Let's explore my go-to recipe for Potato Soup, a creamy, savory delight that's just perfect for a chilly day. This soup is a wonderful mix of tender potatoes and crispy bacon, all brought together in one pot for ease and simplicity.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This soup is not only easy to make but also pairs beautifully with a slice of simple crusty bread—ideal for dipping and savoring each bite. With the richness of cream and cheese, it’s a comforting treat that’s sure to please. Plus, it's versatile; feel free to swap in ham or chicken instead of bacon for a hearty twist.
Today, we'll focus on making this Potato Soup on the stovetop. I’ll walk you through the steps using an immersion blender to get that perfectly smooth and creamy texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a potato masher or a regular blender and still achieve great results. Alternatively, you can also make this soup in a crockpot or slow cooker for ease and convenience.
If you’re looking for something truly comforting and satisfying to share with family and friends, this Potato Soup is a must-try. Let’s get started and add this delicious dish to your winter meal rotation!
Explore More Potato Dishes:
- Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Baked Potato
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Mashed Potatoes
- Boiled Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Breakfast Potato
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you’ll need for this Creamy Potato Soup are basic and straightforward, easily found in most grocery stores. Let’s take a look at what you'll need below:
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes: I've found that Yukon gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for creating a creamier texture in your soup. They break down nicely when cooked, which is ideal for soup. If you enjoy a few chunks in your soup, white potatoes are a great alternative.
- Bacon: I usually go for thick-cut bacon strips, but any type you love will work. If you're in a rush, precooked bacon bits can also save you some time.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. I often use chicken broth, but you can swap it with veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy layer, I use whole milk and heavy cream. If you're looking for something lighter, try low-fat milk or half-and-half.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic add a warm, garlicky flavor that's just irresistible. I like to mince or crush my garlic to really bring out its natural flavors, making the soup more flavorful and aromatic.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness of the soup, plus it adds that rich buttery flavor.
Other Ingredients
- Seasonings: I stick to basics like chili powder, black pepper, and salt for seasoning my soup. You can also try cajun, creole seasoning, or smoked paprika to mix things up.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the soup, giving us that creamy texture we all love.
- Sour Cream: It adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to the Potato Soup. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
- Cheddar Cheese: Whether sharp or mild, cheddar cheese works wonderfully. Use whatever you have on hand.
- Herbs: Spring onions, also known as green onions, add a fresh touch and flavor. You can also use fresh parsley or cilantro for a different twist.
How to Make Potato Soup at Home?
Let’s get started with making Creamy Potato Soup! I’ll guide you through every step, from cooking the bacon and potatoes to blending them into the perfect soup. To make things even easier, I’ve included step-by-step photos and a video. Let’s get cooking!
Discover More Comforting Soups:
- Potato Leek Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- Tomato Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Lentil Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Pumpkin Soup
- Cabbage Soup
- Miso Soup
Creamy Potato Soup
Ingredients
For Soup
- 1.5 lb. Potato, Yukon gold, white, or russet potatoes, (peeled and chopped)
- 6 strips Bacon
- 1 medium size Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Milk
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- 3 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- Salt, to taste
For Garnishing
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- Spring Onions
- Bacon Bits
Instructions
Preparing Potato Soup
- Place the bacon strips in a wide-bottomed pan over medium heat without overcrowding. Allow them to cook, flipping occasionally, until they turn brown and crispy. If you prefer, chop the bacon before cooking for quicker preparation.
- Once the bacon is crispy and brown, remove it from the pan and break it into bite-sized pieces for later use. Repeat with any remaining strips.
- In the same pan, use the remaining bacon fat to melt the butter. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant. This creates a rich and flavorful base for your soup.
- Add the all-purpose flour and stir until smooth. This step helps thicken the soup and contributes to its creamy texture.
- Introduce the chopped potatoes to the pan and season with black pepper, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Cutting the potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy whipping cream, stirring to mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- After the cooking time, use a fork to test the potatoes for softness. Once they are soft, turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pan until smooth. For added texture, you can choose to leave some chunks of potatoes unblended.
- Turn the heat to medium-low, reintroduce the reserved bacon and some sour cream, and mix well. Allow the soup to simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors fully.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and chopped spring onions over the top of the soup. Remove from heat. Your comforting bowl of Creamy Potato Soup is now ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Top this Creamy Potato Soup with extra bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and spring onions. Pair it with your choice of protein or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Potato Size Matters: I've noticed that large chunks of potatoes take longer to cook. For even and quick cooking, I recommend chopping the potatoes into small, bite-size pieces.
- Cooking Bacon: Be sure to cook the bacon until it's brown and crispy. This step is crucial as it adds a smoky and robust flavor to your soup.
- About Bacon Size: You might have seen that I roughly tear the cooked bacon—my kids love it that way in their soup. However, you can tear or even crush the bacon into smaller pieces, depending on your preference.
- Swap Bacon: If bacon isn’t available, or if you prefer a different protein, feel free to use ham or shredded chicken as delicious alternatives.
- Spices: The seasonings I use add a mild heat that complements the soup without overwhelming its flavors. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Blend the Soup: Always allow the soup mixture to cool to room temperature before blending to avoid accidents with hot liquids. I typically use an immersion blender for convenience, but you can also use a potato masher or a standing blender to puree the soup. If you're using a standing blender, remember to blend in batches for the best results
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for comforting meal ideas? Explore my collection of potato recipes, soups and stews, one-pot meals, and hearty meat dishes. These recipes are perfect for creating satisfying and cozy meals that your family will love.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this Creamy Potato Soup on its own, topped with hearty bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onions. For those looking for a more well-rounded meal, here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Bread: Pair this soup with crusty bread, focaccia, or a comforting grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. It adds a satisfying crunch and richness to your meal.
- Salad: Complement the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a crisp, healthy touch to your cozy soup.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These veggies are a wonderful match for the creamy soup.
- Baked Meats: Roasted chicken pieces, whether it’s breast, thighs, or drumsticks, make a great companion to your creamy potato soup, adding a hearty protein component.
Storage Suggestions
You can keep this Potato Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's thoroughly warmed. I don’t recommend freezing this soup, as the cream and milk added can become grainy when thawed and reheated.
Ivy says
Great recipe and instructions! I made this for my family yesterday, and it was absolutely delicious. Everyone loved it. Initially, I was a bit hesitant since there weren't many reviews, but the images and instructions tempted me to try it 🙂 . Keep up the good work!
Sangeetha Vel says
Ivy, That's great to hear, thank you so much for your feedback!