Best Homemade Potato Soup

“A creamy, comforting bowl of potato soup that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy days. Loaded with tender potatoes, cheese, and bacon, it’s a family favorite!”

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

For Garnish:

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced baconover medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (drain the rest if there’s too much).

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the  Potatoes

1. Add the  potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the soup liquid until smooth.
3. Add the roux back to the pot and stir well to thicken the soup. Skip this step if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

1. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potatoes. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Ingredients

1. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The perfect combination of tender potatoes and creamy goodness.
• Customizable: Add extra veggies, adjust the spices, or swap bacon for turkey or ham.
• Cozy Comfort Food: Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of warmth.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Tips: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
2. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a veggie-friendly version.

This Best Homemade Potato Soup is a timeless classic that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and bacon-y bite!