Name: The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
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; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g); 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg); 4 cups chicken broth (945ml); 2 cups milk (475ml); ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml); 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; ¼ - ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder; ⅔ cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese; Chives; Additional sour cream; Additional cooked bacon pieces

If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, you’ve found it with The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this soup hits all the right notes for chilly nights or anytime you want a cozy meal. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this classic every single 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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this soup when craving something warm and satisfying. It’s not just any potato soup—it really is the ultimate version that’s silky, a little smoky from bacon, and just rich enough without feeling heavy. You’ll find yourself coming back to this one.

Perfectly Creamy Texture: Combining pureed and chunky potatoes gives it that ideal mouthfeel—comforting but not mushy.
Flavor Depth: Bacon, garlic, and a hint of ancho chili powder bring layers of savory warmth you won’t expect from a simple potato soup.
Easy to Customize: You get a great base to add your favorite toppings or swap dairy options without losing the essence of the recipe.
Reliable and Straightforward: The steps are straightforward, with practical tips to avoid common newbie mistakes and keep your soup smooth and tasty.

potato soup - Two white bowls filled with creamy white soup are shown from above. Each bowl has a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese sprinkled on top, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon and chopped green onions. The soup's surface is smooth and thick, with a few specks of brown seasoning scattered lightly. Both bowls have a gold spoon with a branch-like handle resting inside. Around the bowls, there are small pieces of bread with a golden crust placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth underneath one bowl. Some cheese and green onion bits are scattered on the surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe plays a specific role to build both texture and flavor. I always recommend using good quality broth and fresh garlic—it really makes a difference. Here’s why each item matters:

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, crispy contrast and renders flavorful fat to start the soup base.
Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the onions without drying them out.
Yellow Onion: Sweetens and adds depth once softened—don’t rush this step.
Garlic: Aromatic punch that wakes up the whole soup.
All-purpose Flour: Thickens the broth for a luscious, velvety texture without clumping.
Gold Potatoes: Creamy inside with a sturdy skin that holds up well during cooking.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory complexity—you can substitute veggie broth if needed.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Balance creaminess with lightness—too much cream and it feels too rich.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that brighten and round out flavors.
Ancho Chili Powder: Subtle smoky-spicy note that gives the soup a gentle kick without overwhelming.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess right before serving, lending freshness.
Optional Toppings: Cheddar, chives, and extra bacon elevate the experience and let you tailor it.

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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 how versatile The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe is—once you have the base down, it’s fun to switch things up. Whether you want it dairy-free, spicier, or loaded with extra veggies, there’s room to make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap half the milk for unsweetened almond milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist that still feels indulgent.
Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or more ancho chili powder gradually to suit your taste.
Hearty Boost: Stir in cooked corn or diced carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Vegetarian Adjustments: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon, or replace with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without meat.

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

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by placing the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Let it cook slowly, stirring now and then, until the pieces are brown and crispy. Don’t rush this step—patience here means better flavor and texture. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and leave the fat in the pot to cook the veggies.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion, Garlic & Butter

Add butter to the bacon fat in the pot, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant—not brown. Stir in minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more to avoid bitterness but get that great aroma.

Step 3: Make the Roux & Add Potatoes

Sprinkle the flour over the butter, onions, and garlic, stirring constantly. Use a whisk if you find lumps; you want a smooth paste. This roux is the secret to thickening your soup gorgeously. Then add your diced potatoes followed by chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Tender

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until potatoes are tender—usually around 10 minutes. Test by piercing a chunk with a fork; it should slide in easily but not disintegrate. Be mindful not to overcook, or you’ll end up with a too-thin soup.

Step 5: Puree Half for Creaminess

This part makes the texture magic happen. Remove about half the soup and puree it in a blender (be super careful—it’s hot!) or use an immersion blender right in the pot. I prefer leaving half chunky for that comforting bite. Then stir the pureed soup back into the pot along with sour cream and the reserved crispy bacon.

Step 6: Final Simmer & Serve

Let the soup simmer gently for another 15 minutes so flavors meld and the sour cream warms through. Ready your garnishes, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, or chives. Then, dig in and enjoy that perfect spoonful of comfort!

Top Tip

After making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. These help keep your soup from being too starchy or bland—plus, they prevent some classic pitfalls.

Don’t Skip the Roux: That sprinkle of flour stirred into the onion mixture thickens the soup naturally—skip it, and your soup will be watery.
Control the Puree: Only blending half the soup keeps things cozy with chunks, and it’s easier to adjust consistency afterward if needed.
Season Gradually: Broths vary a lot in saltiness, so start with less salt, taste often, and add more near the end.
Use Ancho Chili Powder Sparingly: It’s subtle but can overwhelm if you use too much—start small and build up the warmth.

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar, some crispy bacon bits, and fresh chopped chives. The creamy tang and crunchy bacon add layers of texture and flavor that elevate every spoonful. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top does wonders too.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or a warm baguette is my go-to side—you’ll want something to soak up all that creamy goodness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness with fresh, crunchy bites. For a total meal, roasted Brussel sprouts or a simple sautéed kale are lovely companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the soup in mini bread bowls—that always impresses guests and makes serving easy. Garnishing with edible flowers or swapping bacon for crispy pancetta adds a fancy touch. You can also turn it into a loaded soup bar, setting out toppings for everyone to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the first bowl, let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and flavors actually deepen as it sits. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a few times with success. Freeze in individual portions to make weekday meals easier. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove to keep the cream from separating. Sometimes you might need to whisk in a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Adding a little extra milk or cream while warming helps refresh the texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, to keep the soup silky and smooth without overcooked edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked paprika or a plant-based bacon alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the milk and cream with your favorite plant milks and creams (like coconut or cashew). Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost if you like.

How do I avoid my potato soup getting too thick or too thin?

The key is in the balance of pureeing and liquids. Use the flour roux as directed to thicken the base, and only puree half the soup so there’s body. If it gets too thick after simmering, stir in a bit more milk or broth to loosen it up gradually.

Is bacon necessary for flavor, or can I leave it out?

While the bacon adds a wonderful smoky crunch and flavor, you can definitely leave it out. To compensate, add a dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to maintain depth. You’ll still end up with a delicious bowl of soup.

Can I prepare The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe in advance?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. You can prepare it fully and reheat gently when ready. Just be sure to store it properly in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and gets better with a little time and practice. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cozying up solo, this soup brings that simple joy of home cooking right to your table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite go-to soup to turn to again and again.