There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of comfort food, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavor. This creamy potato soup recipe is your answer to chilly evenings and a desire for something truly satisfying. It’s an incredibly easy, one-pot dish, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. You’ll love the combination of tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a wonderfully creamy broth that comes together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Here’s why it will become a family favorite:
- Rich and Comforting: Every spoonful offers a deeply satisfying and cozy experience.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Simplify cleanup with minimal dishes.
- Hearty and Filling: It’s substantial enough for a main course.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for cold weather, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, quality ingredients to create your best homemade potato soup:
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted or salted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg)
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right ingredients enhances this creamy potato soup recipe. For potatoes, Russet potatoes offer a starchy texture that breaks down beautifully for thickness, while Yukon Gold potatoes lend a naturally buttery flavor and creamy consistency. Feel free to use either, or a mix! Research indicates that Yukon Gold potatoes are often preferred for creamy soups due to their balance of texture and flavor. For dairy, whole milk works best, but you can use half-and-half for extra richness or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option. Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian swap. Flour helps thicken, but you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a gluten-free alternative. Don’t skip the ancho chili powder; it adds a unique, smoky depth, but paprika or a pinch of cayenne can work in a pinch.
Equipment
You don’t need much to create this comforting potato soup. A few essential kitchen tools will make the process smooth:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot ensures even heating. Dutch ovens are lauded for their ability to provide even heat distribution and retain moisture, which is ideal for simmering and slow-cooking dishes like this potato soup.
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are crucial for prepping ingredients.
- An immersion blender makes pureeing easy and mess-free directly in the pot. A regular blender works too (be careful with hot liquids!).
- A ladle is perfect for serving up hot bowls of soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing creamy potato soup. This easy-to-follow method ensures a perfect result every time, making it a truly beginner-friendly creamy potato soup recipe.
- Render Bacon: Place the cut bacon pieces in your large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and nicely browned.
- Set Aside Bacon: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon pieces and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion: Add the butter and chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic in the pot. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth, forming a roux. A whisk can help if needed to prevent lumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, ground pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced easily with a fork.
- Puree Soup: Carefully remove approximately half of the soup from the pot and transfer it to a blender. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Puree until smooth. This creates a wonderfully creamy texture while retaining some potato chunks. (About 5 cups of soup is half, but eyeballing is fine.)
- Finish Soup: Return the pureed soup to the pot. Stir in the sour cream and the reserved crisp bacon pieces. Mix well to incorporate.
- Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 15 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the hot creamy potato soup into bowls. Top with additional sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, or more crispy bacon. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Soup
Achieving the perfect creamy potato soup is easy with these expert tips:
- Potato Prep: Dice your potatoes uniformly. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Achieving Creaminess: For a truly velvety soup, puree all of it. For a chunky-creamy texture, pureeing half the soup and mixing it back in creates the best of both worlds.
- Flavor Boost: Do not skip the ancho chili powder. It adds an incredible depth and a subtle smoky warmth that elevates this creamy potato soup recipe beyond the ordinary.
- Bacon Timing: Always add the cooked bacon back into the soup just before serving or during the final simmer. This keeps it crisp and flavorful, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Salt Adjustment: Always taste your soup before adding extra salt, especially if you’re using salted broth or bacon. Adjust as needed to your preference.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile creamy potato soup recipe is perfect for many occasions.
Serving Ideas: Elevate your bowls of this delicious potato soup with generous garnishes like shredded sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chopped chives, extra crispy bacon bits, or even sliced jalapeños for a kick. Pair it with warm, crusty bread, fluffy cornbread, or homemade biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Store any leftover creamy potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For best results when freezing, consider freezing the soup before adding the sour cream. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator, then gently warm on the stovetop and stir in fresh sour cream.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add cooked diced chicken, leftover ham, sweet corn, or a different type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for new flavor profiles in your creamy potato soup.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of this creamy potato soup recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20-25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15g |
| Cholesterol | 60-70mg |
| Sodium | 800-900mg |
| Total Carbs | 30-35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4g |
| Total Sugars | 5-7g |
| Protein | 10-12g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup?
Russet potatoes are excellent for a thick, starchy soup, while Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier texture and buttery flavor. Both work wonderfully in this creamy potato soup.
How do I make the soup thicker/thinner?
For a thicker soup, ensure your roux is well-developed with enough flour. To thin it, simply stir in additional milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
Can creamy potato soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it! It’s best to freeze it without the sour cream, then stir in fresh sour cream after thawing and reheating.
How long does creamy potato soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade creamy potato soup will last deliciously for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This ultimate creamy potato soup recipe proves that making delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that the whole family will adore. We encourage you to try this easy creamy potato soup recipe soon and savor every spoonful. Share your creations and let us know how much you loved it!
