Table of Contents
POTATO SOUP bubbles with creamy richness as golden potatoes melt into velvety smoothness, perfumed by herbs and crowned with crispy bacon bits. Each spoonful envelops your senses in warmth—the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment while autumn winds whistle outside. Unlike basic Sauerkraut Soup or typical Fall Soup Recipes, this Best Potato Soup transforms humble spuds into liquid comfort that rivals any restaurant bowl. Whether you crave Homemade Potato Soup nostalgia or seek clever Soup Ideas for meal prep, this recipe delivers satisfaction that lingers long after the last drop.
Why You’ll Love This POTATO SOUP Recipe
- Silky texture magic: perfectly cooked potatoes blend into restaurant-quality creaminess without heavy cream, noted by nutrition experts.
- One-pot wonder: everything simmers together beautifully, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process itself.
- Flavor layering mastery: each ingredient builds upon the last, creating depth that rivals Cheesy Potato Soup complexity.
- Customizable canvas: transform into Chicken Potato Soup, Sausage Potato Soup, or even Vegan Potato Soup with simple swaps.
- Freezer-friendly champion: batch-cook portions for instant Potato Chowder Soup comfort whenever cravings strike.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Comfort Food |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 35 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free option |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | Hot |
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed – creamy texture powerhouse packed with potassium.
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced – smoky flavor foundation.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced – aromatic base builder.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped – subtle crunch and freshness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – fragrant depth enhancer.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – natural thickening agent.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – rich liquid base highlighted by WebMD.
- 2 cups whole milk – creamy richness without heaviness.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – tangy melt factor.
- 2 bay leaves – subtle earthiness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – herbaceous warmth.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped – bright finishing touch.
Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (6-8 minutes). Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- Add diced onion and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk. Add the cubed potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot topped with reserved bacon and fresh chives.
Notes
How to Make the POTATO SOUP
This Homemade Potato Soup method builds layers of flavor while maintaining that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 1: Render the Bacon
Cook diced bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add onion and celery to bacon fat; cook 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Roux
Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, preventing lumps. Add cubed potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Create Creamy Texture
Remove bay leaves. Using immersion blender, partially blend soup leaving some potato chunks for texture.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir in cheese until melted, season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with bacon and chives.
Pro Tips for Making POTATO SOUP
- Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the perfect creamy-chunky balance.
- Cook bacon low and slow to render maximum fat without burning.
- Gradually add liquids while whisking to prevent flour lumps from forming.
- For Vegan Potato Soup variation, skip bacon and use olive oil with vegetable broth.
- Transform into Chicken Potato Soup by adding shredded rotisserie chicken in the final minutes.
How to Serve POTATO SOUP
This versatile bowl adapts beautifully to countless serving styles and seasonal moods.
- Alongside crusty sourdough bread for the ultimate Fall Soup Recipes experience.
- Topped with extra cheese for Cheesy Potato Soup indulgence.
- In bread bowls for rustic presentation perfect for Soup Ideas entertaining.
- With cornbread muffins for Southern comfort vibes.
- Garnished with sour cream and green onions like loaded baked-potatoes.
- Paired with grilled cheese sandwiches for the classic combo.
- Served family-style with a variety of toppings for DIY customization.
- In thermos containers for cozy outdoor meals.
- As a base for Sausage Potato Soup by adding crumbled breakfast sausage.
- Chilled and served as Potato Chowder Soup for summer variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool completely before refrigerating up to 4 days.
• Store bacon separately to maintain crispness.
• Keep toppings in individual containers for freshness.
• Stir gently when reheating to maintain texture.
Freezing
• Freeze base soup (without dairy) up to 3 months.
• Add milk and cheese after thawing and reheating.
• Portion into freezer bags for single-serving convenience.
• Label with date and reheating instructions.
Reheating
• Warm gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
• Add splash of broth or milk if mixture thickens too much.
• Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.
• Avoid rapid boiling to prevent separation.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of potatoes and chicken broth?
Potatoes provide essential potassium, vitamin C, and fiber for heart health and digestion, while chicken broth supplies collagen and minerals that support joint health and hydration.
Can I substitute regular potatoes?
Yes—russet potatoes create fluffier texture, while red potatoes maintain firmer chunks. Sweet potatoes work beautifully for autumn-inspired variations.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Boost taste with roasted garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, or a splash of white wine instead of additional cream or cheese.
Can I meal prep POTATO SOUP?
Absolutely—prepare the base ahead and add dairy components when reheating. Freeze portions for up to three months for quick weeknight dinners.
Final Thoughts
This POTATO SOUP represents everything wonderful about comfort food—simple ingredients transformed into something magical through careful technique and patience. Every spoonful delivers warmth that goes beyond temperature, creating memories around your table that last far longer than the meal itself. Keep this recipe close for those moments when only true comfort will suffice, and watch it become a treasured family tradition that spans generations.
