Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a bowl of rich, creamy, soul-soothing comfort, the Best Homemade Potato Soup is everything you want and more. Silky Yukon golds or russet potatoes simmer with crispy bacon, caramelized onion, melted cheddar, and a swirl of sour cream to create a seriously satisfying hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or you’re out to impress friends and family, this recipe brings together the classics with a few cook’s secrets to make it even more irresistible. Creamy, loaded, and absolutely packed with flavor—one spoonful, and you’ll understand why people call this their favorite soup!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one layers in flavor, texture, or creaminess, making the Best Homemade Potato Soup a true classic for home cooks. Let’s break down what you need and why you need it!

• Bacon: Crisp, smoky bacon adds richness and the perfect crunchy topping—don’t skip it!
• Onion: Sweet, diced onion offers a savory flavor base and melts into the soup for subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Just two minced cloves, but they bring a world of depth and homey aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour: A little flour thickens the broth to that classic, velvety soup texture.
• Chicken Broth: Use good quality broth for fuller flavor; it forms the main liquid for our soup.
• Russet Potatoes: These peel-and-dice easily and break down perfectly for a creamy, chunky balance.
• Whole Milk: Creamy and comforting, milk helps build lusciousness without feeling too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: This turns the soup ultra-silky and decadent—totally worth it!
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooths out the flavors; saves the soup from ever tasting flat.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy bliss for unbeatable flavor.
• Salt: Just enough to bring out every ingredient’s best self.
• Black Pepper: A half teaspoon brings subtle heat and balance—don’t forget.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle smoke and gorgeous golden color to the soup.
• Chopped Green Onions (optional): They’re beautiful and add freshness if you love a little extra bite.
• Extra Cheese or Bacon for Topping (optional): You know you want to—pile it high and enjoy!

How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp and Render the Bacon

Start your Best Homemade Potato Soup adventure by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté until the pieces are perfectly crisp. Once they’re golden and irresistible, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. This step infuses the soup with a smoky backbone and creates those beloved crunchy bits for topping.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Pour off almost all the bacon fat—leave about a tablespoon behind for flavor gold! Add your diced onion to the hot pot and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting it soften, caramelize, and release its natural sugars. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds, until fragrant. This perfect base is the secret to deep, home-cooked flavor in the Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well. You want every bit coated in flour, which will bubble and thicken as it cooks. Give it about one minute to take off any raw flour taste—trust me, it makes the soup silky, not starchy!

Step 4: Build the Broth and Simmer Potatoes

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth a splash at a time, scraping up the flavorful bits from the pot bottom as you go. Once it’s smooth, add your peeled and diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. The kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 5: Mash for Texture

For the signature creamy-yet-chunky texture of the Best Homemade Potato Soup, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash about half of the potatoes right in the pot. You’ll end up with a soup that’s both silky and hearty, the kind people crave on cold nights!

Step 6: Add the Creamy Goodness and Cheese

Stir in the milk, heavy cream, sour cream, shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let the soup simmer gently for another five minutes, stirring so all the dairy mixes in and the cheese melts to perfection. Taste, then adjust seasonings if you like—it’s your moment to tweek!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Best Homemade Potato Soup into bowls while piping hot. Top each bowl with those reserved crispy bacon bits, extra cheddar, and a sprinkling of fresh green onions. The toppings not only add flavor and crunch but transform every bowl into restaurant-worthy comfort food.

How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup

Garnishes

What takes the Best Homemade Potato Soup over the top? Pile on the toppings! The classic trio is crispy bacon, more shredded cheddar, and a handful of freshly chopped green onions. A dollop of extra sour cream or even some snipped fresh chives can truly personalize each bowl. Every bite should have a bit of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy.

Side Dishes

If you want a well-rounded meal, serve this soup with a thick slice of buttery toasted bread or a flaky homemade biscuit to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad adds freshness and contrast to balance the soup’s richness. For a cozy supper, serve with a light apple slaw or roasted vegetables for color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-factor on any table, serve your Best Homemade Potato Soup in crusty bread bowls or cute mini cocottes at your next dinner party. For family nights, set out a garnish bar and let everyone pile on their favorite toppings. You can even serve it in small mugs for a hearty appetizer at casual get-togethers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors just deepen overnight, making the Best Homemade Potato Soup arguably even tastier the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to three months, but keep in mind that soups with dairy and potatoes may separate slightly when thawed. Let the soup cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container (leaving a little space for expansion), and label it. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just use a covered bowl and stir halfway through so the soup heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Homemade Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon, swap in your favorite vegetarian broth for the chicken broth, and you’ll still have a hearty, comforting soup. You can amp up flavor by adding extra smoked paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke if you miss the smokiness.

What potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are classic and result in a fluffy, hearty soup, but Yukon golds give a creamier, more buttery texture. Either one works beautifully—mix it up based on what’s on hand or your favorite potato variety!

Can I make the Best Homemade Potato Soup gluten-free?

Yes you can! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your broth is certified gluten-free. You’ll still get all the flavor and texture, completely safe for those avoiding gluten.

Why is my soup so thick after storing?

This happens because the potatoes and starches absorb liquid as the soup sits. Just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating, and your soup will return to its original luxurious texture.

Can I add extra veggies to this soup?

Definitely—feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or even corn during the potato simmering step. Just make sure all veggies are tender before you blend or mash the soup, and you’ll have a fun twist on the Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Final Thoughts

Take my word for it: once you try the Best Homemade Potato Soup, you’ll crave it again and again. It’s warm, comforting, and completely customizable—just waiting to be shared with your favorite people. So gather your ingredients, grab that big soup pot, and bring some hearty, homemade happiness to your table tonight!

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