Few things feel more comforting than cozying up with a creamy bowl of soup, and this Homemade Potato Soup Recipe delivers pure, soul-warming satisfaction in every spoonful. The potatoes are tender, the broth is rich and flavorful, and every bite tastes like a nostalgic hug from your favorite kitchen. This is the recipe I turn to when I want easy, hearty, consistently delicious results—and I’m thrilled to share the secret to homemade potato soup done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with ingredients that are simple yet essential—each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creamy texture. Fresh, everyday staples work together to create a soup that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and creamy texture make these potatoes perfect for soup; plus, they hold their shape beautifully.
- Yellow onion: A diced onion builds the aromatic base—its natural sweetness mellows and enriches the final broth.
- Celery: Adds fresh flavor and a slight crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
- Carrots: Their color and subtle sweetness balance the savory potato soup flavors.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves lend that irresistible, savory depth you’ll crave.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The foundation of your soup—choose a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Butter: Provides a velvety mouthfeel and rounds out the flavors.
- Flour: Just a little, to gently thicken the soup and make it perfectly creamy.
- Whole milk: The secret to richness—whole milk brings luscious creaminess without feeling heavy.
- Sour cream: Stirring some in at the end adds tang and body.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning, always taste as you go.
- Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.
How to Make Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing your Yukon Gold potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, celery, and carrots, and mince your garlic. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking helps the process flow smoothly and ensures all the veggies cook evenly for a wonderfully textured soup.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables for Flavor
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onions look translucent and the vegetables have softened, add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this step is key for bringing out the best flavors in your Homemade Potato Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flour for Creaminess
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed vegetables and stir well, letting it cook for 1–2 minutes. This little bit of flour creates a silky texture without making the soup too thick or gloppy. Stir constantly so the flour doesn’t brown or burn.
Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth
Now comes the magic—add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to catch any flavorful bits, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let your soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender.
Step 5: Blend for the Perfect Texture
For a classic Homemade Potato Soup Recipe texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup right in the pot. Leave a few chunks for a rustic feel! If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle out about a third of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and return it to the pot. This trick creates dreamy creaminess while still leaving plenty of hearty potato pieces.
Step 6: Finish with Milk and Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the whole milk and sour cream. Let the soup warm through gently—don’t boil after adding the dairy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, personalize each serving with your favorite garnishes, and get ready for cozy satisfaction!
How to Serve Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly bring this soup to life. I love a generous handful of shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of crispy bacon, and a shower of fresh chives. A swirl of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce also elevates each serving. Let everyone top their own bowl—the Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is meant for customizing!
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair your potato soup with warm, crusty bread or a hunk of garlic toast for dunking. A crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil also makes a refreshing companion, balancing the soup’s rich creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. For a casual family dinner, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone ladle their portion themselves. At brunch, offer small mugs of soup alongside mini grilled cheese bites for a playful take on soup-and-sandwich combos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Homemade Potato Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next bowl even more irresistible!
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but be aware that potatoes change texture after freezing—they become a little softer and more starchy. For best results, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm leftover soup gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency. If reheating from frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge first. Stir well to recombine before serving.
FAQs
Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds?
Absolutely! Russets work well and will result in a slightly fluffier texture. Just be aware they may break down more during cooking, so keep an eye on doneness.
Is there a way to make this Homemade Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon garnish. For extra richness, try stirring in a splash of plant-based cream at the end.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can! Use plant-based butter, swap the milk for a creamy non-dairy alternative (like unsweetened oat or cashew milk), and choose dairy-free sour cream. The soup will still be luscious and satisfying.
How can I thicken my potato soup if it’s too thin?
Blend a bit more of the soup for a thicker consistency, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and simmer until thickened. Always add thickeners gradually and stir constantly.
What’s the best way to reheat the Homemade Potato Soup Recipe?
Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding more broth or milk if needed. Microwave reheating is fine for single servings—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through to prevent hot spots.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for unbeatable comfort and flavor, this Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is one to add to your regular rotation. It’s endlessly adaptable, always satisfying, and just waiting to become the new classic at your family table. Grab your biggest pot and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintHomemade Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting homemade potato soup is creamy, hearty, and easy to make with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s brimming with tender potatoes, savory broth, and a touch of cream, resulting in a rich, velvety texture that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish or serve as a starter for an inviting family dinner. Customizable with your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, or green onions, this classic potato soup is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cooked bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Aromatics: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This prep will help everything cook evenly and allow flavors to blend beautifully.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
- Add Potatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup in the pot until it’s as smooth or chunky as you prefer. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender (work in batches if needed) and return to the pot for a creamy-yet-textured soup.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon topping.
- You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a more buttery flavor.
- If you like a thinner soup, add extra broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Soup may thicken, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
- To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and omit the cream or substitute with a vegan alternative.
Yummy! Combines almost all of my favorite ingredients for potato soup all into one, so easy to make! I added drained shoepeg corn and small sliced carrots for color . Such a hit! Even my husband liked it, and he is not a soup guy ❤️. Thanks for sharing, Barbara T