The ultimate comfort in a bowl, this creamy potato soup is rich, velvety, and layered with savory flavors. The combination of soft russet potatoes, aromatic onion and garlic, and crispy bacon crumbles makes this a go-to favorite for chilly evenings or cozy weekends at home. Whether you top it with cheddar, chives, or enjoy it plain, this soup delivers that home-cooked, soul-satisfying warmth we all crave. Perfect as a hearty starter or a standalone meal, it’s a classic that’s easy to make, universally loved, and endlessly customizable for every palate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup sour cream
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon celery salt
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
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Add diced potatoes, celery salt, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
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Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a creamier texture.
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Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes until warmed through.
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Add cooked crumbled bacon, saving a little for garnish. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar, reserved bacon, and chives if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Bowl: Creamy Potato Soup
When it comes to timeless comfort food, few dishes rival the hearty satisfaction of a bowl of creamy potato soup. Rich, velvety, and loaded with deep, savory flavor, this classic soup has earned its place at the heart of family kitchens and cozy winter meals alike. Whether served as a starter or as the centerpiece of a nourishing dinner, creamy potato soup brings together simple ingredients and time-honored techniques to deliver soul-soothing warmth with every bite.
A Humble Beginnoing with a Rich Legacy
Potatoes have long been a staple of many global cuisines, known for their versatility, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd. Originating from the Andes in South America, potatoes made their way across continents and eventually found a cherished spot in European and North American culinary traditions. Soups, in general, have served as a reliable way to stretch ingredients and warm the bodyo and potato soup, especially when made creamy and rich, became the perfect antidote to cold weather and long days.
Over time, creamy potato soup evolved to include regional touches, such as the inclusion of leeks in the French version Vichyssoise, or the addition of smoked meats in various rustic interpretations across the U.S. Today’s modern creamy potato soup brings together those rustic roots with modern-day ease, often made with pantry staples and customizable with fresh toppings or dietary modifications.
The Secret to Creamy, oooTexture
One of the standout features of this soup is its ultra-smooth, luscious texture. Achieving that iconic creaminess depends on a few key techniques:
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Choosing the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are often the go-to choice thanks to their high starch content, which helps break down easily during cooking and contributes to a thicker consistency. Yukon Golds are another popular alternative for those seeking a naturally buttery texture.
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Roux as a base: A roux a mixture of butter and flour cooked together oadds body and prevents the soup from becoming watery. It acts as a thickener while also introducing a subtle nutty undertone.
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Dairy balance: The rich texture often comes from a mix of whole milk, heavy cream, and sometimes sour cream. This combination provides depth, richness, and that signature silky mouthfeel. For lighter versions, some home cooks substitute with milk alternatives or reduce the cream to cut back on fat.
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Potato mashing or blending: Depending on the desired texture, some chefs like to blend a portion of the soup to create uniform smoothness while leaving chunks for a more rustic feel. Others go all-in for a pureed finish.
Layers of Flavor in Every Spoonful
Despite its simplicity, creamy potato soup is anything but bland. The flavor profile is carefully layered using foundational aromatics like onions and garlic, which are sautéed to release their sweetness. Smoked bacon or pancetta adds a salty, savory depth that infuses the soup with complexity and heartiness. Even the seasonings play a crucial role from simple salt and pepper to smoked paprika or celery salt, each spice enhances the naturally earthy taste of the potatoes.
Finishing touches like shredded cheddar cheese or chopped chives not only boost visual appeal but also elevate the flavor. These garnishes provide contrast the sharpness of the cheese, the freshness of the chives, and the crunch of the bacon transforming each bite into a textural journey.
Nutritional Value and Substitutions
While rich and satisfying, creamy potato soup doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. Potatoes themselves are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber especially when the skins are included. To balance the richness of the dairy, many variations incorporate low-sodium broth, lighter milk options, or even Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Vegetarians can easily adapt the recipe by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth, while vegans might use plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and nutritional yeast for added umami. For those watching their carb intake, cauliflower can substitute for some of the potatoes without compromising creaminess.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Creamy potato soup is versatile enough to be served in multiple settings from elegant dinner parties to casual weeknight meals. Here are some ideas to round out your menu:
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With fresh bread: A slice of sourdough or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also make excellent accompaniments.
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Alongside a salad: Pairing this rich soup with a crisp green salad, especially one dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, helps balance the meal and add freshness.
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Topped with extras: For a loaded version, add toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, cheddar cheese, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
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As a starter: Serve smaller portions as an elegant first course to a roast dinner or festive meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Another bonus of this soup? It stores and reheats like a dream. You can easily double the batch and save some for later in the week. Refrigerated, creamy potato soup will last 3–4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent curdling or separation. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Freezing is also possible, although dairy-heavy soups may experience slight texture changes upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container (leaving room for expansion), and use within 2–3 months for best quality.
Regional and Seasonal Variations
Part of the charm of creamy potato soup lies in how customizable it is. Here are some regional twists and seasonal spins:
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Irish Potato Soup: Often includes leeks and a more broth-forward base, sometimes served with soda bread.
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A thicker version with sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and green onions mimicking a baked potato in soup form.
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Autumn Variation: Add roasted butternut squash or carrots for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
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Spicy Twist: A dash of cayenne or chipotle can add warming heat for spice lovers.
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Herbed Version: Try rosemary, thyme, or tarragon for an aromatic depth suited for holiday tables.
Why This Soup Stands the Test of Time
In a world of ever-changing food trends, creamy potato soup remains a beloved constant. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its ability to evoke nostalgia. For many, it’s a reminder of grandma’s kitchen, snowy evenings, or lazy Sundays by the fire. It’s the type of dish that doesn’t just nourish your body it feeds your soul.
This recipe isn’t about extravagant ingredients or complicated methods. It’s about honest, accessible cooking that brings comfort, flavor, and joy to the table. With each warm spoonful, you’re reminded that some of the best meals are the ones made from the simplest things with care, tradition, and a little love.
Conclusion:
Creamy potato soup is more than just a recipe it’s a tradition. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a pot for a gathering of friends and family, it delivers every time. From its velvety texture to its adaptable flavor, it’s no wonder this humble soup continues to be a favorite across generations and kitchens.