There is nothing quite as comforting and soul-satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially when it features tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy goodness. If you have been searching for the Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe, you are in for a treat. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a rich and velvety soup bursting with layers of flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you crave that cozy homemade taste that makes you feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to build a balance of flavor and texture that makes the soup truly special. From the hearty Russet potatoes providing body and creaminess to the crisp bacon adding a smoky punch, every component plays a crucial role.
- 6 medium Russet potatoes, diced: These starchy potatoes break down beautifully while cooking, creating a naturally creamy texture without needing too much cream.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, giving the soup a flavorful base.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 3 celery stalks, diced: Offers a mild freshness and slight crunch that balances the richness.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Infuses the soup with smoky savoriness and a wonderful crispy topping.
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid heart of the soup, providing savory umami and nourishing warmth.
- 1 cup milk: Adds smoothness and helps create the creamy texture we all love.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent richness and velvety body to the finished soup.
- 1 tsp minced parsley: A fresh herb note that lightens the overall flavor and adds color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten all the flavors.
- 3 tbsp flour (or cornstarch): Thickens the soup perfectly without overpowering it.
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works well): Melts beautifully into the soup and makes for a cheesy, comforting finish.
How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon slices in a large pot over medium heat until they are nice and crispy. This step not only provides delicious bacon to crumble on top later but also creates a flavorful bacon fat base that will impart an extra savory kick to the soup. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside for garnishing.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the bacon fat left in the pot, add your diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté these gently until the onions are translucent and the carrots start to soften. This builds a wonderful aromatic foundation and deepens the flavor profile, giving the soup a rich sweetness alongside the smoky notes from the bacon fat.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes into the pot along with salt, pepper, and your broth of choice. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil. This mixture will cook down and allow the potatoes to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and vegetables.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour and Milk
After about 10 minutes of simmering, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Whisk together the flour and milk in a separate bowl until smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering soup. This will gradually thicken the soup and give it that luscious texture we all crave in a perfect potato soup.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to cook out the flour’s raw taste. Next, remove a portion of the soup and blend it until smooth either using a blender or an immersion blender. Returning this blended portion to the pot creates a velvety consistency while still leaving some chunky potato goodness in the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Bacon
Finally, stir the crispy crumbled bacon back into the soup for bursts of smoky flavor throughout. The heat from the soup will gently warm the bacon, keeping its texture just right without softening it too much.
How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes elevate the humble bowl into a sensory delight. Sprinkle fresh minced parsley for brightness, add extra crumbled bacon for that unbeatable crunch and savoriness, and generously top with grated cheddar cheese. The melted cheese adds a gooey, comforting touch that feels indulgent and makes every spoonful memorable.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crunchy bread, like a crusty baguette or warm garlic breadsticks. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich alongside make a satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on serving, try scooping the soup into bread bowls or hollowed-out large potatoes to amp up the potato theme. You could also offer small bowls with various toppings on the side like sour cream, chopped chives, or hot sauce so everyone can personalize their soup experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any soup leftover, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken a bit as it cools, but it will stay flavorful and delicious for your next meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, which makes it great for meal prep. Just allow it to cool completely before pouring into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that cream may separate a little upon thawing, but a good stir or gentle reheating will bring it back together.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low to medium heat while stirring regularly. This prevents scorching and helps restore the creamy texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use potatoes other than Russet for this soup?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture that thickens the soup well, Yukon Gold potatoes can also work nicely, giving a creamier mouthfeel and a subtly buttery flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to bring in a hint of that smoky flavor without the meat.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely. Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan cream substitute. Skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Adjust seasonings to compensate for the different flavor profiles.
How thick should the soup be?
The Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe has a nice balance—creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still spoonable and not overly heavy. If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a bit more broth or milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Yes, feel free to customize! Corn, peas, or even kale can add extra texture and nutrition. Just add heartier vegetables early on to ensure they cook through. For more protein, stirring in cooked shredded chicken or ham can be a tasty addition.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is like receiving a warm hug in a bowl. Its simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and enjoy the magic of homemade potato soup!
Print
Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. Made with tender diced Russet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, and a smooth blend of broth, milk, and cream, this soup satisfies with its rich flavor and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 medium Russet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp flour (or cornstarch)
Dairy
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works well)
Other Ingredients
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tsp minced parsley
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced Russet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, then pour in the 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Thicken the Soup: While the soup is boiling, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch) with the milk until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the boiling soup, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer and Blend: Reduce heat and simmer the soup for 5 minutes. Then remove about one-third of the soup and blend it until smooth to create a creamy texture without losing the chunky potatoes.
- Combine and Add Bacon: Return the blended soup to the pot and stir well. Fold in the crumbled crispy bacon.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream, then garnish with minced parsley, additional bacon pieces, and grated cheddar cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian but omit bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.
- For a richer soup, increase the heavy cream to ¾ cup.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the dairy.
