Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This easy potato soup recipe delivers incredible creaminess and hearty flavor in every spoonful. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, a chilly evening, or whenever you crave a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. Get ready to enjoy a truly comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Potato Soup
You’ll find many reasons to adore this comforting soup! This potato soup recipe easy to follow, making it a favorite for busy cooks.
- Incredibly Creamy: We use a simple blending technique to create a luxuriously smooth texture without heavy cream dominating.
- Simple & Quick: Even beginners can master this recipe with straightforward steps and minimal prep time.
- Adaptable for All Tastes: Easily customize ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of potato soup to soothe your soul.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible ingredients, this soup is kind to your wallet.
Ingredients for Easy Potato Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious easy potato soup recipe:
- 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 for me/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)
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream and bacon
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this homemade potato soup. For the best result, use Yukon Gold potatoes because their creamy texture breaks down beautifully. Russets also work but might create a slightly starchier soup. You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. Feel free to use lower-fat milk options or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup. Omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version, or use a plant-based bacon alternative. If you need a gluten-free thickener, use cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) instead of flour, adding it after the broth and simmering until thickened.
According to culinary experts, the starch content of different potato varieties influences the creaminess of your soup, with Yukon Golds and Russets being ideal for a smooth texture. Learn more about the best potatoes for creamy soup.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes this easy potato soup recipe even simpler.
- A large Dutch oven or soup pot holds everything comfortably.
- A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prep work.
- A whisk helps make a smooth roux.
- An immersion blender or regular blender creates that creamy texture.
- A ladle and serving bowls are perfect for enjoying your creation.
How to Make Easy Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Creating a comforting bowl of potato soup is straightforward with these clear steps. Follow along to master this simple potato soup recipe easy enough for any cook.
- Step 1: Cook Bacon
Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crisp and nicely browned. Remove the cooked bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. - Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more, until it becomes fragrant. - Step 3: Make Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic in the pot. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth, forming a roux. A whisk can help ensure there are no lumps. - Step 4: Combine Liquids & Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything together thoroughly. Season with salt, ground pepper, and ancho chili powder. - Step 5: Boil & Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when you pierce them with a fork. - Step 6: Blend for Creaminess
Carefully remove approximately half of the soup from the pot and transfer it to a blender. Puree until completely smooth. Be very cautious, as the soup will be hot! Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend about half of the soup to your desired consistency. This step is key for a truly creamy potato soup. - Step 7: Finish & Serve
Return the pureed soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup. Stir in the sour cream and most of the reserved crispy bacon pieces, saving some for garnish. Stir everything well until combined. - Step 8: Garnish & Enjoy
Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 15 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with additional sour cream, cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and the remaining crispy bacon. Enjoy your homemade, comforting easy potato soup recipe!
Pro Tips for the Best Potato Soup
Elevate your homemade potato soup with these simple tips.
- Dice Potatoes Evenly: Cut your potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you perfectly tender potatoes throughout.
- Master the Blend: Blend about half of the soup for that perfect balance of creamy texture and chunky potato bits. An immersion blender makes this incredibly easy and less messy.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You might need to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference for this satisfying potato soup recipe.
- Prevent Dairy Curdling: When adding sour cream or other dairy at the end, make sure the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Tempering the sour cream with a little hot soup before adding it to the pot can also help.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, good quality ingredients, especially fresh garlic and onions, make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your comforting soup.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile potato soup is a family favorite for good reason!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread or a fresh green side salad for a complete meal. Don’t be shy with garnishes; extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh chives, and reserved crispy bacon bits truly enhance each bowl of this delicious potato soup.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick after reheating.
To ensure food safety, proper cooling and storage techniques are crucial for homemade soups. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln provides detailed information on serving soup safely.
Delicious Variations
Get creative with your easy potato soup recipe!
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth. For vegan, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and omit sour cream or use a vegan sour cream substitute.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in an extra cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses (like Monterey Jack or Gruyere) just before serving, allowing it to melt into the hot soup.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the ancho chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bolder flavor. A dash of hot sauce also works wonders.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots, celery, or corn along with the potatoes for added nutrients and texture. Cook them until tender.
Potato Soup Nutrition Facts
This homemade potato soup provides a comforting and filling meal. A single serving generally offers a good balance of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the bacon and dairy, and fats for energy. While specific values depend on ingredients used, it’s typically a satisfying option. For precise nutritional information tailored to your specific ingredients, use an online nutrition calculator.
| Amount Per Serving | (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Total Fat | 30-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 800-1000mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35-45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-5g |
| Total Sugars | 6-8g |
| Protein | 15-20g |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I make this soup without bacon?
- Absolutely! Omit the bacon for a vegetarian option. You can sauté the onions in just butter or a plant-based oil instead of bacon fat.
- Q: What kind of potatoes are best?
- Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for this easy potato soup recipe due to their creamy texture and ability to break down smoothly. Russet potatoes also work well for a heartier, thicker soup.
- Q: Can I freeze potato soup?
- Yes, you can freeze potato soup! Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
- Q: How do I make the soup thicker/thinner?
- To thicken, make a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup until desired thickness. To thin, simply add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Q: Can I use an immersion blender?
- Yes, an immersion blender is perfect for this recipe! You can blend part of the soup directly in the pot to achieve that lovely creamy texture with minimal fuss.
Conclusion
This easy potato soup recipe proves that ultimate comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a wonderfully creamy, satisfying meal that truly warms the soul. It’s perfect for beginners and a delicious weeknight dinner solution for busy parents. Give this comforting potato soup a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and comments below!
