Here’s a delicious homemade potato soup recipe that’s creamy, hearty, and comforting! This classic version is packed with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a creamy broth.
Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional but adds great flavor)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Green onions or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bacon (optional):
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces for topping later. (Reserve the bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.)
- Cook the onions and garlic:
- In the same pot with the bacon grease, add the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the potatoes:
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some whole for texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup (or transfer a cup or two to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot).
- Add cream and seasonings:
- Stir in the butter, half-and-half (or heavy cream), salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Finish and serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions or chives if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!
This homemade potato soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup: creamy, flavorful, and filling. Enjoy this with family or friends—it’s sure to be a hit!