Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Homemade Comfort

Chilly nights call for comfort in a bowl with this hearty creamy potato soup recipe that warms you from the inside out.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with rustic potato chunks and subtle herb notes.

Smooth cream creates a luxurious base that turns simple ingredients into a magical meal.

Each spoonful delivers incredible depth and warmth, promising satisfaction with every bite.

The soup silky consistency comes from carefully selected ingredients that meld together beautifully.

creamy and comforting, this recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary dining experience.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor a classic soup that will become your new cold-weather favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and texture for the soup.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty flavor and crispy topping to the creamy soup.
  • Milk and Cream: Create the rich, smooth, and velvety consistency of the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
Thickening and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Work together to create a roux that thickens and adds depth to the soup.
  • Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tangy flavor to the finished dish.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps cook the potatoes and create the soup base.

Cooking Instructions for Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Grab your Dutch oven and cook bacon pieces over medium heat until they turn golden and crispy.

Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but keep that delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Soften Aromatics

Drop butter into the bacon-greased pot and toss in diced onions.

Let them dance and soften for 3-5 minutes.

Sprinkle minced garlic and cook for a quick 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Silky Base

Dust flour over the vegetables and stir until everything looks smooth and coated.

This creates a magical thickening base for your soup.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Introduce your ingredients:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chili powder

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Tenderize Potatoes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 6: Achieve Creamy Texture

Carefully scoop out half the soup and blend until ultra-smooth.

Pour the blended portion back into the pot, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 7: Final Touches

Stir in sour cream and reserved crispy bacon.

Let the soup simmer for 15 more minutes to marry all flavors.

Optional: Garnish with chopped chives, extra bacon bits, or shredded cheese.

Tips for Creamy Potato Soup Results

  • Crisp bacon in the pot first to render fat, which adds deep, smoky flavor to the entire soup base.
  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for creamier texture and easier blending.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
  • Add sour cream and milk off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture.
  • Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for same thickening effect.

Potato Soup Twists and Ideas

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and add sautéed mushrooms for umami depth. Use vegetable broth instead of traditional broth for a plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter and top with crispy tofu bits instead of bacon.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chiles, swap chili powder for chipotle powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the creamy base and bacon for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Creamy Potato Soup Well

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls to capture its warmth and richness, allowing the creamy texture to shine.
  • Toppings Galore: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor and texture.
  • Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough bread, warm garlic toast, or homemade cheese biscuits to soak up every delicious spoonful.
  • Winter Wellness Meal: Create a complete dinner by serving alongside a light winter salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy profile.

Storage Tips for Creamy Potato Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup might thicken when cold, so simply whisk or add a splash of milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
  • Freeze the soup without bacon or dairy toppings for best results. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and store up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and maintain smooth texture.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. Add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they break down easily and create a creamy texture when blended.

  • How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the soup to achieve desired thickness.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding sour cream before freezing and stir it in after reheating.

Creamy Potato Soup Silky Features

  • Unleash Comfort Food Magic: This potato soup wraps you in warm, creamy goodness that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
  • Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Learn simple steps like creating a roux, blending partially, and layering flavors without complicated chef skills.
  • Quick Family Meal Solution: Prepare a hearty, satisfying dinner that pleases everyone from kids to adults with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Top with extra bacon, cheese, or green onions to make each serving uniquely yours and keep everyone excited about dinner.
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Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this heartwarming Creamy Potato Soup, a velvety blend of russet potatoes, crisp bacon, and rich cream. Silky smooth textures and deep flavor profiles invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
  • Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped chives for topping
  • Extra sour cream
  • Extra bacon

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 pounds (1.13 kilograms) gold potatoes, peeled and diced to 1-inch (about 6 large potatoes)
  • 4 cups (0.95 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
  • 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup (160 grams) sour cream

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1.5 cups/200 grams)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup (42 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
  2. Sauté diced onions in the reserved bacon fat with butter until translucent and soft, approximately 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth, even roux that coats the vegetables.
  4. Pour in potatoes, chicken broth, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  5. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.
  6. Carefully transfer half the soup to a blender and purée until silky smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot, creating a creamy texture with some potato chunks.
  7. Stir in sour cream and crumbled bacon. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with optional toppings like chives or additional bacon bits before serving.

Notes

  • Bacon Crispiness matters. Fry bacon slowly to render fat completely and achieve maximum crunch for topping.
  • Potato Selection choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for creamier, smoother soup texture that holds shape better during cooking.
  • Blending Technique remove only partial soup for blending to maintain some potato chunks, creating more interesting texture and rustic feel.
  • Dietary Adaptations swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use turkey bacon for lighter version, and add nutritional yeast for vegan cheese-like flavor without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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