Best Homemade Potato Soup

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving most of the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Add the Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with salt, pepper, or any additional seasonings you like. Stir to combine.
4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the potatoes begin to soften.
5. Make the Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
6. Blend Part of the Soup: Carefully scoop out ¼ to ½ of the soup and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then slowly pour it back into the pot. This gives the soup a creamy, velvety texture without needing heavy cream for the entire batch.
7. Add Cream, Cheese, and Bacon: Stir in the heavy cream, crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish), and grated cheese. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, parsley, and a sprinkle of cheese. Serve immediately with warm bread or crackers on the side.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Lower Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version.
• Extra Creamy: Use full-fat milk and cream, or stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, or fresh thyme to enhance flavor.

Serving Suggestions