Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Potato Soup Recipe for Comfort & Joy

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy homemade potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Cold days call for hearty meals that soothe the soul and satisfy deep hunger.

This classic recipe brings together simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors.

Potatoes become the star, blending smoothly with fragrant herbs and smooth cream.

Each spoonful promises a velvety texture that dances between rustic and elegant.

The soup offers a delightful balance of creamy goodness and homemade charm.

Savor every bite and let this soul-warming recipe become your new cold-weather companion.

Storage Solutions For Potato Soup Meal Prep

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing portions with fresh garnishes like bacon or cheese.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

  • What type of bacon works best for this potato soup?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal because it provides more flavor and creates a crispier texture when cooked. Regular bacon also works well if thick-cut isn’t available.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika to recreate a similar smoky flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to blend part of the soup?

Blending a portion of the soup helps create a creamier, thicker texture by breaking down some potatoes. However, if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step or blend less.

Homemade Potato Soup: Cozy, Creamy, And Full Of Flavor

  • This potato soup recipe delivers warm, hearty goodness with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
  • Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy soup that feels like a gourmet experience.
  • Packed with vegetables, protein from bacon, and satisfying potatoes, this soup creates a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Customize the soup with additional herbs, swap ingredients, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Potato Soup Staples For Pure Comfort In A Bowl

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
  • Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup.
  • Broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the soup.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken and create a smooth texture.
  • Cheese: Offers an optional garnish with a creamy, tangy flavor.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Carrot: Create a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish and adds a touch of color.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.

Soup-Making Tools For The Silkiest Potato Soup

  • Soup Pot: Large, heavy-bottomed pot for cooking and mixing ingredients.
  • Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating smooth soup texture by blending part of the mixture.
  • Whisk: Helps combine flour and milk smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and bacon.
  • Sharp Knife: For dicing onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Bowls: For serving the finished soup and mixing flour and milk.

How To Create Creamy, Dreamy Potato Soup At Home

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large soup pot until it turns golden and crunchy.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate and keep the delicious bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Blend

Toss diced onions, celery, and carrots into the pot with remaining bacon fat.

Swirl and cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Introduce Potatoes And Spices

Drop diced potatoes into the vegetable mixture.

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs to create a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth

Pour chicken or vegetable broth over the potato mixture.

Let the soup bubble gently, allowing potatoes to become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Base

Whisk milk and flour in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free.

Slowly stream this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.

Step 6: Transform Texture

Scoop out a portion of the soup and blend until silky smooth.

This technique creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Reunite Soup Sections

Carefully return the blended portion back into the main pot, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform texture.

Step 8: Finish With Bacon

Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle generously into the soup, saving some for a crispy garnish.

Step 9: Plate And Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with fresh parsley, extra bacon bits, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Soup-Making Tips For Texture, Taste, And Warmth

  • Save some crispy bacon bits for topping to add extra crunch and flavor when serving the soup.
  • Process only a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks for hearty consistency.
  • Whisk flour and milk separately before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth soup base.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the potato soup's depth of flavor and personalize the recipe.
  • Use low-sodium broth and control salt content by gradually adding seasonings to suit individual dietary needs.

Potato Soup Variations To Suit Every Season

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Soup: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during vegetable sautéing. Top with chives and roasted garlic for enhanced herbal notes.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese for richness and depth.

Creative Ways To Serve Up Classic Potato Soup

  • Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of soup.
  • Crispy Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, green onions, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Hearty Meal Upgrade: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, crunchy element to your meal.
  • Winter Comfort Combo: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine or warm apple cider to enhance the soup's comforting and satisfying qualities.
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Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Homemade Potato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Creamy potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl with hearty ingredients from classic American kitchens. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, nourishing dish that warms souls and satisfies hunger with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 medium russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced parsley

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice
  • 3 tablespoons flour (corn starch can be substituted)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a thin layer of rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté diced onion, celery, and carrot in the bacon drippings over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Introduce diced potatoes to the vegetable mixture, seasoning with salt, pepper, and selected herbs. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize but maintain structural integrity.
  5. Create a smooth slurry by whisking milk and flour in a separate bowl until completely integrated and free of lumps. Gradually stream the mixture into the pot while continuously stirring to prevent clumping.
  6. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
  7. Remove approximately one-third of the soup and puree in a blender until silky smooth, then reincorporate into the main pot to create a rich, textured base.
  8. Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Ladle into serving bowls, topping with reserved bacon bits, fresh chopped parsley, and optional shredded cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Bacon Quality Matters: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that enhances the soup’s overall richness.
  • Potato Selection: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier, more velvety soup consistency.
  • Blending Technique: When blending hot soup, remove the center lid of the blender and cover with a towel to prevent steam pressure from causing splashes.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap bacon for turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to create a lighter version, and use gluten-free flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 292
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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