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 (unsalted or salted); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g); 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g); 2 1/2 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); 2/3 cup heavy cream (155ml); 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 2/3 cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese; Chives; Additional sour cream; Additional cooked bacon pieces

If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and downright delicious, you’re in the right place. The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe is one of those cozy classics that hugs your taste buds with every spoonful. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so your soup turns out perfect, every time.

potato soup - A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy soup that is pale yellow in color. On top, there are small bits of crispy reddish-brown bacon pieces scattered around, bright orange shredded cheese pieces, and vivid green chopped scallions spread evenly. There are also a few dollops of white sour cream and a light dusting of brown seasoning sprinkled across the surface. The bowl rests on a blue and white striped cloth with a piece of brown bread at the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this potato soup recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it balances creamy richness with just enough texture. It’s not just another plain soup—each spoonful is packed with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

Perfect Comfort Food: This recipe hits that sweet spot between creamy and chunky, making it satisfyingly hearty without being heavy.
Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to pull this off, but the result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with bacon, this recipe adapts easily to your favorite flavors.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes—a lifesaver on busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe lies in how simply each ingredient pulls double duty to build flavor and texture. Sticky, crisp bacon fat, tender onions, and the magical trio of milk, cream, and broth create a rich base full of character.

potato soup - Flat lay of fresh golden potatoes peeled and diced, crisp raw bacon strips in a rich reddish-brown hue, a medium yellow onion with its papery skin partially peeled to reveal pale layers, three plump garlic cloves with smooth white skins, vibrant green chives with slender stalks, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a dollop of creamy white sour cream with a glossy texture, and a small heap of deep reddish-brown ancho chili powder, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and soft natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bacon: Adds smoky depth and delectable crispiness; don’t skip frying it to render that flavorful fat.
Butter: Gives a silky richness and helps soften the onions for a sweet, mellow base.
Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and subtle bite that balances the creamy components.
Garlic: Just a touch to round out the flavor with warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour: The secret thickener that transforms the soup from runny broth to velvety delight.
Gold potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well while cooking and adds it’s signature creamy bite.
Chicken broth: Provides savory goodness and depth that water just can’t match.
Milk & heavy cream: These combine to make the soup luxuriously smooth and rich without weighing it down.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, but adjust as you go since broth saltiness varies.
Ancho chili powder: A gentle smoky heat that subtly wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
Sour cream: Added at the end for tanginess and an extra creamy kick.
Cheddar cheese, chives, and extra bacon (optional): Those classic toppers bring texture and punch to every spoonful.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love making this potato soup with bits of thick-cut bacon leftover from breakfast, but the truth is, you can play around with it however you want. Adding a little spice, swapping cream for Greek yogurt, or tossing in caramelized onions are all great ways to make it your own.

Variation: One winter, I added smoked paprika instead of ancho chili powder and it gave a deeper smoky flavor that everyone raved about.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut milk and dairy-free sour cream to keep creaminess without the dairy, perfect for those with allergies.
Extra Veggies: Mix in some roasted corn or sautéed mushrooms if you want to sneak in some more veggies.
Make It Vegan: Skip the bacon and dairy, use olive oil, vegetable broth, and non-dairy milk for a cozy vegan comfort bowl.

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

Step 1: Crisp That Bacon Perfectly

Start by frying the chopped bacon in your Dutch oven on medium heat until it’s irresistibly crisp and browned. This creates both that crispy bacon topping you’ll adore and the flavorful fat base for your soup—don’t drain it! Set the bacon aside but keep the fat in the pot; it’s pure flavor gold.

Step 2: Sweeten and Softened Onions

Add the butter and chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn tender and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step releases the natural sweetness of onions which balances the soup’s richness.

Step 3: Garlic and Flour Base

Stir in the minced garlic and cook just around 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Then sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and whisk to form a smooth paste. This little trick thickens the soup and gives it that velvety, luscious texture you crave.

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Liquids

Toss in your diced gold potatoes, then pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder, then stir everything to combine. Bring the pot to a boil—the potatoes will cook right in this rich mix, soaking up all those flavors.

Step 5: Simmer and Puree Half

Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (around 10 minutes). Carefully scoop out about half the soup into a blender and puree until silky smooth—this is the trick that builds both creamy texture and comforting chunks. Return the pureed soup back to the pot.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon

Stir in the sour cream along with the reserved crispy bacon chunks. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes to marry all the flavors before serving. This resting period is key to deepen the taste and melt everything together perfectly.

Top Tip

Over the years making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe, a few little tricks have made all the difference for a rich, silky, soul-warming bowl every time. Trust me, they're the difference between “just ok” and “the best I’ve ever had.”

Render Bacon Fat Well: Don’t rush the bacon—rendered fat adds flavor beyond what butter or oil can offer.
Don’t Over-blend: Pureeing half the soup keeps it creamy yet chunky, the perfect texture balance I love.
Taste As You Go: Broth saltiness varies, so start with less salt and add more at the end if you need it.
Simmer, Don’t Boil After Blending: Gentle heat prevents the cream and sour cream from breaking or curdling.

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For me, it’s all about that finishing touch: crispy bacon crumbles, a generous handful of sharp cheddar, vivid green chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These add incredible layers of texture and punchy flavor that make each bite a little celebration.

Side Dishes

I usually keep it simple with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for dipping. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances all that creaminess nicely if you want something fresh and bright on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a family gathering or special occasion, try serving it in mini bread bowls or rustic crocks. A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top adds a festive pop of color. Presentation goes a long way, and your friends will definitely notice the effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover potato soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays great for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any separation that might happen.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, though I recommend leaving out garnishes like sour cream and bacon until you’re ready to eat. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, add those toppings fresh to keep textures spot on.

Reheating

Slow and steady wins the race here—I reheat on low-medium heat on the stove, stirring often. This keeps the soup creamy and prevents scorching or curdling. If it’s too thick, just splash in a bit of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While gold potatoes are perfect because they hold their shape and have creamy texture, russets or red potatoes will also work. Just keep an eye on cooking time as waxier potatoes like reds cook a bit faster.

What’s the best way to thicken The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe?

Using all-purpose flour as a thickener during the cooking process is key for this recipe. You sprinkle it over the sautéed onions and garlic and whisk so it forms a smooth roux base. This technique creates that creamy, velvety soup you’re aiming for.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. For vegan, use vegetable broth, dairy-free milk like oat or coconut milk, and a plant-based sour cream alternative.

How can I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe spicier?

Start by increasing the ancho chili powder to ½ teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This soup has become my go-to when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. What makes The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe so special isn’t just the simple ingredients, it’s the way you can adjust and personalize it to exactly what your heart (and taste buds) need. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why I keep making it, and I bet it becomes a favorite in your home too.