Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
This potato soup recipe is a go-to favorite for its simplicity and comforting flavors, making it ideal for home cooks looking for an easy meal. It comes together in just about 30 minutes, using everyday ingredients that blend into a creamy delight perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re a busy parent or a student, this soup offers a nutritious option that warms you up without much fuss.
It combines hearty potatoes with creamy elements and subtle spices, creating a balance that’s both satisfying and adaptable. For instance, if you’re new to cooking, you’ll appreciate how quick it is to prepare while still delivering a distinctive taste that elevates simple veggies into something special. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins from the potatoes, supporting your wellness effortlessly.
Ease of Preparation
One of the best parts about this soup is how straightforward the process is, from chopping the ingredients to serving it up. With minimal steps and common pantry items, even beginners can whip it up without stress. The total time is around 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something fast yet delicious.
- Quick assembly with just a few pots and tools.
- Few ingredients make shopping easy and budget-friendly.
- Great for make-ahead meals or casual family dinners.
Health Benefits and Versatility
This recipe brings in plenty of nutrients from the gold potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamins, turning a simple soup into a wholesome choice. You can tweak it for different diets, like going vegan by swapping a few items, which keeps everyone at the table happy. It’s also light enough for diet-conscious folks but filling for anyone craving comfort food.
For example, the potatoes add a natural creaminess without overloading on calories, and each serving has about 521 calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. If you’re exploring flavors, this soup fits right in with options like using vegetable broth for vegetarians or adding extras for protein. All in all, it’s a flexible recipe that suits busy parents, food enthusiasts, and even seniors looking for light meals.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Potato Soup
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Potato Soup
- 5. Mastering Potato Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Potato Soup: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup
- 8. Potato Soup
Essential Ingredients for Potato Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy potato soup, and I’ve listed them out below for clarity. Each one plays a role in building that rich, comforting flavor we all love. For this recipe, we’re focusing on fresh, simple items that come together effortlessly.
Remember, precise measurements help ensure the soup turns out just right every time. Below is a structured list of all the ingredients needed, based on the full recipe details. I’ve included every item with its exact quantity to make your shopping and cooking straightforward.
Main Ingredients List
- 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- β cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Β½ pounds gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- β cup heavy cream
- 1 Β½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ΒΌ to Β½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- β cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese, as desired
- Chives, chopped for garnish
- Extra sour cream, to taste
- More bacon bits for added crunch
This mix creates a soup with a rich texture, blending creamy and chunky potato pieces for the perfect bite. For best results, cut those potatoes into uniform ΒΎ-inch pieces as mentioned, which helps them cook evenly and adds to the overall appeal.
How to Prepare the Perfect Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into making this potato soup step by step, so you can follow along easy. Start by getting all your ingredients ready, as that sets you up for success. The process is simple and rewarding, taking just about 30 minutes total.
First off, cook the bacon pieces in a large pot over medium heat until they’re crispy. Once done, set them aside but keep that flavorful fat in the pot for the next steps. This builds a strong base for the soup’s taste. Then, add butter and the chopped onion, cooking until the onion softens, which takes 3-5 minutes, before tossing in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
Cooking the Base
Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it until everything looks smooth, helping thicken the soup nicely. Now, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder; give it a good stir to mix well. Bring this to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce to a simmer once boiling and cook for 10 minutes.
- Check the potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
Blending and Finishing Touches
After the potatoes are soft, remove about half of the soup to puree it until smooth, then stir that back into the pot for a creamy texture with some chunks left in. Add the sour cream and reserved bacon, stir everything together, and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. Finally, serve it warm with those optional toppings like cheddar cheese or chives for a personal touch. Don’t forget, the ancho chili powder adds a subtle depth, so taste as you go. For similar ideas, check out our Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole recipe for more potato-based inspiration.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Potato Soup
One of the great things about this potato soup is how easy it is to tweak for different needs, making it a hit for everyone. If you’re watching your diet or have allergies, simple swaps can keep the flavor spot on. For instance, switch the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly right away.
Here’s how you can adapt it: add legumes like lentils for extra protein, or use almond milk instead of regular milk if you’re lactose intolerant. These changes help maintain that creamy texture while fitting your lifestyle. Whether you’re a working professional or a baking enthusiast, these tweaks make the soup versatile for any occasion.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth | Keeps the soup savory and makes it vegan-friendly |
| Milk | Oat or almond milk | Provides creaminess without dairy for lactose-free diets |
| Butter | Vegan butter | Maintains rich flavor while accommodating plant-based preferences |
Experiment with herbs like thyme to change things up, and you’ll find it’s a soup that grows with you. For example, adding sweet potatoes can bring in new nutrients and a sweeter note, perfect for food enthusiasts.
Mastering Potato Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s fun to level up this potato soup with some pro tips. Using a good immersion blender makes for that perfect creaminess without a mess, and cooking under a lid helps the flavors meld faster. If you want to add more excitement, try mixing in roasted garlic or bacon bits for extra depth.
The ancho chili powder is a nice touch, starting with just ΒΌ teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dish. For variations, consider spices like smoked paprika to give it a smoky twist, or even curry powder for something bolder. Presentation matters too, so garnish with fresh chives or a swirl of cream to make it look as good as it tastes. If you’re into casseroles, our Crockpot Steak and Potato Bake offers another way to enjoy potatoes.
Flavor and Storage Ideas
Make-ahead options are a game-changer; prepare the base and store it for later, reheating with a bit of milk to keep it creamy. This is ideal for gatherings, as the soup holds up well and tastes even better the next day. Remember, cutting potatoes uniformly at about ΒΎ inch ensures even cooking and that rich, chunky texture we love. Overall, it’s a dish that suits cold weather perfectly and can be customized endlessly.
How to Store Potato Soup: Best Practices
Storing your potato soup the right way keeps it fresh and tasty for later. Once it’s cooled, pop it into airtight containers and stick it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes meal prep simple, especially for busy families or working pros. Freezing is another smart move; divide it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months to avoid waste.
When reheating, go low and slow on the stove to keep that creamy consistency, stirring in a little broth if it thickens up. For meal ideas, think about pairing it with bread or using it as a base for other dishes. This approach not only saves time but also lets you enjoy homemade goodness without the daily effort. As a bonus, it’s great for newlyweds setting up quick dinners.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup
How should I cut potatoes for making potato soup?
For even cooking, cut the potatoes into pieces about ΒΎ inch in size. Try to keep all pieces roughly the same size to prevent some from being undercooked while others become mushy. This size balances cooking time and texture well in the soup.
How can I make potato soup creamy without losing all the texture?
To maintain some texture, blend only half of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then stir it back in. This method creates a creamy base while keeping chunks of potatoes for a satisfying bite.
When is the best time to add bacon back into potato soup?
Add cooked bacon after pureeing part of the soup to avoid blending it, which can create an unpleasant texture. Stirring the bacon in at the end preserves its crispiness and adds flavorful contrast.
Is ancho chili powder necessary in potato soup, and how much should I use?
Ancho chili powder adds a subtle smoky and mildly spicy flavor that complements potato soup well. Start with ΒΌ teaspoon, then taste and adjust as needed to enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare potato soup in advance and store it safely?
Yes, potato soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent curdling, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free option
Description
π₯ This Potato Soup Recipe combines creamy texture with rich, savory flavors, making it comforting and satisfying for chilly days.
π₯ The addition of bacon and subtle ancho chili powder adds depth and warmth, perfect for a hearty meal or gathering.
Ingredients
6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
β cup all-purpose flour
2 Β½ pounds gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
β cup heavy cream
1 Β½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
ΒΌ to Β½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
β cup sour cream
Additional shredded cheddar cheese, as desired
Chives, chopped for garnish
Extra sour cream, to taste
More bacon bits for added crunch
Instructions
1-First off, cook the bacon pieces in a large pot over medium heat until they’re crispy. Once done, set them aside but keep that flavorful fat in the pot for the next steps. This builds a strong base for the soup’s taste. Then, add butter and the chopped onion, cooking until the onion softens, which takes 3-5 minutes, before tossing in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
2-Cooking the Base: Next, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it until everything looks smooth, helping thicken the soup nicely. Now, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder; give it a good stir to mix well. Bring this to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
3-Step 1: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4-Step 2: Reduce to a simmer once boiling and cook for 10 minutes.
5-Step 3: Check the potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
6-Blending and Finishing Touches: After the potatoes are soft, remove about half of the soup to puree it until smooth, then stir that back into the pot for a creamy texture with some chunks left in. Add the sour cream and reserved bacon, stir everything together, and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. Finally, serve it warm with those optional toppings like cheddar cheese or chives for a personal touch. Don’t forget, the ancho chili powder adds a subtle depth, so taste as you go. For similar ideas, check out our Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole recipe for more potato-based inspiration.
Notes
π₯ Cut potatoes into uniform pieces no larger than 3/4 inch for even cooking.
πΆοΈ Add ancho chili powder gradually to control the subtle heat and depth.
π₯ Use crispy bacon fat for a richer flavor in the soup base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Pureeing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 521
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Potato Soup, Creamy Potato Soup, Bacon Potato Soup, Hearty Soup
