The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Homemade Comfort

Crafting the ultimate creamy potato soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Smooth, velvety textures promise warmth with every spoonful.

Russet potatoes create the perfect base for this hearty dish.

Cracked black pepper and fresh herbs dance across the surface, adding depth and complexity.

Mild cream blends seamlessly, creating a luxurious backdrop for simple ingredients.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down secrets through whispered instructions.

Cozy up and let each bite transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss.

Pairing Suggestions for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's richness, offering a bright, zesty contrast that refreshes the palate and complements the creamy potato base.
  • Match with Hearty Bread Selection: Rustic sourdough or crusty french baguette provides the perfect dipping companion, absorbing the soup's rich flavors and adding textural contrast.
  • Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the soup's heaviness, introducing a crisp, peppery element that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
  • Serve with Craft Beer Pairing: Amber ale or wheat beer's malty undertones harmonize beautifully with the bacon's smoky notes and the soup's creamy texture, creating a satisfying cold-weather meal.

Storage Guidelines for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

  • Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with garnishes like bacon or sour cream.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra liquid if needed to prevent scorching. Stir in fresh cream or milk to revive the creamy texture before serving.

FAQs About The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet or red potatoes as alternatives to gold potatoes. Just ensure they’re starchy and will break down well during cooking.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the texture might slightly change when reheated due to the cream and dairy ingredients.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika for flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.

  • What if I don't have an immersion blender?

Use a standard blender to puree half the soup, but be careful when blending hot liquids. Always remove the center lid cap and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.

Why The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Satisfies Every Time

  • Savor Comfort: A hearty potato soup that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger pangs with its rich, creamy texture and bold bacon flavor.
  • Master with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice chefs to create a restaurant-quality dish right in their kitchen.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Versatile soup that welcomes personal touches like extra toppings, different cheese varieties, or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Speedily prepared in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Gold Potatoes: Offer a creamy, buttery base and hearty texture to the soup.
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic base to the soup.
Creamy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Work together to create a smooth, thickened soup base.
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the rich, creamy consistency of the soup.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the final dish.
  • Ancho Chili Powder: Provides a subtle, warm background heat.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Shredded Cheddar, Chives: Offer additional flavor and visual appeal when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Create Crispy Bacon

Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until edges turn golden and crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping all the delicious rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Develop Aromatic Base

Add butter to the bacon fat. Drop in chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Quickly introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant, releasing wonderful flavors into the pot.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Dust flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth base, eliminating any potential lumps. This technique ensures a silky texture for the upcoming soup.

Step 4: Combine Hearty Ingredients

Pour in the following ingredients:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Ancho chili powder

Stir everything together and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Transform Texture

Remove approximately half the soup and blend until completely smooth. Use either a standard blender or an immersion blender for this step. For a completely velvety consistency, blend the entire batch.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Profile

Return blended soup to the pot. Fold in sour cream and reserved crispy bacon pieces. Allow the soup to simmer, melding all flavors together beautifully.

Step 7: Present And Garnish

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Top with optional garnishes:
  • Extra sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Additional bacon crumbles
  • Chopped chives

Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Helpful Tips for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

  • Bacon Fat Boost: Retain the bacon fat for an extra layer of rich, smoky flavor that enhances the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Potato Precision: Choose gold potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape while creating a velvety soup consistency.
  • Blending Balance: Partially blend the soup to maintain some potato chunks, providing a satisfying texture with creamy undertones.
  • Cream Control: Add sour cream at the end to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious soup texture.
  • Topping Creativity: Experiment with additional garnishes like crispy leeks, green onions, or crumbled blue cheese for a personalized touch.

Variation Ideas for The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich, smoky flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk, heavy cream, and sour cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, and dairy-free yogurt to create a creamy soup without traditional dairy ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the same creamy texture and comforting taste.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap ancho chili powder for chipotle powder to create a zesty, heat-packed potato soup variation.
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The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Comforting potato soup delivers rich, velvety goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Hearty potatoes, crisp bacon, and silky cream blend perfectly for a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 gold potatoes
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 cloves garlic

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Melt butter in the bacon fat, then add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Dust the onion-garlic mixture with flour, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth base for the soup.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, and seasonings. Add diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced.
  5. Extract approximately half the soup and puree until completely smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender. This technique creates a luxurious, velvety texture while maintaining some potato chunks.
  6. Reintegrate the pureed portion back into the pot. Stir in sour cream and reserved crispy bacon pieces, allowing the soup to simmer an additional 10-15 minutes for flavor melding.
  7. Garnish individual servings with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, additional bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Swap bacon for smoked turkey or tempeh to create a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting soup.
  • Reduce the heavy cream and substitute with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier blending and fewer dishes to clean, ensuring smooth consistency without transferring hot liquid.
  • Prepare extra bacon and store separately to prevent soggy toppings, allowing each person to add crispy bacon just before serving for maximum crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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