When the weather gets cooler, nothing beats the comforting warmth of a bowl of creamy potato soup. This hearty, rich, and satisfying recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavors from savory bacon, creamy potatoes, and a dash of spices. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this potato soup is sure to impress. Read through to the end of the article to uncover all the secret tips, tricks, and variations that will make your soup perfect every time!

What is Creamy Potato Soup?
Creamy potato soup is a traditional dish made primarily with potatoes, broth, and dairy ingredients like milk or cream to create a rich, velvety texture. With the addition of ingredients such as bacon, onion, garlic, and various spices, this soup becomes flavorful and satisfying. Potato soup is often considered comfort food, ideal for cold days or whenever you’re craving a warm, hearty meal. In this ultimate recipe, we’ll take this classic dish to the next level with detailed steps and plenty of options to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup
To achieve the perfect bowl of creamy potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces: Adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup.
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted): Butter enhances the richness of the soup.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g): Onions provide a sweet and savory base for the soup.
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g): The flour thickens the soup and gives it a creamy consistency.
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg): Potatoes are the star of the dish, providing both texture and flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml): Chicken broth adds richness to the base of the soup.
- 2 cups milk (475ml): Milk helps create the creamy texture.
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml): For added creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: To season the soup.
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder: A subtle kick of smokiness and spice.
- ⅔ cup sour cream (160g): Sour cream lends tanginess and creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional): These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the final dish.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of creamy potato soup is its versatility. If you don’t have the exact ingredients on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Bacon Alternatives: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter instead. If you want to add a meatier flavor but avoid pork, try using turkey bacon or pancetta.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk and cream with dairy-free options such as coconut milk or almond milk. Coconut cream can substitute for heavy cream.
- Cheese Variations: Instead of cheddar, you can try Gruyère, Parmesan, or any other meltable cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Play with the seasonings by adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg.
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, use more flour or reduce the amount of broth.
- Thinner Soup: For a thinner soup, increase the broth or reduce the amount of flour used in the roux.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making the ultimate creamy potato soup.

1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Add the butter to the bacon grease in the pot and melt over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Make the Roux
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly and form a roux.
- This will give the soup its signature creamy thickness.
4. Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Blend the Soup
- For an extra creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Alternatively, if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend half the soup and leave the other half chunky.
6. Add Milk, Cream, and Seasonings
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder.
- Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon
- Remove the soup from heat and stir in the sour cream. This will add tanginess and further enhance the creamy texture.
- Finally, stir in the crispy bacon pieces you cooked earlier, saving a few for garnish if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple dish like creamy potato soup, there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes just until they’re tender. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and lose their structure.
- Not Blending the Soup Properly: If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid a hot mess. Always blend in batches and hold the blender lid down firmly.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux (flour and butter mixture) is essential for thickening the soup. Don’t skip this step, or your soup will be watery.
- Too Much or Too Little Salt: Season gradually and taste as you go. Potatoes absorb salt, so you may need more than you think.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A good bowl of creamy potato soup doesn’t just taste amazing—it looks amazing, too. Here are some tips to elevate your soup presentation:
How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup:
- In Bread Bowls: Hollow out small, round loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
- In Ceramic Bowls: Use simple white or earth-toned bowls to let the creamy soup's color pop.
- Garnish Generously: Top your soup with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add texture and visual appeal.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup:
- Drizzle of Cream: Add a swirl of cream on top of each bowl for an elegant finish.
- Sprinkle of Paprika or Chili Powder: Dust a little ancho chili powder or paprika on top for a pop of color.
- Toasted Croutons: Add a few homemade croutons for added crunch.
Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Tips
- For a Richer Soup: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. These varieties have higher starch content and will make the soup even creamier.
- Prepping in Advance: You can prepare the soup up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving.
- Freezing Leftovers: This soup freezes well. Just store it in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then transfer everything except the milk, cream, and sour cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the milk, cream, and sour cream in the last 30 minutes.
- Can I make this soup gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- What can I serve with potato soup? Serve it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based version.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making the best creamy potato soup. With this step-by-step recipe, you can create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold night or sharing it with friends, this creamy potato soup will quickly become a household favorite. Be sure to customize it with your favorite toppings and flavors, and don’t forget to try out the variations for endless possibilities!
PrintThe Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup is a rich, comforting dish loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This hearty soup is seasoned with ancho chili powder and is perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you're looking for an easy meal or a comforting family dinner, this potato soup recipe will satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted or salted)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pot, add onion, and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook briefly before slowly adding chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk, heavy cream, and sour cream. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Blend the soup slightly for a creamy texture, then top with bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives.
Notes
- An immersion blender can be used to blend part of the soup for a smoother consistency.
- Adjust chili powder based on your spice preference.
- Sour cream and cheddar cheese add richness and flavor, making optional toppings a great addition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
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