Name: The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces; 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted or salted; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g); 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g); 2 1/2 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg); 4 cups chicken broth (945ml); 2 cups milk (475ml); 2/3 cup heavy cream (155ml); 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 2/3 cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese; Chives; Additional sour cream; Additional bacon pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 15 reviews

If there’s one cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s this one. I’m excited to share The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe that I’ve perfected after many kitchen experiments. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavors from crispy bacon to just the right hint of spice, this soup will become your go-to when you want something that’s both easy and truly satisfying. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Potato Texture: Half of the potatoes are pureed for creaminess while some chunks remain for that warm, hearty bite.
Layered Flavors: Crispy bacon and ancho chili powder add smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes that elevate the soup.
Balanced Creaminess: Using a combo of milk, cream, and sour cream gives the soup richness without being overly heavy.
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your kitchen, so you can whip it up anytime.

The Ultimate Potato Soup, creamy potato soup recipe, hearty potato soup, bacon potato soup, comforting potato soup - A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, creamy potato soup as the base layer, light beige in color with a smooth, slightly lumpy texture. On top, there are scattered pieces of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits in reddish-brown color, small chunks of green chopped scallions, and a swirl of white sour cream. The soup surface is sprinkled with a dusting of light brown paprika, giving it a slight textured look. The bowl sits on a blue and white striped cloth with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this soup has a role to play — from building rich flavors to creating that lush, velvety texture you crave in the ultimate potato soup. Here’s my breakdown of what to look for when shopping and why each item shines in the bowl.

The Ultimate Potato Soup, creamy potato soup recipe, hearty potato soup, bacon potato soup, comforting potato soup - Flat lay of six uncooked bacon strips cut into small pieces, a medium yellow onion chopped into rough chunks, three large garlic cloves minced, a small mound of all-purpose flour, six large peeled gold potatoes diced into cubes about one inch, a small jug of chicken broth, a glass of milk, a small container of heavy cream, a dollop of sour cream in a bowl, and a sprinkle of ground pepper and ancho chili powder in tiny dishes, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bacon: Choose thick-cut for extra crispy bits; the rendered fat helps boost flavor in the soup base.
Butter: Adds creaminess and helps soften onions and garlic for a sweet foundation.
Yellow Onion: Mellow and slightly sweet, it gives the soup depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced brings warmth and aromatic strength that wakes up the palate.
All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup naturally for that perfect, cozy consistency.
Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them ideal for mashing and chunking alike.
Chicken Broth: Builds a savory base; I recommend low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
Milk: Keeps the soup light yet creamy; whole milk is my go-to for richness.
Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness and indulgence without being too heavy.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings—start with less salt and build up to keep balance.
Ancho Chili Powder: Just a pinch gives a subtle smoky warmth without heat—trust me, it’s magic.
Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end for tang and smooth texture.
Cheddar Cheese, Chives, Additional Bacon & Sour Cream: Optional toppings that add texture, color, and flavor contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving this recipe is — it’s easy to make your own. I often switch up the toppings or adjust the spice level depending on who’s eating or what’s in season. Feel free to use this as a canvas to match your cravings.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead; add smoked paprika to mimic smoky flavor. I’ve done this, and it’s surprisingly just as satisfying.
Spice it Up: I sometimes add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper if we want a little kick.
Extra Creamy: For a super indulgent version, I replace milk with half-and-half or add more heavy cream.
Chunky or Smooth: Blend half or all the soup depending on your texture preference — I prefer it with chunks for bite but some family members love it silky smooth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon and Build Flavor

Start by cooking the bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium heat. This step is crucial — I wait until they’re beautifully browned and crisp because that’s where the smoky depth for the soup comes from. Don’t rush it; slow and steady works best. Once done, scoop the bacon out and set it aside, making sure to leave all that glorious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter and chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until the onions are tender and translucent — about 3 to 5 minutes. The smell here? Absolutely heavenly! Then toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Watch closely because garlic burns quickly and you don’t want that bitter taste.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir well—using a whisk helps to avoid lumps—and cook until everything forms a smooth paste. This thickening step sets the creamy foundation for your soup later on.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Stir in the diced gold potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and the ancho chili powder. Give it a good stir to combine everything, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender—about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Puree Half and Finish

This is where the magic happens! Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender — I like to scoop out roughly 5 cups, but eyeballing is fine. Puree until smooth and creamy. Then return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in the sour cream and your crisp bacon pieces, and let it all simmer gently for another 15 minutes. This extra simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Use Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture stands up well to cooking and pureeing, giving you soup that’s hearty but not gluey.
Don’t Overdo the Flour: Just dust it over the aromatics and whisk well to avoid a pasty flavor or lumps.
Taste Before Adding Salt: Different broths bring different salt levels, so adjust accordingly to keep things balanced.
Cool Slightly Before Blending: Hot soup can create pressure in your blender; open the lid slightly or blend in batches for safety.

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

The Ultimate Potato Soup, creamy potato soup recipe, hearty potato soup, bacon potato soup, comforting potato soup - The image shows two white bowls filled with creamy, thick soup. The soup is pale yellow and topped with bright orange shredded cheese, small green chopped scallions, and small crispy brown bacon pieces evenly spread across the surface. Each bowl has a gold spoon with a twig-like handle resting inside. Around the bowls, there are scattered bits of cheese and scallions on a white marbled texture. A torn piece of light brown bread sits near the bottom left corner beside one bowl. One woman's hand holds a spoon in the bowl at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a garnish lover, and with this soup, toppings really take it over the top! I always go for extra crispy bacon, a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar, and some fresh chopped chives for a little color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream on top adds creamy tang, too. These little extras make every spoonful exciting.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with crunchy garlic bread or a simple green salad for freshness. When I want to impress guests, I serve it alongside roasted veggies or a rustic whole-grain bread—it’s a beautiful balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, I serve the soup in big bowls topped with all the fixings. For special occasions, I’ve hollowed out mini bread bowls to serve the soup in — it’s fun, edible, and perfect for guests. You can even arrange a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover potato soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3–4 days. When I reheat, I do it gently on the stove to avoid scorching and stirring frequently so the creaminess stays intact.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the sour cream and bacon pieces—add those fresh when reheating. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. Toss in fresh bacon and sour cream just before serving to keep those flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While gold potatoes are my favorite for their creamy texture, Yukon Gold or Russets both work well. Just keep in mind Russets can be starchier and might make the soup thicker, so you might want to adjust the liquid slightly.
How spicy is the soup with ancho chili powder?

The ancho chili powder adds a mild smoky warmth rather than heat. If you prefer a little heat, you can increase the amount or add cayenne pepper, but the base recipe is quite gentle and family-friendly.
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap bacon for smoky smoked paprika or liquid smoke, use vegetable broth, and substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like oat or cashew milk and coconut cream. Sour cream can be replaced with a vegan version or cashew cream.
Why do you blend only half the soup?

Blending half keeps a pleasing texture — creamy yet chunky — and ensures you get little potato bites with every spoonful. Of course, if you prefer it silky smooth, blend it all in batches.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is close to my heart because it’s the one that turned me into a potato soup fan for life. It’s straightforward enough to whip up after a busy day but special enough to impress family and friends. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe just as much as I do—there’s nothing like a bowl of good soup to bring people together.