Name: The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces; 3 tablespoons 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 inch (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 black pepper; ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder; ⅔ cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Chives (optional, for topping); Additional sour cream (optional, for topping); Additional cooked bacon pieces (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 50 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve come to the right place. I’m about to share The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe with you—one that I personally swear by and make whenever I crave something rich, creamy, and downright satisfying. It’s creamy but not heavy, with a smoky pop of bacon and just the right balance of spices. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic soup that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Blend: Part pureed, part chunky potatoes create a comforting balance of creaminess and bite.
Bacon Fat Magic: Cooking the bacon first infuses the soup with deep smoky flavor without being greasy.
Ancho Chili Powder Kick: Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overpowering the soup’s mellow base.
Simple, Quality Ingredients: No fancy extras—just classic pantry staples that deliver maximum comfort.

Ultimate Potato Soup, creamy potato soup with bacon, comforting potato soup recipe, easy potato soup for weeknights, savory potato soup with smoky flavor - A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, creamy potato soup as the base layer, light beige in color with a smooth, slightly lumpy texture. On top, there are scattered pieces of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits in reddish-brown color, small chunks of green chopped scallions, and a swirl of white sour cream. The soup surface is sprinkled with a dusting of light brown paprika, giving it a slight textured look. The bowl sits on a blue and white striped cloth with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that play beautifully together. The potatoes bring body, bacon adds savory crunch and depth, and dairy ingredients like cream and sour cream ensure richness and silkiness. Here’s why each element is essential for nailing The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe:

Bacon: Crisped up first, it gives smoky flavor and a touch of fat to start your soup base.
Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a sweet foundation.
Yellow Onion: Gives a savory sweetness that mellows perfectly when cooked.
Garlic: Just enough to add aroma and depth without overwhelming the soup.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener, giving the soup a luscious, velvety texture.
Gold Potatoes: Their creamy flesh stands up well to cooking and pureeing — perfect for creamy soup.
Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that’s richer than water and keeps the soup hearty.
Milk & Heavy Cream: These dairy stars make the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning — salt to enhance flavor and pepper for just a subtle zip.
Ancho Chili Powder: Adds mild smoky warmth and a little complexity to keep things interesting.
Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end, it brightens and tangs up the soup, balancing the richness.
Cheddar Cheese, Chives, Extra Sour Cream & Bacon: Optional toppings that elevate the dish with texture and extra flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your preferences. Want it spicier? Add more ancho chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Need a vegetarian version? Swap chicken broth for a sturdy vegetable stock. I encourage you to make it your own! Here are some of my favorite twists:

Vegetarian Variation: I switch to veggie broth and omit bacon, then top with crispy fried mushrooms for that umami punch.
Extra Creamy: For when I’m feeling indulgent, I double the heavy cream and add a touch more sour cream at the end.
Chunkier Texture: Sometimes I only puree a third of the soup so I get even more lovely potato chunks.
Herbal Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary just before serving gives a wonderful earthy note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon for Flavor Foundations

Start by placing your bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Cook until they’re beautifully crisp and browned—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, scoop them out and set aside, leaving all that flavorful bacon fat in the pot. Trust me, that bacon fat is pure gold—it’s the secret weapon that builds the rich, smoky base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the butter right into the bacon fat and toss in the chopped yellow onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions soften and turn translucent—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell amazing but not bitter.

Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Potatoes

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and garlic, then stir well until smooth. Using a whisk here really helps avoid lumps and gives you that silky soup base. Next, add in your diced gold potatoes, followed by the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of ancho chili powder. Stir everything to combine.

Step 4: Cook Potatoes and Blend for Creaminess

Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once soft, reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Now, here’s the part that makes this potato soup stand out—I remove about half of the soup (roughly 5 cups) and carefully blend it until smooth, then return it back to the pot. This way you have the best of both worlds: creamy texture with real potato chunks.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Bacon, Simmer

Mix the sour cream and your reserved bacon pieces back into the soup and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. This final simmer blends all the flavors beautifully—be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Now your soup is ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Bacon Fat: Even if you don’t want bacon pieces, render bacon fat for that authentic smoky depth in your base.
Control Texture: Blend half of the soup—not all—to keep a hearty texture that makes every bite satisfying.
Watch Your Salt: Start with less salt; broths vary, so add more after tasting to avoid oversalting.
Ancho Chili Powder Use: Introduce ancho powder slowly—its gentle heat and smokiness build up beautifully when you adjust carefully.

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For me, toppings are where you personalize this soup and take it next-level. I always grab a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives to brighten it up. Sometimes, I scatter some crispy bacon bits on top for that irresistible crunch. These garnishes add color, texture, and extra bursts of flavor that make every spoonful a winner.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this soup with simple crusty bread or warm baguette slices—great for dipping. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. On colder days, I sometimes serve it with roasted veggies or a grilled cheese sandwich for that ultimate comfort-food combo.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress guests, I ladle the soup into mini bread bowls—your basic sourdough or even pretzel rolls are excellent options. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds a pop of color. You can also serve the soup in mason jars for a cozy, rustic vibe during casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to keep the soup creamy and smooth.

Freezing

This potato soup freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm slowly on the stovetop. Keep in mind the potatoes might soften a bit more, but the flavor remains just as delicious.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend warming on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, just splash in a bit of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if you can, but if you do, stop and stir every minute or so to prevent hot spots.

FAQs

Can I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk, cashew cream, or a thick almond milk yogurt. Make sure your broth is also dairy-free, and the soup will still be deliciously creamy.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

I prefer gold potatoes because they hold their shape well while still offering a creamy texture when cooked. Russets can work too but tend to break down more, resulting in a silkier, thicker soup.
How spicy is the ancho chili powder in the recipe?

It’s mild and slightly smoky rather than hot. Ancho chili powder adds a subtle warmth and complexity—perfect if you want a little depth without a strong kick. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Can I use an immersion blender instead of a regular blender?

Yes! An immersion blender makes pureeing half the soup so easy and mess-free. Just be cautious of hot splashes and blend slowly for best results.
Do I have to add bacon? What if I’m vegetarian?

Bacon adds delicious smoky flavor and texture, but if you’re vegetarian, feel free to omit it. You can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness. Adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu can also add savory depth.

Final Thoughts

This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s one of those dishes that comforts and satisfies like no other. The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about taking a humble potato soup and elevating it to something extraordinary with simple tricks and quality ingredients. I hope it becomes your go-to cozy meal as much as it is mine. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!