Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly satisfying cream of potato soup. This recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and utterly delicious experience that’s perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a warm embrace.

It’s an easy, one-pot marvel, ensuring a delightful meal with minimal fuss. Get ready for your new favorite go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Cream of Potato Soup

This recipe for Cream of Potato Soup is a true gem in any kitchen. It’s simple, making it perfect for beginners or busy weeknights. You’ll only need a single pot, which means less cleanup after dinner.

The soup boasts an incredibly creamy texture, comforting with every spoonful. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings, personalizing each bowl. Best of all, it’s a hearty and comforting dish, sure to become a crowd-pleasing family favorite.

Ingredients

Making the best cream of potato soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building rich flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture. Gather these items for your culinary adventure:

• 6 strips (uncooked) bacon, cut into small pieces
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g)
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
• 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch (about 6 Large potatoes/1.15kg)
• 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
• 2 cups milk (475ml)
• ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
• ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon for topping

Notes & Substitutions

Potatoes: Gold or Yukon potatoes are ideal for their naturally creamy texture. Russets also work well, just note they can be a bit starchier.
Dairy: You can adjust the fat content of your milk and cream. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened plant-based milk and cream, though the texture may differ slightly.
Broth: Use either chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. Turkey bacon can also be a leaner alternative.
Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt levels, especially if using salted broth. The ancho chili powder adds a unique, smoky depth, so try not to skip it.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) added at the end to thicken.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to create this delightful soup. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.

• Large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot
• Immersion blender or a standard blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect cream of potato soup. You’ll be enjoying a delicious, homemade meal in no time.

First, place the cut bacon pieces in your large Dutch oven or soup pot. Cook them over medium heat until they are crisp and beautifully browned. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces from the pot and set them aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.

Next, add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ingredients in the pot. Stir well, using a whisk if necessary, until a smooth roux forms. This helps to thicken the soup.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Now, for that signature creamy texture. Carefully remove approximately half of the soup from the pot and transfer it to a blender. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Puree the soup until it’s completely smooth. Remember to be cautious as the soup will be very hot.

Return the pureed soup to the pot with the un-pureed portion. Add the sour cream and the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Stir everything well until fully combined.

Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve your hot cream of potato soup immediately. Top each bowl with additional sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh chives as desired. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Consistent Potato Size: Dice your potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly, giving you the best texture for your soup.
Achieving Creaminess: Puree about half of the soup for a delightful chunky yet creamy texture. For a completely smooth soup, you can puree all of it.
Preventing Curdling: Always temper the sour cream before adding it to hot soup. Stir a few spoonfuls of hot soup into the sour cream first, then gradually add the warmed sour cream back into the pot.
Flavor Depth: Do not skip the ancho chili powder. It adds a subtle, smoky complexity that elevates this cream of potato soup beyond basic.
Adjusting Thickness: If your soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Avoid Over-Boiling: After adding the milk and cream, keep the heat on low simmer. Boiling dairy can cause it to separate or curdle, affecting the soup’s texture.
Salt Adjustment: Taste the soup and adjust the salt after it has simmered for a while. Broths can vary in sodium content, so a final taste test is key.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile cream of potato soup is delicious on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments and offers many possibilities for customization.

Serving Suggestions

Offer a generous spread of toppings like extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and more crispy bacon bits for a “loaded” experience. Serve your warm soup with crusty bread or warm crackers for dipping. A simple green salad makes a light and refreshing side, balancing the richness of the soup.

Storage Instructions

Cool any leftover soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Note that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating usually restores the texture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations

Loaded Potato Soup: Amp up the toppings with extra cheese, plenty of fresh chives, and even more crispy bacon for a decadent treat.
Vegetarian Potato Soup: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the bacon entirely. You can sauté the onions in olive oil.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
Slow Cooker Version: Adapt this recipe for your slow cooker by sautéing the bacon and aromatics on the stovetop first. Then, combine all ingredients (except sour cream and half the bacon) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender. Puree half, then stir in sour cream and reserved bacon before serving.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful. Here’s an estimated breakdown for one serving of this delicious cream of potato soup:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	420
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	15g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	850mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	7g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated by a third-party application based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient adjustments.

FAQ

What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup? Gold or Yukon potatoes are ideal for their waxy texture, which contributes to a creamy soup without becoming too mushy. Russets can also work, but may yield a starchier result.

According to Urban Farmie, Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for creamy soups because they hold their shape well and provide the best texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can sauté your onions in olive oil instead.

How do I prevent the dairy from curdling? To prevent curdling, temper the sour cream by mixing a small amount of hot soup into it before stirring it back into the main pot. Also, avoid boiling the soup once dairy is added; keep it at a gentle simmer.

Can I freeze leftover potato soup? Yes, you can freeze leftover cream of potato soup. Be aware that dairy-based soups might separate slightly when thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop and whisk well to re-emulsify.

How can I thicken my potato soup? The flour in the roux helps to thicken the soup. If you desire a thicker consistency, you can simmer it a bit longer uncovered, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Is potato soup healthy? Potato soup can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. This recipe provides protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can make it healthier by using lower-fat dairy options or increasing the vegetable content.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the bacon and aromatics on the stovetop, then combine all ingredients (except sour cream and reserved bacon) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender. Finish by pureeing half, then stirring in sour cream and bacon.

Conclusion

This delightful cream of potato soup recipe truly delivers on comfort, warmth, and incredible flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something profoundly satisfying and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish for a chilly evening, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite toppings and variations. We encourage you to try this recipe and discover your new favorite comfort food. Please share your comments and ratings once you do!