Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Cozy Homestyle Potato Soup Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty potato soup that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

Russet potatoes become the star ingredient, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-warming dish.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each delicious bite.

Minimal effort creates maximum satisfaction in this straightforward recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs elevate this classic soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Let’s uncover the secrets to crafting a potato soup that will become your new favorite winter comfort meal.

What Makes the Best Potato Soup Stand Out

  • Tackle Comfort Cooking: This potato soup brings warmth and satisfaction with its rich, creamy texture that wraps you in delicious comfort on any day.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the soup's consistency by choosing between smooth blending or keeping potato chunks, making it perfect for different taste preferences.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy base makes this soup a guaranteed winner for picky eaters and food lovers alike.

Ingredients for the Best Potato Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty foundation of this classic soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for cooking and flavoring the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the soup.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor and crispy topping for the soup.
  • Onions: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and robust flavor to complement the other ingredients.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream: Brings a tangy richness and additional creamy texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Garnish:
  • Chives, Bacon Crumbles: Fresh herbs and crispy bacon bits that add visual appeal and extra crunch.

How to Cook the Best Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Crispy Perfection

Grab your large pot and cook bacon until it transforms into crunchy, golden-brown deliciousness. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside, keeping those amazing bacon drippings in the pot for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Onions and Garlic

Toss diced onions into the bacon-infused pot and cook until they become translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and let it dance around the pot for about a minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 3: Simmer Potato Goodness

Introduce diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat and let everything simmer gently.

Allow the potatoes to become tender and succulent, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Soup Texture

Grab an immersion blender and work your magic.

You can blend the soup until silky smooth or leave some potato chunks for a rustic, hearty texture – totally up to your preference.

Step 5: Enrich with Creamy Decadence

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop and sing.

Step 6: Serve with Spectacular Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped chives

Enjoy your soul-warming potato soup straight away while it’s hot and irresistible!

Pro Tips for Creamy and Smooth Potato Soup

  • Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit completely to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
  • Use an immersion blender carefully to control the soup's consistency, leaving some potato chunks for a rustic texture.
  • Enhance flavor by adding roasted garlic or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to prevent separation.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Flavor Variations for Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and sour cream with coconut milk and coconut yogurt to create a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add shredded cheddar cheese, extra crispy bacon bits, and green onions as additional toppings for a hearty, indulgent variation.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and top with jalapeños for a zesty, southwestern-inspired potato soup experience.

Serving Ideas for the Best Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty potato soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all the creamy goodness.
  • Loaded Soup Style: Top the soup with extra crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a decadent potato soup experience.
  • Game Day Appetizer: Serve smaller portions in shot glasses or mini mugs as a delicious starter, garnished with chives and a sprinkle of bacon for parties and gatherings.
  • Lunch Companion: Pair the soup with a light mixed green salad to balance the richness and create a complete, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and fresh.

Storing Leftovers of Potato Soup

  • Store potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep soup separate from garnishes like bacon and chives to maintain their crispness.
  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.

  • Is it necessary to use an immersion blender?

No, you can use a regular blender or potato masher. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and be careful with hot liquid.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon garnish.

  • Can I freeze this potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze it without the cream. Add cream after thawing and reheating to prevent separation and maintain the smooth texture.

Print
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Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting potato soup from scratch delivers creamy warmth with rustic charm. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of homemade goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 6 large russet potatoes (approximately 2.5 pounds or 1.13 kilograms), peeled and diced

Protein and Meat:

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Aromatics and Liquid Base:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
  2. Sauté diced onions in the bacon drippings until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Introduce diced potatoes and pour chicken broth into the pot. Elevate heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to low and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
  4. Utilize an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a creamy consistency with some potato chunks remaining for textural contrast.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream and sour cream, stirring thoroughly to integrate and create a rich, velvety base. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, adorning with crispy crumbled bacon and finely chopped chives as a vibrant, flavorful garnish.

Notes

  • Customize thickness by adjusting liquid amounts, adding more broth for thinner soup or reducing for a heartier consistency.
  • Create vegetarian version by replacing bacon with smoked paprika and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Enhance flavor depth by roasting potatoes before adding to soup, which caramelizes natural sugars and adds complex taste profile.
  • Store leftovers safely by cooling completely and refrigerating in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to prevent separation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 271 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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