Name: The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
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; 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); Shredded cheddar cheese; Chives; Additional sour cream; Additional bacon pieces

Nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup, especially when it’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. That’s why I'm excited to share The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe with you—it’s my go-to for chilly evenings and always hits the spot. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to make this simple yet irresistible potato soup from start to finish.

potato soup - A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy soup that is pale yellow in color. On top, there are small bits of crispy reddish-brown bacon pieces scattered around, bright orange shredded cheese pieces, and vivid green chopped scallions spread evenly. There are also a few dollops of white sour cream and a light dusting of brown seasoning sprinkled across the surface. The bowl rests on a blue and white striped cloth with a piece of brown bread at the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I’ve made it countless times, and each time it gets rave reviews from friends and family. Here’s why I think you’ll fall for The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe just like I did.

Perfect combination of creamy and chunky: I love that it’s smooth yet still has tender potato bits—it’s the best of both worlds.
Flavor-packed with simple ingredients: Bacon, garlic, and a touch of ancho chili powder add depth without overwhelming the soup.
Super easy and forgiving: Whether you’re a kitchen beginner or pro, you’ll find this recipe straightforward with tips to help you succeed.
Highly customizable: You can easily swap dairy or add your favorite toppings to make it your own special creation.

potato soup - Two white bowls filled with creamy white soup are shown from above. Each bowl has a layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese sprinkled on top, mixed with small pieces of crispy brown bacon and chopped green onions. The soup's surface is smooth and thick, with a few specks of brown seasoning scattered lightly. Both bowls have a gold spoon with a branch-like handle resting inside. Around the bowls, there are small pieces of bread with a golden crust placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth underneath one bowl. Some cheese and green onion bits are scattered on the surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let's chat about what goes into The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe and why each ingredient plays a starring role. Once you understand these building blocks, you’ll see how easy it is to tweak the recipe to your liking.

potato soup - Flat lay of fresh golden potatoes peeled and diced, crisp raw bacon strips in a rich reddish-brown hue, a medium yellow onion with its papery skin partially peeled to reveal pale layers, three plump garlic cloves with smooth white skins, vibrant green chives with slender stalks, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a dollop of creamy white sour cream with a glossy texture, and a small heap of deep reddish-brown ancho chili powder, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and soft natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bacon: Adds smoky richness and a wonderful crispy texture when sprinkled on top.
Butter: Brings creaminess and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Yellow onion: Its natural sweetness balances the savory elements and deepens the soup's flavor.
Garlic: Just enough to give that subtle fragrant punch without overpowering the potatoes.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup so it’s creamy without needing extra cream only.
Gold potatoes: Starchy and creamy when cooked, perfect for that smooth-yet-chunky texture.
Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base—feel free to use low sodium to control saltiness.
Milk: Lightens the soup and adds creaminess without heaviness.
Heavy cream: Just a splash to enrich the soup and give it a velvety finish.
Salt & pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Ancho chili powder: Gives an unexpected depth and mild smoky heat—you’ll be surprised how well it pairs with potatoes.
Sour cream: Stirred in for tanginess and creaminess that rounds everything out.
Optional toppings: Cheddar, chives, and extra bacon turn it from soup to celebration in a bowl.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

I love making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe exactly as written, but I also enjoy experimenting based on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t hesitate to customize—it’s all about making it yours.

Variation: I’ve swapped the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version—just add smoked paprika to replace the bacon’s flavor.
Dairy-free option: Try coconut milk instead of dairy and use olive oil in place of butter for a rich and creamy twist.
Seasonal tweaks: In fall, I toss in some roasted butternut squash cubes with the potatoes for extra sweetness and color.
Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for more kick alongside the ancho chili powder.

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

Step 1: Crispy bacon magic

Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. Make sure to stir occasionally so it browns evenly. Once done, fish out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving all that luscious bacon fat in the pot—that’s flavor gold!

Step 2: Sauté the soul of the soup

Add butter and chopped onions to the pot and cook over medium heat until the onions soften and become translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle caramelization builds a sweet, fragrant base. Toss in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, around 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it here!

Step 3: Thickening it up

Sprinkle the flour over your onion-garlic mixture and stir it in thoroughly using a whisk or wooden spoon. This quick step is key for thickening your soup later and gives it that smooth texture you’ll love.

Step 4: The potatoes go in

Now, add your diced gold potatoes along with broth, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and that intriguing ancho chili powder. Give everything a good stir and bring it all up to a boil. Then let it cook until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Blend for creamy goodness

This part is where your soup gets that “ultimate” texture. Take out about half of the soup carefully (it’s hot, so watch your fingers!) and puree it until velvety smooth—either in a blender or with an immersion blender right in the pot. I prefer leaving half with chunks for a satisfying bite, but if you love ultra-creamy, blend it all in batches.

Step 6: Finishing touches

Return the creamy soup to the pot, stir in sour cream and your reserved bacon pieces. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes to marry the flavors. This resting time really lets everything come together perfectly before serving.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe from great to unforgettable. Here are my favorite tricks to make sure your soup is on point every time.

Don’t rush simmering: Letting the soup simmer after blending lets all the flavors marry and prevents the cream from curdling.
Control your salt: Start with less salt because broths differ—taste as you go to avoid oversalting.
Potato size matters: Keep your potato dices around 1 inch so they cook evenly without turning into mush too soon.
Chili powder for subtle heat: Ancho chili adds depth without spiciness. If you’re new to it, go easy at first, then adjust.

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for topping my soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded sharp cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. These simple additions add texture, color, and that extra punch of flavor that makes the bowl pop.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or simple roasted vegetables. When I’m in a rush, a warm baguette from the bakery and a green apple is my go-to combo alongside the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the soup in mini bread bowls or topping it with a swirl of herb oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a touch of drama. It’s all about making it feel a little extra at the table, especially when you have guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens a bit, so just stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that perfect silky texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a charm! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, it might separate slightly, but a good whisk and gentle reheating fix it right up.

Reheating

I like to reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often so it warms evenly without sticking or scorching. Adding that small splash of milk or broth helps maintain the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative, and choose a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. Sour cream can be replaced with a vegan version or coconut yogurt for tang.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Gold potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and have a creamy texture that’s perfect for soup. Russets can also work but tend to be more starchy and may break down more during cooking.

Can I prepare The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the bacon first on the stove, then add all ingredients except the sour cream and reserved bacon to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend half the soup before adding sour cream and bacon at the end.

How spicy is the ancho chili powder in this soup?

Ancho chili powder adds a mild smoky heat rather than strong spiciness, so it’s quite subtle. Start with ¼ teaspoon if you haven’t used it before, then adjust based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple comfort food that feels like it took way more effort than it did—perfect for sharing with those you care about. I can’t wait for you to try it, tweak it to your liking, and find your own little moments of joy in every spoonful.