Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe is simple, delicious, and incredibly comforting. It delivers a rich, creamy texture and hearty flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. For another cozy potato dish, try the Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe. This easy soup is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

This Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe delivers a rich, creamy texture and savory aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort.

• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Potatoes

Peel and dice 2 pounds of russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. This uniform size ensures even cooking and a perfect texture in your Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Place the diced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 3 — Create the Base

Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken your soup.

Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth until smooth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4 — Cook the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and add them to the pot along with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.

Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Test doneness by piercing a cube with a fork—it should slide through easily.

Step 5 — Mash for Texture

Use a potato masher to partially mash the potatoes in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender briefly.

The ideal consistency is creamy with visible potato pieces throughout.

Step 6 — Add Creaminess

Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil to prevent curdling.

For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk alone.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Consider adding ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor dimension.

Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 8 — Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot Best Homemade Potato Soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.

Serve immediately while hot. The soup will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	9g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	11g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	720mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lower-carb swap — Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter texture and fewer carbs while maintaining creaminess.
• Dairy-free option — Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of cream for a rich, lactose-free version of this Best Homemade Potato Soup.
• Protein boost — Add diced cooked chicken or white beans to increase protein and make the soup more filling.
• Gluten-free thickener — Swap flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to keep the soup gluten-free without sacrificing thickness.
• Low-sodium version — Use low-sodium broth and add fresh herbs like dill or thyme instead of salt for flavor depth.
• Vegan protein — Stir in lentils or crumbled tempeh at the end for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Lighter cream base — Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat while adding tanginess to your Best Homemade Potato Soup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Best Homemade Potato Soup with a crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s creaminess.
• Top with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chives for added texture and flavor.
• Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or as a comforting starter for holiday meals.
• Garnish with a drizzle of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant presentation.
• Serve in warm bowls to keep the Best Homemade Potato Soup hot longer.

This versatile Best Homemade Potato Soup adapts beautifully to various occasions, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using only one type of potato. Fix: Combine waxy and starchy potatoes for a soup with both creamy texture and intact chunks.
• Mistake: Adding raw flour directly to the soup. Fix: Cook flour with butter first to make a roux, which prevents a raw, pasty taste.
• Mistake: Over-blending the soup into a gluey paste. Fix: Use an immersion blender briefly or mash by hand to keep some texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic. Fix: Sauté them until fragrant to build a deep, savory flavor base.
• Mistake: Using water instead of broth. Fix: Use a good quality chicken or vegetable broth for a much richer, more flavorful soup.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early and at a high heat. Fix: Stir in cream or milk off the heat to prevent it from curdling.
• Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season in layers, tasting and adjusting after each major ingredient addition.
• Mistake: Not letting the soup rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld together perfectly.
• Mistake: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes. Fix: Dice them uniformly so they cook at the same rate for a consistent texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Best Homemade Potato Soup completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always store your potato soup promptly after cooking to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.

Conclusion

This truly is the Best Homemade Potato Soup—creamy, comforting, and perfect for any night. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you’re craving another cozy dish, try our Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder Recipe. Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Best Homemade Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well. Let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much.

What is the best way to thicken this potato soup?

For the creamiest texture, blend a portion of the cooked potatoes and broth directly in the pot with an immersion blender. This method naturally thickens your Best Homemade Potato Soup without needing extra flour or cornstarch.

What are the best toppings for homemade potato soup?

Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These additions provide great texture and flavor contrast to your Best Homemade Potato Soup.