If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate cozy comfort in a bowl, this Potato Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chunks of potato, sweet carrots, and celery swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth, crowned with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Every spoonful is a hug—rich, velvety, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re chasing away a chilly day or just craving something hearty and homemade, this soup delivers pure satisfaction from the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the essentials for this recipe. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building the soup’s signature flavor and luscious texture, so don’t skip the details—the magic is in the mix!

Russet Potatoes: Their starchy quality helps thicken the soup naturally and gives it a classic, creamy texture.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
Carrots: Bring color and a gentle, earthy sweetness to every bite.
Celery: Offers freshness and a little crunch, rounding out the flavor profile.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Chicken Broth: Provides the savory backbone—opt for low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
Whole Milk: Gives the soup body and that velvety mouthfeel we love.
Heavy Cream: The secret to ultimate richness and luxurious creaminess.
Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and helps sauté the veggies to golden perfection.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the soup just the right amount, creating that classic texture.
Salt: Brings every flavor to life—season to taste!
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
Dried Thyme: Lends a hint of herbal brightness.
Smoked Paprika: A touch of smokiness elevates each spoonful.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the broth for pure, cheesy bliss.
Bacon: Crispy and salty, it’s the ultimate topping for flavor and crunch.
Green Onions: Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
Extra Cheddar Cheese: Because a little more cheese is always a good idea for garnish.

How to Make Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Grab your favorite large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. This step sets the foundation, so let those veggies get just a bit golden for extra flavor depth.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about a minute—just until it’s aromatic and makes you want to dive in already. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. This is your thickening agent, so let it blend in fully and lose its raw taste.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Add Potatoes

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Give it all a good stir, bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and ready to soak up all that deliciousness.

Step 4: Mash and Thicken

Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly mash some of them right in the pot. You’ll want to leave plenty of chunky pieces for texture, but mashing a bit helps thicken the soup beautifully.

Step 5: Finish Creamy and Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as the soup transforms before your eyes—creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-cheesy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you love it extra thick, stir in a bit of sour cream right now.

Step 6: Serve and Top

Ladle the Potato Soup Recipe into cozy bowls, then top each with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese. Serve it piping hot and watch everyone’s faces light up!

How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The fun of a great Potato Soup Recipe is in dressing it up! Sprinkle each bowl generously with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, and a handful of green onions. If you want to add a little zing, a dollop of sour cream or even a dash of hot sauce works wonders.

Side Dishes

This soup is spectacular all by itself, but if you want a meal that feels like a warm embrace, serve it with a side of crusty bread or buttery rolls. A simple green salad adds freshness and balance, while roasted vegetables make it even heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping table, serve your Potato Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or small mugs for easy dipping. You can also set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. It’s a fun way to entertain and makes every serving extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

This Potato Soup Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that creamy soups may change texture slightly when reheated. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Stir well after thawing to restore its smoothness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of milk or broth until you reach the perfect consistency. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the dairy to separate.

FAQs

Can I make this Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon. You’ll still get all that creamy, comforting goodness—just with a plant-based twist.

What’s the best way to get a super creamy texture?

Lightly mashing some of the potatoes in the pot does wonders for thickening the soup. For an even creamier finish, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in, or simply add a little extra cream or sour cream before serving.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russets are classic because they break down nicely and thicken the soup, but Yukon Golds or even red potatoes will work if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different—still delicious!

What cheeses work best in this Potato Soup Recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the gold standard for flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little Gruyère for a unique twist.

How do I make the soup thicker without flour?

If you’d like to skip the flour, you can blend a portion of the soup or stir in mashed potatoes or a bit of instant potato flakes. These tricks keep the soup gluten-free and still lusciously thick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a homemade Potato Soup Recipe—it’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends, this soup guarantees smiles all around. Give it a try, and let it become a beloved tradition at your table!

Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and creamy potato soup recipe is the perfect comfort food, loaded with tender potatoes, savory vegetables, rich cheese, and crispy bacon. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a delightful dish to warm you up on any chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Dairy

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Extra cheddar cheese for garnish

Thickening & Seasonings

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Toppings & Garnish

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and form a light roux.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes along with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Thicken Soup: Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while leaving chunks for texture.
Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheddar cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon toppings.
You can prepare the soup ahead of time and gently reheat it over low heat before serving.
If you prefer an extra thick and creamy texture, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American