Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

When the chill of winter rolls in or the skies turn gray and dreary, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade potato soup. It’s rich, creamy, and has a subtle, satisfying warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. But beyond that, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a simple, hearty meal or something with a bit more flair, this potato soup recipe can easily be adapted to fit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

There’s something special about making your own potato soup from scratch. Not only does it bring the kitchen to life with the smells of sautéed onions and simmering potatoes, but it also gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the soup just the way you like it. The joy of dipping a crusty piece of bread into a bowl of homemade soup, knowing you made it yourself, is unmatched.

So, whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or prepping a big batch to last through the week, let’s dive into how to make this classic comfort food from scratch!

Here’s a recipe that combines creamy, velvety texture with rich flavors that only come from fresh ingredients. This homemade potato soup is not just satisfying, but it’s also easy to make and can be tailored to suit any dietary preference, whether you’re looking for a traditional, indulgent version or something a little lighter.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list is simple, yet the combination of them creates a rich, layered flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Potatoes – About 6 medium russet potatoes. These are the most common choice for potato soup because they become soft and break down easily when cooked.
Butter – 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté the vegetables and add richness.
Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Onions are essential for creating a savory base flavor.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma.
Chicken broth – 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, which adds body and a savory foundation to the soup.
Heavy cream – 1 cup of heavy cream, for that extra smooth, velvety texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or milk.
Salt and pepper – A pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper to season.
Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 to 1 ½ cups for that cheesy, indulgent finish.
Green onions or chives – A handful, chopped, for garnish. These bring a fresh, crisp element that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.

Optional:

Bacon – Crumbled bacon adds a crispy, salty bite that elevates the flavor of the soup.
Sour cream – A dollop on top of each bowl for added creaminess and tang.

Cooking Instructions

Making potato soup is easier than it sounds. It requires a little bit of patience, but the payoff is totally worth it. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this hearty dish:

Prepare The Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you like a chunkier soup, leave some potatoes in larger pieces.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook The Potatoes
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend The Soup (Optional)
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend part of the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer about half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Finish The Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions or chives, crumbled bacon (if using), and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese. For an even richer touch, add a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to perfecting your potato soup. Here’s a deeper look at some of the essentials:

Potatoes: Potatoes are the heart and soul of any potato soup. Russet potatoes are favored because of their starchy texture, which breaks down easily to create a thicker base. If you prefer a less starchy soup, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, less chunky texture.
Butter and Heavy Cream: These ingredients bring richness and body to the soup, giving it a velvety smooth texture. The butter adds a slight nutty flavor, while the cream provides a luscious mouthfeel. For a lighter version, you can substitute with olive oil or milk, but it won’t be quite as decadent.
Chicken Broth: The broth provides a savory depth of flavor that makes the soup feel more substantial. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth without sacrificing much flavor.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a sharpness that balances the creamy base of the soup. It also creates a beautiful melty texture that’s just irresistible. For variations, try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Customize the Texture: If you like your potato soup extra creamy, feel free to add more cream or even some cream cheese for a tangy twist. For a chunkier texture, reserve some of the potatoes before blending, then stir them back into the soup.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: The garnish adds both flavor and visual appeal. The freshness of green onions or chives cuts through the richness of the soup, while crispy bacon provides a smoky contrast. Sour cream adds a tangy, creamy element that makes the soup feel more indulgent.
Make it Ahead: Potato soup actually gets better with time! If you want to prep it ahead, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it over low heat when you’re ready to serve.
Texture Matters: If you prefer a smoother soup, make sure to blend it well. If you like texture, try mashing some of the potatoes with a potato masher after simmering rather than blending.

Recipe Variations

One of the things that makes potato soup so great is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your cravings or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Potato Soup: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon. Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to enhance the flavor.
Loaded Potato Soup: For an even heartier version, load it up with all the classic toppings: crumbled bacon, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives. You could even add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein.
Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a kick. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based butter instead. This keeps the soup creamy while making it dairy-free.

Final Words

This homemade potato soup recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little time on the stovetop, you can create a bowl of warmth that feels like home. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying on a cold evening when you need something satisfying and nourishing.

What makes potato soup even better is how customizable it is. You can add in your favorite toppings, adjust the texture, or even swap out ingredients to make it your own. So whether you prefer it smooth, chunky, or loaded with toppings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Homemade Potato Soup Recipe