Homemade potato soup is one of the most comforting meals you can make for a cozy lunch or dinner. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich flavors that make every bowl satisfying. This classic soup is perfect for cold days, family meals, or anytime you want a warm homemade dish that feels comforting and filling.
This potato soup recipe is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and comes together in one pot. The combination of potatoes, bacon, cream, and cheese creates a rich texture while still feeling balanced and homemade. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple salad for a complete and comforting meal.
1. Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe (Yield: 8 Servings)
Ingredients
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted or salted will work
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (this was about 6 Large potatoes for me/1.15kg)
- 4 cups chicken broth, (945ml)
- 2 cups milk, (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream, (155ml)
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream, (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping, optional
Instructions
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook slowly until crispy and browned, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about 1 minute. The flour helps thicken the soup and creates a creamy texture.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth.
Add the diced potatoes, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This creates a thicker and creamier soup while still leaving plenty of potato chunks for texture.
Stir in the sour cream until fully combined. Add most of the cooked bacon back into the soup, saving a little for topping if desired.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If the soup becomes too thick, add a small amount of additional broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Ladle the potato soup into serving bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, chives, sour cream, and extra bacon if desired.
Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting homemade meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Potato Soup
Use gold potatoes for the creamiest texture. They become soft and buttery while still holding their shape better than some other potatoes.
Cook the onions slowly until fully softened before adding the broth. This builds a deeper homemade flavor for the soup base.
Do not boil the soup too hard after adding the milk and cream. Gentle simmering helps keep the soup smooth and prevents the dairy from separating.
Mash only some of the potatoes instead of all of them. This creates a thick and creamy soup while still leaving chunks of potato for texture.
Add the cheese gradually if using it as a topping. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the soup a smoother finish.
Save some crispy bacon for serving on top. Adding bacon at the end keeps it crunchy and adds extra flavor to every bowl.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well and still creates a flavorful soup base.
Can I add extra vegetables to potato soup?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, celery, corn, or broccoli work well in potato soup and add more texture and flavor.
Why did my potato soup become gluey?
Potato soup can become gluey if overmixed or blended too much. Potatoes release starch as they break down, so gentle stirring works best.
Can I make potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, potato soup can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Cook the potatoes, broth, and seasonings slowly until tender, then stir in the dairy ingredients near the end of cooking.
How long does potato soup last in the refrigerator?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 880mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
This homemade potato soup recipe is creamy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavor in every bowl. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich creamy broth creates a classic soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners and family meals. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this potato soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again whenever you need a warm and satisfying homemade dish.
