If you're on the lookout for a warm and hearty meal that everyone will love, this potato soup recipe is exactly what you need! Whether you're a fan of creamy soups or simply searching for a filling dish on a cold evening, this recipe is a must-try. Packed with rich flavors, this soup will soon become one of your go-to meals for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping for the week. Read on for a step-by-step guide, along with tips and tricks to make the best potato soup every time.

What is Potato Soup?

Potato soup is a classic comfort food made primarily from starchy potatoes simmered in broth, combined with creamy ingredients like milk or cream to create a luscious, velvety texture. The flavor is often enhanced with a medley of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and you can top it with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, or fresh herbs for an extra punch of flavor. Whether served as a starter or the main course, potato soup is loved for its simplicity and heartiness.

Ingredients List for The Best Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the perfect potato soup, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Dairy-free option: Swap out the milk or cream for coconut milk or almond milk. Instead of sour cream, use a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
Vegan version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. You can use vegan butter or olive oil for the roux (flour-butter mixture) and non-dairy milk alternatives to maintain the creaminess.
Gluten-free variation: Instead of flour, you can thicken the soup using a slurry made from cornstarch and water. This will keep the soup creamy without any gluten.
Extra veggies: Want to pack in more nutrition? Add vegetables like leeks, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix. They will enhance both the flavor and the nutritional profile of your soup.
Protein addition: For extra protein, you can add shredded chicken, sausage, or even ham. These ingredients will add extra heartiness to the soup and make it a more complete meal.
Cheesy twist: Stir in a bit more cheese to make your soup extra cheesy and indulgent. Cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan work well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before diving into the details of how to cook this soup, let's outline the basic steps:

Prepare your ingredients: Dice the potatoes, chop your vegetables, cook the bacon, and gather your seasonings.
Cook the vegetables: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in butter to soften them.
Simmer the potatoes: Add the broth and diced potatoes, then simmer until tender.
Make the roux: This is a thickening agent made from butter and flour. You'll whisk it into the soup to make it thick and creamy.
Blend part of the soup: For a silky texture, blend a portion of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
Add cream and toppings: Stir in your milk or cream and top the soup with your favorite garnishes like cheese, bacon, and herbs.

Now, let’s walk through these steps in more detail.

How to Cook The Best Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic finely. If you haven’t cooked your bacon yet, do so now and set it aside to cool before crumbling. It's best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to help the vegetables release their moisture.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Toss in the thyme as well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

While the soup is simmering, make the roux. In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Once combined, set this aside to add to the soup later.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, remove about half of the soup and blend it either in a blender or using an immersion blender until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids! Return the blended soup to the pot with the remaining chunky soup. This will give your potato soup the perfect creamy, yet textured consistency.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Whisk in the roux to thicken the soup, stirring continuously to combine. Once the soup has thickened slightly, stir in the sour cream and let everything heat through for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the potatoes: If the potatoes cook too long, they can become mushy and lose their texture. Stick to the simmering time of 15–20 minutes and check them with a fork.
Not blending enough: Blending part of the soup is key to achieving that creamy texture while still keeping a few chunks of potatoes for a hearty bite.
Skipping the roux: The roux is an essential step for thickening your soup. If you skip it, your soup may end up too thin or watery.
Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning. Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their natural flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Potato soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation. Here are some ideas to make it stand out:

How to Serve The Best Potato Soup

Serve your soup hot, ideally in deep bowls that can hold all the toppings and garnishes. You can pair the soup with crusty bread, homemade croutons, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.

Presentation Ideas for The Best Potato Soup

Topping station: Set up a topping station where guests can add their preferred garnishes, like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.
Herb oil drizzle: A drizzle of parsley or basil-infused oil adds a vibrant green color and fresh flavor to the soup.
Bread bowls: For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. The soup will soak into the bread for a satisfying and indulgent experience.

Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it when needed.
Freeze leftovers: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture might change slightly when reheated due to the dairy content. Reheat it gently over low heat to restore its creamy texture.
Control thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more roux or reduce the broth slightly. If you like it thinner, add a little extra broth or milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this potato soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook the vegetables in a pan first, then transfer everything except the roux, milk, and sour cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then stir in the roux and dairy at the end.

Q: Can I use red or Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russets?
A: Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery flavor, while red potatoes will hold their shape better and give you a chunkier soup.

Q: How do I reheat potato soup?
A: Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Q: Can I freeze potato soup with dairy in it?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture may become grainy due to the dairy separating. If freezing, consider adding the dairy after you’ve thawed and reheated the soup.

Conclusion

This potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something warm and satisfying. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and endless topping possibilities, it's bound to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own variations, you can’t go wrong with this delicious dish. Be sure to give it a try, and don't forget to share it with friends and family!