Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

If you crave a cozy classic that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful, let me tell you: this Best Homemade Potato Soup is the recipe you’ve been searching for. Thick, creamy, and loaded with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Every bite is like a big warm hug—savory, flavorful, and wonderfully filling! Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you’re aiming to impress family and friends, this soup promises to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients can transform into something so soul-satisfying! Each item in this list plays a special part in the taste, richness, and color of the Best Homemade Potato Soup—don’t skip the fresh toppings for the full experience.

• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and irresistible crispiness—perfect for topping your soup.
• Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it forms the sweet, savory foundation for every great soup.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves lift the whole dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This helps create a simple roux, thickening the soup to beautiful creaminess.
• Chicken broth: Gives body and savory backbone—use low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
• Russet potatoes: The star of the show! They break down to deliver that classic creamy texture.
• Whole milk: Adds silky richness without heaviness—be sure to use whole for the best results.
• Heavy cream: For that ultra-luxurious, velvety finish we all adore in potato soup.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded and melted in, it brings tangy goodness and that eye-catching golden color.
• Dried thyme: Just a pinch gives subtle herby warmth that sets the soup off perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season generously—these everyday stars make all the flavors sing.
• Green onions: Sprinkled on top, they bring a fresh pop of color and zippy bite.
• Extra cheddar and sour cream: Optional, but so worth it for the ultimate loaded potato soup finish.

How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You’re going for perfectly crispy pieces—these become magical little toppings at the end! Once brown and crisp, scoop the bacon out with a slotted spoon, but leave about a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon fat in the pot. That’s liquid gold for building flavor in your Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add the diced onion right into the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and lightly golden. Now toss in the minced garlic—let it cook just a minute longer, until fragrant. That gentle sizzle means big flavor is on the way!

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour generously over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. The flour will soak up that bacon fat and begin to toast, creating a roux that thickens your soup to creamy perfection. Don’t rush this step for the silkiest finish!

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any golden bits—those bits are packed with flavor! Add the diced russet potatoes and dried thyme next. Mix it all together, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are so tender you can easily pierce them with a fork. Check occasionally to be sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Mash for Texture

Take a potato masher or fork and gently mash some of the potatoes right in the pot—leave some chunks for that classic loaded potato soup vibe. This step gives your Best Homemade Potato Soup its trademark creamy-yet-chunky texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 7: Add Dairy & Cheese

Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Now’s the moment to taste and adjust with salt and pepper—make it absolutely perfect for you!

Step 8: Serve with the Works

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings: the reserved crispy bacon, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra-indulgent. Your Best Homemade Potato Soup is ready for its grand entrance!

How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup

Garnishes

The joy of this soup is the customization! Sprinkle generous handfuls of crispy bacon and bright green onions over each bowl—then pile on more cheese and a swirl of sour cream. These toppings bring layers of texture and fresh pops of flavor that turn a great soup into the Best Homemade Potato Soup experience.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s truly soul-satisfying when paired with a crusty loaf of bread or warm rolls for dipping. A crisp, simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s rich creaminess. Trust me—your family will be raving!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Or serve your Best Homemade Potato Soup in small mugs or bread bowls at your next gathering—watch everyone’s eyes light up at this comfort food treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Homemade Potato Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep for up to 4 days—making weekday lunches extra delicious!

Freezing

This soup does freeze, though the dairy can sometimes separate slightly. Cool the soup fully, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding any fresh garnishes or extra cheese.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another bowl, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it’s extra thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to creamy deliciousness. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to split.

FAQs

Can I make Best Homemade Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the bacon for a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.

What’s the best potato variety for this soup?

Russet potatoes work best since they break down easily for that signature creaminess, but Yukon gold or red potatoes are delicious alternatives if you prefer a slightly different texture or a bit more color.

How can I make my soup even thicker?

If you like a super-thick soup, reduce the chicken broth by half a cup, mash more of the potatoes, or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.

Can I use light cream or milk to reduce calories?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or additional whole milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version, though the soup will be a tad less rich. It’s still absolutely cozy and delicious!

Does Best Homemade Potato Soup work in a slow cooker?

You bet! Just cook the bacon first, then add all the ingredients except for the milk, cream, and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, stir in the dairy and cheese at the end, and serve with your favorite toppings.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how cozy, creamy, and joyfully satisfying a bowl of Best Homemade Potato Soup can be. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or warming up after a brisk day, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make (and share!) again and again. Grab a spoon, pile on the toppings, and savor every bite—you’re about to discover why this truly is the best homemade potato soup around!

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