Are you ready to make the most comforting, creamy potato soup that will leave your taste buds asking for more? This recipe is the perfect solution for cold winter nights, cozy family gatherings, or whenever you're craving a bowl of creamy, hearty goodness. In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail, from the ingredient list to serving tips, so you can create this delicious soup at home. Make sure to read all the way through for valuable tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s get started!
What Is Potato Soup?
Potato soup is a classic comfort food made from basic ingredients like potatoes, broth, and cream. What sets this ultimate creamy potato soup recipe apart is its rich, velvety texture, enhanced by a blend of heavy cream, sour cream, and crispy bacon. The potatoes act as the perfect canvas, absorbing the flavors of onion, garlic, and spices, while the topping of shredded cheddar cheese and chives adds a finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level.
Ingredients List for The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup
Core Ingredients
- 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces: Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the soup.
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted): This helps sauté the onions and adds richness to the soup.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g): Onion brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant, savory note to balance the richness.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g): Flour helps to thicken the soup, creating that creamy consistency.
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg): Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe because of their smooth texture and slightly buttery flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml): Chicken broth serves as the base liquid and provides a savory background.
- 2 cups milk (475ml): Milk makes the soup even creamier and adds a gentle sweetness.
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml): This gives the soup a luxurious, silky texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a little bit of heat and depth.
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder: Optional, but this provides a subtle smoky heat to balance the creaminess.
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g): Adds tanginess and extra creaminess at the end.
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding even more richness.
- Chives: Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor that brightens the dish.
- Extra sour cream and bacon pieces: Because you can never have too much!
Substitutions and Variations
- Bacon Substitution: If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta can be used as an alternative. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon altogether and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream.
- Flour Alternative: If you’re gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
- Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. The ancho chili powder already gives a slight kick, but this can be amped up depending on your taste.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other types of cheese like gouda or gruyère for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Once melted, toss in the chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously to make a roux. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is lightly golden.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring the roux dissolves into the liquid. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend Half the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup directly in the pot to achieve a smooth yet chunky consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Milk and Cream: Stir in the milk and heavy cream, letting the soup heat through without bringing it to a boil.
- Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon: Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Add half of the bacon pieces back into the soup, saving the rest for garnish.
How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
This potato soup comes together in a few simple steps. First, the bacon is cooked to add a smoky flavor, followed by sautéing onions and garlic for that aromatic base. Next, flour is used to create a roux, which helps thicken the soup. Potatoes and broth are added, and the soup is simmered until the potatoes are soft. The blending step is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture. Finally, milk, cream, and sour cream are added to bring the soup to its full, luxurious potential. It’s a straightforward process that delivers incredible results!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooking the Bacon Until Crispy: Undercooked bacon will be chewy and won’t add that satisfying crunch.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so make sure to add it after the onions are softened and only cook it for about 1 minute.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux is crucial for thickening the soup, so don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Make sure to simmer the soup gently. Overcooking the potatoes can result in them becoming mushy and losing their texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your creamy potato soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:
How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup
- Serve in deep bowls to keep the soup warm longer.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup
- Serve with crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls for dipping.
- Garnish with a swirl of cream for a professional look.
- Add some croutons for extra texture and crunch.
Potato Soup Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup without the dairy components (milk, cream, sour cream). When reheating, add the dairy once the soup has been thawed and heated through.
- Consistency Control: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more broth or milk to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, russet potatoes will work well too. Just keep in mind that russets might break down more in the soup, creating a thicker consistency.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can cook the bacon separately and then add all the ingredients (except for the sour cream, milk, and cream) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the dairy products at the end.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I leave out the bacon?
Yes, but the bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make yet rich in flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy meal on a cold day or serve it at a gathering, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. With crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and a variety of toppings to choose from, it’s a customizable dish that never disappoints. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family!
PrintThe Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
This ultimate creamy potato soup recipe features tender gold potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety broth made with butter, milk, and sour cream. Easy to prepare, this soup delivers the perfect blend of hearty and creamy comfort in every bite. Ideal for cozy dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (1.5 cup/200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced (1.15kg)
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chives, extra sour cream, and bacon
Instructions
- Cook bacon pieces in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add diced potatoes.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Cook until heated through.
- Add sour cream and blend until creamy, using an immersion blender if desired.
- Garnish with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and extra sour cream.
Notes
- Adjust ancho chili powder to your heat preference.
- Blending part or all of the soup will create a smoother texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. ⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 960mg
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