There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Best Homemade Potato Soup. This creamy, hearty dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that warms you from the inside out. Smoky bacon, soft potatoes, and a velvety-smooth broth studded with cheddar cheese and just a hint of herbs—every bite feels like a hug. Whether you’re soothing a chilly evening or sharing a meal with loved ones, this recipe is the soulful answer to every comfort food craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these kitchen staples to craft your Best Homemade Potato Soup. Each ingredient is chosen for both its flavor and its ability to transform into the ultimate comfort dish—no fillers, just the delicious essentials working in harmony.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and smoky flavor that carries through every spoonful.
- Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring a savory, mouthwatering aroma and mellow spice.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down just enough to make the soup luxuriously creamy.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium if you like to control salt levels; it gives the soup a comforting foundation.
- Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness without heaviness.
- Heavy Cream: For that coveted silky texture and an undeniably rich flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the soup for a rich, creamy mouthfeel without overwhelming other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Whisked into the butter to create a roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
- Salt: Brightens every flavor note—essential for balance.
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat that punctuates each bite.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that echoes the bacon’s savoriness.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it gives the soup a whisper of herby goodness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup to bring savory tang and creaminess.
- Sour Cream: Swirled in for a touch of tang and an even silkier finish.
- Chopped Green Onions: A fresh, zippy garnish that contrasts perfectly with the rich soup.
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 pieces get truly crispy—the end result is more than just a topping; these savory bites are built-in flavor bombs that define the Best Homemade Potato Soup. Once golden, scoop out the bacon and reserve a couple of tablespoons of those glorious drippings.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add your diced onion directly into the hot bacon drippings and let them soften for around five minutes. Once the onions turn translucent and fragrant, toss in the minced garlic, letting it work its aromatic magic for just a minute. This base infuses the entire soup with mouthwatering depth.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Hold in the potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything up to a boil, then turn it down to a gentle simmer. This is when the potatoes become impossibly tender and start to give the soup its signature heartiness. Fifteen minutes is all it takes for them to be perfectly soft.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it constantly for about a minute—it should smell lightly nutty. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until silky smooth. This step ensures your soup is thick and creamy without a hint of graininess.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Now add the milk mixture to your big soup pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let everything simmer together for another ten minutes. This is where all the flavors meld, and the soup gets that luxurious, stick-to-your-ribs body.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream
Turn off the heat, then stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream. They’ll melt right in, making your soup the creamiest it can be. If you like it extra silky, blend half the cooked potatoes before this last step—it’s like a hidden chef’s secret in your own kitchen.
Step 7: Ladle and Garnish
Spoon the soup into bowls and shower the top with your reserved bacon and chopped green onions. Each finishing touch brings a burst of texture and flavor that elevates every serving.
How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup
Garnishes
A luscious soup deserves bold finishing touches. Pile on the crispy bacon bits, a handful of vivid green onions, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese—each one adds a punch of color, flavor, and crunch that makes Best Homemade Potato Soup unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is a classic companion for any potato soup, but buttery biscuits, a fresh green salad, or even tangy pickles make fantastic sidekicks. These options add a little variety, scoop up every last drop, and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY soup bar for friends and family, with bowls of favorite garnishes like chopped chives, roasted garlic, or hot sauce. Serve the soup in hollowed bread bowls or elegant mugs for a charming twist that highlights just how special this Best Homemade Potato Soup is.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making each reheat richer than the last—pleasant proof that comfort food only gets better with time.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the dairy, but a good stir (or a quick blend) brings it right back to life.
Reheating
Gently reheat Best Homemade Potato Soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up as needed. Give it a good stir and watch it return to its original velvety, cheesy glory—almost like the first time!
FAQs
Can I make Best Homemade Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth, and feel free to get creative with toppings—think crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a savory bite.
What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?
Russet potatoes are the number one choice for Best Homemade Potato Soup because of their starchy texture, which creates a creamy base. Yukon Golds also work well if you like a slightly buttery flavor and golden hue.
Can I lighten up the soup?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, and swap some (or all) of the bacon for turkey bacon or simply skip it. You’ll still enjoy a rich, creamy soup without all the indulgence.
How can I make the soup extra smooth?
If you prefer an ultra-creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup before stirring in the cheese and sour cream. This technique gives Best Homemade Potato Soup that restaurant-worthy silkiness.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes! This kid-friendly soup is mild, cheesy, and comforting. You can leave off the green onions for picky eaters and offer a little extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for them to mix in at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the kind of cozy, classic comfort that makes everyone gather around the table, this Best Homemade Potato Soup is your ticket. It’s simple, sumptuously creamy, and built for sharing—so put on your favorite playlist, ladle up a big bowl, and make some delicious new memories tonight.
Print
Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comfort of this Best Homemade Potato Soup, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With the richness of cheddar cheese, the smokiness of bacon, and the warmth of potatoes, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Bacon:
6 slices chopped
Onion:
1 medium, diced
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Russet Potatoes:
4 cups, peeled and diced
Chicken Broth:
4 cups
Milk:
2 cups
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Unsalted Butter:
3 tablespoons
All-Purpose Flour:
3 tablespoons
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup
Green Onions:
2 tablespoons for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Onion: Cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Combine potatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Make Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Add to potato mixture.
- Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with bacon and green onions.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend half of the cooked potatoes before adding cheese and sour cream.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
