🍲 Best Homemade Potato Soup – A Hearty Comfort Food

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade potato soup. This creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a rich, velvety broth that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or serving it as an appetizer, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy potatoes and crispy bacon, topped off with gooey cheddar cheese. This soup is both filling and comforting, making it ideal for cozy nights in. It’s incredibly simple to make, with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. And the best part? It’s customizable! You can add extra toppings like green onions, sour cream, or more cheese, depending on your preferences.

🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need

6 slices of bacon, diced
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream

🔪 How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. The grease will give the soup a savory depth of flavor.

2. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Make the Soup Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. This will help thicken the soup and create a smooth base.

4. Add the Potatoes and Simmer

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re ready!

5. Stir in the Cream and Milk

Once the potatoes are tender, pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to heat through and become creamy.

6. Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup becomes thick and creamy. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher to achieve your desired texture.

7. Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon, extra cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

🍴 Tips for Perfect Potato Soup

Thickening the soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot or add more flour to the roux.
Using different potatoes: While russet potatoes are great for this soup, you can also use Yukon Gold or Red potatoes for a creamier texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to spice things up.
Make it ahead: This soup is even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

🍴 How to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup

This rich and comforting soup pairs wonderfully with:

Crusty bread or rolls: Perfect for dipping into that creamy soup.
Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the soup.
Grilled cheese: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

🧑‍🍳 Customize Your Potato Soup

While this recipe is already loaded with flavor, here are some ways to customize it to your liking:

Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, or leeks for more texture and flavor.
Make it lighter: Use low-fat milk and half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness without sacrificing creaminess.
Top it off: Try topping your soup with crispy fried onions, bacon bits, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

🧑‍🍳 Potato Soup FAQ

Can I make potato soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You may need to add a little more broth or milk when reheating, as the soup can thicken over time.

Can I freeze potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but be aware that the dairy can sometimes separate after freezing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, stir in a little more milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! After cooking the bacon, onions, and garlic, transfer them to the slow cooker with the potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Let it cook on low for about 6 hours. Then, stir in the milk, cream, and cheese, and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

This Best Homemade Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether it’s a cold winter day or you’re just craving something warm and hearty, this soup hits the spot. With crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and loads of cheddar cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!