Cozy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a soul-warming potato soup brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a luxurious blend of creamy goodness.

Cool evenings demand something rich and satisfying that hugs you from the inside.

Potatoes work magic when slowly simmered with aromatic herbs and velvety cream.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through layers of smooth, robust flavors.

Chunky potato pieces and silky broth dance together, promising a delectable experience.

Warm bowls await – you’ll want to savor every incredible bite.

What Makes The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup So Rich

• Satisfy Hearty Cravings: This potato soup delivers rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out, perfect for those moments when you need a deeply satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Top the soup with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl and make it their own special creation.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Prepare this entire recipe in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy households.
• Elevate Humble Ingredients: Transform simple potatoes and basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality soup that feels luxurious and impressive without complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients for The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the soup.

• Potatoes: Hearty potatoes provide the soup's signature creamy base and substantial texture.

• Butter, Milk, Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich and velvety smooth soup with depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a flavor foundation for the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Ancho Chili Powder: These seasonings enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth, consistent texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the soup.

• Cheddar Cheese, Chives: These toppings add extra flavor, color, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

How to Prepare The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting it drain and become extra crunchy.

Step 2: Build a Flavor Foundation

Melt butter in the same pot, creating a rich base.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Create a Silky Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat evenly.

Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes

• Diced potatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ancho chili powder

Let the soup simmer gently until the potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Stir gently to incorporate all the creamy ingredients.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Blend and Garnish

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a luxurious texture with some potato chunks remaining.

• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives

Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort in a bowl!

Pro Tips for The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

• Crisp the bacon separately to control crispness and prevent soggy texture, ensuring a perfect crunchy topping for your soup.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, smooth consistency that breaks down easily while cooking.
• Add dairy ingredients at the end and avoid boiling to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, luxurious soup texture.
• Experiment with ancho chili powder or swap for smoked paprika to create depth and a subtle smoky undertone in the soup.
• Partially blend the soup for a creamy base while keeping some potato chunks for a hearty, rustic feel.

Variations to Try with The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the soup's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk, heavy cream, and sour cream with coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew cream. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone without dairy.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Increase ancho chili powder and add diced green chilies. Top with jalapeños, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Use radishes or turnips for a similar texture while reducing overall carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair this rich potato soup with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or cheesy garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of the soup.
• Cozy Meal Completion: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese shreds, and fresh chive sprinkles for a restaurant-quality presentation that elevates the homemade soup.
• Weekend Meal Hero: Make this soup the star of a relaxed weekend lunch, complemented by a light white wine or refreshing iced tea for a complete dining experience.

How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing toppings like bacon and cheese.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes this potato soup creamy?

The combination of milk, heavy cream, and sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture. Partially blending the soup also helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.

• Is ancho chili powder very spicy?

No, ancho chili powder is mild and provides a subtle, warm flavor with just a hint of smokiness. It adds depth without overwhelming heat.

• What are the best potatoes to use for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. They break down nicely and help thicken the soup while providing a smooth, creamy texture.

The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty potato soup brings comfort with its silky smooth texture and rich, satisfying flavors. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of creamy goodness, this soul-warming dish will make you crave another spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 1/2 pounds gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
• 2 cups milk
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder

Optional Toppings:

• shredded cheddar cheese
• chives
• additional sour cream
• additional bacon

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious stockpot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. In the same pot with bacon drippings, melt butter and sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without browning.
5. Gradually pour chicken broth, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky base.
6. Incorporate diced potatoes, seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ancho chili powder for depth of flavor.
7. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes at a gentle bubble, until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
8. Reduce heat and slowly stir in milk, heavy cream, and sour cream, creating a luxurious and velvety consistency.
9. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some potato chunks for textural contrast.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
11. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped chives.

Notes

• Save crispy bacon bits as a crunchy topping for added texture and flavor contrast.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the most creamy and smooth soup consistency.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this comforting soup.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities – add more broth for thinner soup or reduce for a heartier texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg