This Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, made in just one pot. It's loaded with savory flavors and creamy goodness, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold, chilly day. Simply top it with crispy bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onions for a cozy and satisfying treat!
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.
Notes
Here are my top tips to perfect your Creamy Potato Soup:
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