Creamy potato soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal for cold days or simply craving a bowl of creamy goodness, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Made with simple ingredients like gold potatoes, bacon, and heavy cream, it’s the perfect blend of flavor and texture. In this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide to making the ultimate creamy potato soup, along with substitution options, serving tips, and much more. Be sure to read until the end for helpful tips and FAQs to make the best potato soup possible!

What is Creamy Potato Soup?

Creamy potato soup is a thick, rich soup made primarily from potatoes, bacon, cream, and broth. The potatoes are cooked until soft and then blended or mashed to create a smooth, velvety texture. Flavors from garlic, onion, bacon, and seasonings infuse into the broth, making it a cozy, savory meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It's often topped with cheese, chives, and crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup:

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 1” pieces (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, and bacon for topping (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking allows for flexibility, and creamy potato soup is no different. Below are some common substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:

Bacon: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or a vegetarian alternative can be used for a non-pork version.
Butter: Dairy-free butter or olive oil can replace butter for those avoiding dairy.
Potatoes: Gold potatoes are ideal, but russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work as substitutes. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave the potatoes slightly larger.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for vegetarians. It will still give you a rich, flavorful base.
Milk and Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or opt for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
Ancho Chili Powder: If you don’t have ancho chili powder, substitute it with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we dive into the full guide, here’s a brief overview of the steps required to make this delicious creamy potato soup. You’ll start by cooking the bacon, then sautéing the vegetables and creating a roux (a mixture of fat and flour to thicken the soup). Afterward, the potatoes, broth, and cream are added and simmered until the potatoes are soft. The soup is then blended to creamy perfection before being topped with cheese, chives, and crispy bacon.

How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the butter to the pot along with the bacon grease. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until the potatoes are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
Add the Milk and Cream:
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Allow the soup to heat through but do not let it boil.
Blend the Soup:
- Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a smooth, creamy consistency. If you prefer some chunks of potatoes in your soup, only blend a portion of the mixture.
Finish with Sour Cream:
- Stir in the sour cream until it's fully incorporated into the soup, giving it an extra layer of creaminess.
Serve and Top:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chives, crispy bacon pieces, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and disintegrate, affecting the texture of the soup. Cook just until fork-tender.
Skipping the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the soup. Failing to cook it properly can result in a watery soup.
Not Blending Correctly: While some may enjoy a chunkier soup, blending too little can leave large, undercooked chunks of potatoes. Blending too much, on the other hand, can result in a gummy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Soup can be hearty, but presentation is still key! To make your creamy potato soup stand out, consider these serving and presentation tips:

Garnish: Top each bowl with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, and a spoonful of sour cream. The garnishes not only add extra flavor but also create a visually appealing dish.
Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic and cozy presentation.
Crispy Toppings: Serve the soup with crispy garlic croutons or a few slices of toasted French bread on the side.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup can be served as a meal on its own or alongside a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

With a Salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.
As a Starter: Serve smaller portions of the soup as a warm starter to a larger meal, such as roast chicken or steak.
With Bread: Freshly baked bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup

Here are a few creative ways to elevate the presentation of your creamy potato soup:

Layered Garnishes: Create a layered look by adding the sour cream first, followed by cheddar cheese, bacon, and then a sprinkle of chives.
Bowl Choice: Opt for rustic ceramic bowls for a warm, homemade feel, or go for sleek white dishes to highlight the vibrant colors of the toppings.
Drizzle of Cream: For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of extra cream or olive oil on top of the soup before adding the garnishes.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat on the stove and add a little extra broth or milk to thin it out if necessary.
Freezing the Soup: Creamy soups generally don’t freeze well because of the milk and cream. However, if you do choose to freeze it, omit the dairy until you’re ready to serve.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and skipping the bacon or using a plant-based alternative.

2. Can I freeze creamy potato soup?
It’s not recommended to freeze soups that contain milk or cream because they tend to separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the soup without the dairy and add it when reheating.

3. Can I use red potatoes instead of gold potatoes?
Yes, red potatoes can be used, but they have a firmer texture, so the soup may not be as creamy.

4. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Absolutely. Just be sure to blend the soup in batches and let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering hot soup.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy potato soup to bring warmth and comfort to your table. With this ultimate recipe, you’ll have a foolproof guide to creating a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or as the main course, this soup is sure to satisfy. Don't forget to customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!