Name: Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Bacon: 6 slices bacon (chopped) Onion Mixture: 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Soup Base: 4 cups chicken broth, 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and diced) Creamy Additions: 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika Toppings: chopped green onions, extra cheese or bacon (optional)

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This Best Homemade Potato Soup is absolute comfort in a bowl: silky, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor, from crispy bacon to tender potatoes and a swirl of melted cheddar. Every spoonful is a warm hug—just the kind of heartwarming, crowd-pleasing soup to brighten any chilly day or make an ordinary dinner something to remember. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or cozy weekend feast, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: each one in this Best Homemade Potato Soup is chosen for a reason, and nothing here is fussy or complicated. You’re building deep, savory flavor with basic staples and a few optional toppings that let you put your own spin on every bowl.

Bacon: Salty, smoky bacon adds an irresistible crunch and richness to the base.
Onion: Diced onion softens into sweet, savory goodness that lifts all the flavors.
Garlic: A couple cloves go a long way for that cozy, classic aroma.
All-purpose flour: This is the secret to a perfectly thick, velvety soup.
Chicken broth: Opt for a good-quality broth for true depth of flavor; low sodium gives you more control over seasoning.
Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture melts into the soup, making it naturally creamy—don’t skip peeling for silkiness.
Whole milk: Adds lightness while keeping the soup smooth and rich.
Heavy cream: Takes the creaminess up a notch for that luxurious finish.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that really brightens up the pot.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For oozy, melty goodness throughout every bowl and on top.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the pot, so taste as you go for perfection.
Black pepper: Balances the richness with a gentle bit of warmth.
Smoked paprika: Just a hint gives smoky undertones that make every bite interesting.
Chopped green onions, extra cheese, extra bacon (optional): Toppings that let everyone personalize their mug or bowl—and make it look irresistible.

How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Let the bacon sizzle away until it’s nice and crispy—this is where you build the first layer of flavor. Once crispy, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and pop it onto a paper towel-lined plate, saving it for topping your finished Best Homemade Potato Soup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving just about a tablespoon in the pot to keep those flavors going. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook gently for four to five minutes until softened and sweet. Add the minced garlic and give it a good stir—just 30 seconds is enough to release all that wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir well so everything gets coated and let it cook for one minute. This step is your soup’s secret to luscious thickness while keeping the flavor balanced.

Step 4: Build Your Broth Base

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, going little by little to keep things smooth and lump-free. Now add your peeled, diced russet potatoes, making sure they’re nicely covered. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and easy to mash.

Step 5: Add Creaminess and Cheese

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, partially mash them right in the pot using a potato masher for a rustic, hearty texture—or blend with an immersion blender for a smoother finish. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Finish it off with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for a beautiful hint of color and subtle smokiness.

Step 6: Simmer and Taste

Let everything simmer for another five minutes to ensure the Best Homemade Potato Soup is heated through and the cheese is beautifully melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning so it’s just right for you. Ladle into bowls and get ready for toppings!

How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup

Garnishes

For a truly inviting bowl of Best Homemade Potato Soup, don’t skip the toppings! Crumble that reserved crispy bacon, toss on a handful of extra shredded cheddar, and sprinkle with bright green onions. These little touches add bursts of flavor and color, making every serving look and taste even better.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crusty baguette or warm, buttery rolls so you can soak up every last drop. A fresh, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a nice counterpoint to the soup’s richness. If you’re feeling bold, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Best Homemade Potato Soup into big mugs for casual, hands-wrapped-around coziness, or go for mini bread bowls at your next party for extra fun and flair. For family dinners, set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowls—watch even picky eaters dive in with excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this soup!), let it cool completely and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next bowl even more delicious. Remember to save the toppings until just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Freezing

While Best Homemade Potato Soup is at its creamy best fresh, you can freeze it for later. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching and ensuring creaminess. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating also works—just do it in short bursts, stirring each time to keep things smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a bit of smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms to boost the soup’s depth and give it classic smoky undertones.

Can I use a different type Soup

Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic alternative to russets if you want an extra creamy result and a slightly buttery flavor. Any starchy potato will blend in well, but steer clear of waxy varieties like red potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape rather than break down for that signature creamy texture.

Is this Best Homemade Potato Soup gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the regular flour for a trusted gluten-free all-purpose blend and double-check that your broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy tweak for anyone with dietary needs.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use all whole milk or even half-and-half in place of heavy cream. The result will be a bit lighter but still completely satisfying—a tablespoon or two of butter can also be added if you’d like to bump up the richness.

How do I store toppings and garnishes?

For the freshest toppings, keep crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, everyone gets to enjoy all the textures just as they should be, even when enjoying reheated Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a steaming pot of Best Homemade Potato Soup with those you love—every bowl is full of heart, comfort, and pure joy. Give this recipe a spot in your rotation, and you’ll find it becomes a family favorite in no time. Pull out your biggest pot and get ready for lots of happy faces around the table!

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe. Creamy, loaded with potatoes and cheese, and topped with crispy bacon, this soup is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Bacon:

6 slices bacon (chopped)

Onion Mixture:

1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Soup Base:

4 cups chicken broth, 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and diced)

Creamy Additions:

1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Toppings:

chopped green onions, extra cheese or bacon (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: Cook chopped bacon until crispy; set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat.
Make Roux: Stir in flour to form a roux, then whisk in chicken broth.
Add Potatoes: Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
Thicken Soup: Mash some potatoes, then add milk, cream, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings.
Serve: Simmer briefly, adjust seasoning, and serve hot topped with optional toppings.