains rich creaminess.
• Vegetarian Friendly: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a satisfying meatless alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg