There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy potato soup. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or simply looking for a hearty meal that everyone will love, Potato Soup is always a good choice. This recipe combines smooth, velvety potatoes, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a splash of cream to create the best potato soup you’ll ever taste. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, you’ll have a rich and delicious soup ready in no time! Read on for a step-by-step guide to making this comforting dish.

What is Potato Soup?

Potato Soup is a thick, creamy soup made primarily from potatoes, often combined with broth, cream, onions, garlic, and topped with various savory ingredients like bacon, cheese, and herbs. The potatoes form the base, creating a starchy, velvety texture that carries the flavors of the broth and seasonings. What makes this soup the "best" is its balance of creamy richness, the perfect amount of cheese, and crispy bacon that adds a salty, savory punch to every bite. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, this potato soup is bound to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients List for Potato Soup

For this simple yet delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Potatoes: 4-5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes.
Bacon: 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping).
Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced.
Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Milk: 2 cups of whole milk or half-and-half for a creamy texture.
Heavy Cream (Optional): ½ cup for extra richness.
Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose flour for thickening.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Green Onions or Chives: Thinly sliced for garnish.
Sour Cream (Optional): ½ cup for added tang and creaminess.
Optional Toppings: Extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon, chopped chives, and sour cream.

Ingredient List for Optional Additions

To customize your potato soup to suit your tastes, you can add the following ingredients:

Carrots and Celery: Add 1 diced carrot and 2 diced celery stalks for extra flavor and texture.
Ham or Sausage: Add cooked diced ham or smoked sausage for a heartier soup.
Herbs: Add thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Substitutions and Variations

Potato Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences:

Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or a pinch of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, use unsweetened almond or oat milk, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup instead of all-purpose flour.
Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat variety.
Loaded Potato Soup: Add all the loaded baked potato toppings like extra bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions on top.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s walk through how to make this Potato Soup step-by-step. It's an easy process that delivers rich and creamy results every time.

Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Make a Roux: Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste, but don’t let it brown.
Add the Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps from the roux. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Mash or Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher to lightly mash the potatoes in the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
Add the Milk and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir constantly to ensure the cheese melts smoothly. If you want a richer soup, add the heavy cream at this stage as well.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You may want to add more cheese or cream, depending on your preference.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

How to Cook the Best Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make the best Potato Soup, focus on building layers of flavor. Start by cooking the bacon for a smoky, savory foundation. Sautéing the onions and garlic in the bacon grease ensures you infuse that flavor into the base. A good roux thickens the soup and gives it a creamy texture, while stirring in the cheese gradually helps prevent clumps, resulting in a smooth, velvety finish. Always season and taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy. Check them with a fork and remove from heat once they are tender.
Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent it from clumping or becoming gritty. Lower the heat before adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
Not Thickening the Soup Enough: Make sure to cook the roux for at least 1-2 minutes and add the flour gradually. If your soup is too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it.
Using Low-Fat Cheese: Low-fat cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly as full-fat cheese, which may result in a grainy texture. Use full-fat sharp cheddar for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Potato Soup is already a comfort food favorite, but you can elevate the presentation to impress your guests or family:

Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and indulgent twist.
Top with Crispy Bacon: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon on top just before serving for added crunch.
Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

How to Serve the Best Potato Soup

Serve this Potato Soup hot with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a starter for a larger dinner. For a cozy night in, enjoy the soup by itself with a warm blanket and your favorite show on!

Presentation Ideas for Potato Soup

Rustic Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic stoneware or ceramic bowls for a homestyle look.
Bread Bowl: For a fun and delicious presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
Topping Bar: Set up a small toppings bar with extra cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream, and croutons, allowing everyone to customize their soup.

Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more broth or milk if needed to loosen the consistency.
Freezing: Potato soup can be frozen, but leave out the milk and cheese before freezing. Add them after reheating to ensure the best texture.
Thickening: If the soup is too thin, add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or mash more of the potatoes to naturally thicken it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Potato Soup? Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the milk or cream. After reheating, stir in the dairy for the creamiest texture. The potatoes may break down slightly after freezing, so the soup may have a thicker consistency when thawed.
Can I make Potato Soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of that smoky flavor.
How do I store and reheat Potato Soup? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent the soup from curdling or separating. Add a little extra broth or milk if it has thickened too much.
What’s the best type of potato for Potato Soup? Russet potatoes are a great choice because they break down easily and create a creamy texture. Yukon Golds are also a good option if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor and a firmer texture.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! You can cook all the ingredients (except for the milk, cream, and cheese) in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the milk, cream, and cheese at the end, then let it cook for an additional 30 minutes until everything is melted and smooth.

Conclusion

This Potato Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings. With its creamy, rich texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon topping, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to make and endlessly satisfying. The versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your taste preferences, whether you want to keep it vegetarian, lighten it up, or go all out with loaded toppings. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and enjoy every warm, delicious spoonful!