If there is one recipe that wraps you in a cozy hug with every spoonful, it has to be the Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe. This comforting classic is a brilliant blend of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and tender vegetables all simmered together to create a bowl of pure warmth and satisfaction. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a dish that feels like a big, delicious welcome home, this potato soup delivers on flavor and heartiness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together perfectly. Each one plays a vital role — from adding texture, depth of flavor, to that inviting creamy consistency you’ll love.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down beautifully and create the creamy base essential to the soup’s texture.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- Carrots: Bring a gentle, natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pot.
- Celery stalks: Offer a lightly crunchy texture and a fresh note to balance the richness.
- Bacon slices: Crisped up for smoky depth and irresistible savory flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- Milk: Used to smooth out the broth and add creaminess without heaviness.
- Heavy cream: Elevates the soup to silky richness and indulgence.
- Minced parsley: A fresh, herbal finish that brightens the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element in the soup.
- Flour (or cornstarch): Works as a thickening agent to give the soup body.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup or makes a perfect flavorful topping.
How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in your soup pot until it is beautifully crispy and golden. This not only creates the most deliciously smoky bacon bits but also leaves behind flavorful fat which will be the sautéing base for your vegetables—making every layer of flavor count.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots into the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté these until they’re soft and aromatic, allowing their natural sweetness and earthiness to develop. This step is crucial because it lays a flavor-packed foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Once the veggies are tender, add in the diced Russet potatoes along with salt, pepper, and the broth of your choice. Bring everything up to a boil. The broth infuses the potatoes and veggies, marrying the flavors perfectly as they cook together.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
After simmering for about 10 minutes, it’s time to whisk the flour with the milk until smooth and stir this mixture into the soup. This technique ensures the soup becomes luscious and thick without any lumps. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let it all meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
For that smooth satin texture everyone loves, carefully blend a portion of the soup until creamy. This step elevates the soup from chunky to velvety while still keeping plenty of tender potato pieces for satisfying bites.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Return the blended soup back into the pot and stir in the crispy bacon bits. This adds a wonderful contrast in texture and bursts of smoky flavor throughout. It’s the perfect finishing touch before serving.
How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup is where the fun really begins! Sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the top for a pop of color and brightness. Then add crispy bacon crumbles and a handful of grated cheddar cheese to melt gently into the warmth of the soup. These little extras turn each bowl into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best when paired with simple, comforting sides. Serve crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls for dunking — they soak up the creamy broth perfectly. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness beautifully, making the meal feel well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make this soup a little extra special? Try serving it in individual bread bowls for an edible container full of goodness. Or top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These small touches add an elegant flair while keeping all the deliciousness intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and you should!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe keeps well for up to three days without losing its flavor or creamy texture, making it great for leftover lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, too. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When frozen, it can last up to two months. Keep in mind, you may want to stir in a splash of milk or broth upon reheating to refresh its silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a little extra milk or broth can help you achieve that perfect creamy consistency again. Avoid microwaving straight from the freezer to preserve the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this soup?
While Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, you can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier texture and buttery flavor. Just note that waxy potatoes won’t create the same creaminess as Russets do.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out bacon for smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add that smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can sauté the veggies in olive oil or butter for richness.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any plant-based milk with a creamy consistency. Use dairy-free cheese if desired. The soup will still be rich and comforting.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more flour or reduce the broth slightly during cooking. For a thinner, brothier version, just add extra broth or milk when you reheat.
Can I prepare the soup in advance and freeze it?
Definitely! The Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe freezes really well. Prepare the soup fully, allow it to cool, and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Final Thoughts
This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is truly a comforting classic that belongs on every home cook’s menu. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and endlessly satisfying whether you’re feeding family or guests. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy all the cozy, creamy goodness it brings with every spoonful. Happy cooking!
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Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting homemade potato soup combines creamy textures with hearty ingredients like crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it blends both smooth and chunky elements for a rich, flavorful dish enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 medium Russet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
Meat & Dairy
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works well)
Other Ingredients
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp flour (or cornstarch)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon slices in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot with the rendered bacon fat, add diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced Russet potatoes to the pot along with salt, pepper, and the 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Potatoes & Thicken Soup: Let the soup cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, whisk the flour with the milk until smooth, then slowly stir this mixture into the boiling soup to thicken it.
- Simmer and Blend Portion: Reduce heat and simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes. Then, blend about one-third of the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by transferring to a blender, to create a creamy texture.
- Combine and Add Bacon: Return the blended portion back into the pot and stir well. Add the crumbled cooked bacon to the soup and mix to distribute evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with minced parsley, additional crumbled bacon, and grated cheddar cheese. Serve hot for best enjoyment.
Notes
- The soup can be made vegetarian by omitting bacon and using vegetable broth.
- For a richer soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or more heavy cream as per preference.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with milk.
- Russet potatoes work best for creamy texture, but Yukon Gold can also be used.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste during cooking and before serving.
