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This easy Potato Soup recipe is truly the best! It’s quick and easy to make on the stovetop, it’s nice and creamy (without using heavy cream), and it’s always so cozy and comforting and delicious.
Do you have a favorite potato soup recipe?
If not — psst — bookmark this one! ♡
This easy potato soup recipe has been my tried-and-true, back-pocket, all-time-favorite for over a decade now. It’s perfectly rich and creamy (without using heavy cream), it’s full of flavor (because bland potato soup is the worst), it’s easy to adapt to be vegetarian and/or gluten-free (see below), and it is always, always a crowd fave. I promise it won’t let you down.
Let’s make some potato soup!
Potato Soup Recipe | 1-Minute Video
Potato Soup Ingredients:
To make this easy potato soup recipe, you will need:
Bacon: I recommend using center-cut bacon here, to keep it a bit more lean. But any kind of bacon you love will do. We will also use its leftover grease (or butter, if you prefer) to sauté the veggies for extra flavor. That said, if you would like to make this soup vegetarian, see my recommendations below for a delicious meatless version.
Veggies: Onion and garlic.
Flour: We will use flour to make a roux to thicken the soup. Or if you would like a lighter soup, you can skip this step and just puree part of the soup to thicken it. (See tips below.)
Chicken stock and milk: These will form the broth of our soup. Feel free to use chicken or veggie stock, and then whatever kind of milk you prefer (I used 2% cow’s milk).
Potatoes: I highly recommend making this soup with buttery Yukon gold potatoes. But russets or red potatoes would also do.
Cheese: I recommend a good sharp cheddar cheese here for maximum flavor.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: To make the soup extra-creamy.
Salt and pepper: Add in as much as you need at the end to season your soup well.
And finally…toppings! I’m a big believer that the more, the merrier when it comes to toppings and potato soup. Some classic options could include
Extra bacon, extra shredded cheese, thinly-sliced green onions or chives, sour cream, fresh thyme, sprinkle of Cajun seasoning
How To Make Potato Soup:
To make this potato soup recipe, simply:
Cook the bacon. Dice and then sauté it in a large stockpot until it’s nice and crispy. Then transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, and reserve a few tablespoons of leftover grease in the stockpot (discarding the rest.)
Sauté the veggies. Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon grease until softened. Then stir in some flour, to create your roux.
Add broth and potatoes. Then add the stock, milk and potatoes. Cook until the potatoes until softened, being sure to stir the soup regularly so that the bottom does not burn.
Add remaining ingredients. Then stir in the cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and crispy bacon bits. Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper.
Serve warm. Then serve it up, loaded up with all of your favorite toppings!
Possible Variations:
Guys, there are so many ways to customize this soup! Some possibilities could include:
Make it vegetarian: Nix the bacon. And in its place, add in 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for a bit of extra flavor. (Plus, use butter or olive oil in place of the bacon grease.)
Make it gluten-free: You could either:
omit the flour, and instead, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into the cold milk and then add it to the soup
don’t worry about cornstarch/flour at all, and instead, puree half of the soup to thicken it
Lighten it up: Feel free to:
omit the flour and 2 tablespoons of grease/butter, and instead, puree half of the soup to thicken it
use skim milk
use turkey bacon (although you may need to add in a little extra olive oil or butter to sauté the veggies)
Add in extra seasoning: If you would like to give your soup an extra twist, feel free to add in 1 tablespoon:
Use a mix of potatoes: For something different, feel free to use a mix of Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes, for more of a sweet and savory blend of flavors
Add in some extra veggies: If you’d like to load this up with extra veggies, feel free to toss in a handful of chopped cauliflower and/or broccoli along with the potatoes. They work well with this recipe too!
What To Serve With Potato Soup:
Looking for some side dishes to serve with this potato soup recipe? Here are a few of my faves:
This easy Potato Soup recipe is quick and easy to make on the stovetop, it’s nice and creamy (without using heavy cream), and it’s always so cozy and comforting and delicious. See notes above for possible variations, including how to make this soup vegetarian.
optional toppings: thinly-sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream
Instructions
Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, using a slotted spoon, reserving about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the stockpot. (Discard any extra grease, or you can substitute butter in place of the 3 tablespoons of bacon grease. Also, if you are short on time, you can dice the potatoes and onion while the bacon cooks to save time.)
Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an extra 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Stir the flour into the mixture and sauté for an additional 1 minute to cook the flour, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the stock until combined, followed by the milk and potatoes.
Continue cooking until the mixture just reaches a simmer, before it begins to boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft, being sure to stir the soup every few minutes so that the bottom does not burn. (The smaller you dice your potatoes, the faster your soup will cook.)
Once the potatoes are nice and soft, stir in the cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt (or sour cream), salt, pepper and cooked bacon bits. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with desired toppings. Or, transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
Be sure to also check out our Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe too — made easy in the crock pot!
This recipe was originally shared here in December 2014.
Thank you! This sounds perfect for tonight! I love the way you write! You sound like such a nice, easy going, REAL person. I wish you so much success in doing what you love best, that every day of your life will feel like a vacation!??❤️?
I made this today for my family after having a similar-sounding soup on vacation recently. Everyone loved this recipe and said it was better than the one they had had previously! I added chopped up cauliflower to get some veggies in there so increased the stock and milk a bit to accommodate, also used a whole chopped onion so maybe 1 1/2 cups, but everything else as written and it was really very good and will be in our permanent rotation this winter. Thank you for a delicious recipe!
I’ve made so many potato soups over the years, and this one is hands down the BEST! We are currently eating leftovers, and my husband keeps saying “This one is the best one we’ve ever made.” LOVE IT!
After I fudged up my planned broccoli cheddar soup, I found this recipe instead. It was delicious! I used “real” bacon bits instead, and put them in while the potatoes were cooking. Added a little garlic powder and YUM!
This soup is so delicious! If been using this recipe for about a year now and it’s always a big hit with the family. I usually end up doubling and sometimes tripling the recipe just for the leftovers. Iv added carrots and ham(left over thanksgiving ham was tasty and convienent) into mine as well as the bacon and use sour cream. So yummy!
This soup was delicious and loved that it didn’t have cream in it. Okay, there’s bacon and cheese but I think a must to put them in. I wouldn’t make this recipe not using Yukon golds because they were so creamy and moist. I was going to add clams but after I tasted it, decided the soup was great as was. Will put this recipe in my “success” file and make again. My husband will be happy since he loved it as well.
Delicious soup!! I will be making this more often, that’s for sure! My daughter has a problem digesting lactose so I used lactose free milk and it turned out just great.
Made this tonight and it was very easy and good. My sick teenager is currently thrilled with it. ? I did end up simmering mine for about double the time, but I think that was probably a combo of my potato size and low temp. I added a bit more cheese and next time I will add more bacon. Thanks for a delicious and easy recipe!
I made this soup one day fir my fiance and he loved it so much he ate the whole pot in 24 hours hahaha
I am remaking it today as a double batch in hopes it will last a little longer this time and I may actually get more than 1 bowl! ;)
Awesome! I was looking for a recipe close to Carolina Roadhouse soup in Myrtle Beach, I based this pick soley on the picture, it just looked so good. It did not disapoint! We loved it to so much we think it might even be better then the one we had down south. Will definately make this again.
Made the soup last night. It was great! I think next time I’ll use butter instead of the bacon drippings. Other than that, it was excellent! Thank you!
On a side note … where did you get the soup bowls? I’ve been trying to find sime like these but am having a hard time!
Looking forward to somw of your other recipes. This one is a keeper!
I have made this recipe many times and it is so good. I love the Yukon Gold potatoes. Today I made it and completely forgot the flour! Then when I added the sour cream, it separated. However, it is still tasty! I may try to thicken it up by making a separate roux and adding it.
Delicious!! I didn’t have any bacon, but I did have a kielbasa in the freezer. I cut it up into small pieces and sautéed it with the onions, using butter. Otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. It was the best EVER!
I did exactly as directed but reduce salt and add a little heavy whipping cream…omg my family loved it and I rarely ever write reviews but this is A MUST TRY!! Our pot is already gone just between 3 people..
Delish, if your searching for a potato soup recipe, stop. This is an easy and tasty soup. I served this at a baby shower and everybody loved it. Try it and you won’t be disappointed.
Made this a few days before payday as i little in the house. Absolutely lovely. I made a lactose free version with non dairy yogurt, and parmesan cheese. Topped with bacon and spring onions. So filling and cheap.
This is my favourite soup recipe EVER. I love that it tastes like a creamy soup without the heavy cream base. I’ve made it many many times now and it’s a hit with everyone who’s tried it. The recipe is perfect as is but I always add about a cup of frozen corn to give it some extra veg. It’s great reheated. This soup is basically hashbrown casserole in soup form – so yummy!
This was easy and great! The hubby was craving potato soup, so I tried this recipe. He LOVE it!! Thank you for sharing this easy recipe! No need to get extra items from the store. I used buttet instead of bacon drippings, sour cream, precooked bacon and onion powder. I will make this often.
Can this be frozen? I am prepping meals and freezing them since we are about to have our first child! We live this recipe and hope it freezes and cooks up well!
So good and easy to make. I didn’t have cheddar cheese so I used shredded marble jack cheese and was great that way too. Also I like soup hot so added a diced jalapeño.
Wonderful. Love the extra flavor from the bacon.
Wonderful!
Thank you! This sounds perfect for tonight! I love the way you write! You sound like such a nice, easy going, REAL person. I wish you so much success in doing what you love best, that every day of your life will feel like a vacation!??❤️?
I made this today for my family after having a similar-sounding soup on vacation recently. Everyone loved this recipe and said it was better than the one they had had previously! I added chopped up cauliflower to get some veggies in there so increased the stock and milk a bit to accommodate, also used a whole chopped onion so maybe 1 1/2 cups, but everything else as written and it was really very good and will be in our permanent rotation this winter. Thank you for a delicious recipe!
I made this soup. It was great and I am making it again.
Wonderful!
This recipe is the BEST!
Really delicious and rich! Hubby loved it!!
Awesome!
I’ve made so many potato soups over the years, and this one is hands down the BEST! We are currently eating leftovers, and my husband keeps saying “This one is the best one we’ve ever made.” LOVE IT!
YAY! :) :)
Delicious!! I managed to not add the bacon or the cheese and its somehow still the best potato soup I’ve ever made!!
Awesome! :)
After I fudged up my planned broccoli cheddar soup, I found this recipe instead. It was delicious! I used “real” bacon bits instead, and put them in while the potatoes were cooking. Added a little garlic powder and YUM!
Delicious!!
This soup is so delicious! If been using this recipe for about a year now and it’s always a big hit with the family. I usually end up doubling and sometimes tripling the recipe just for the leftovers. Iv added carrots and ham(left over thanksgiving ham was tasty and convienent) into mine as well as the bacon and use sour cream. So yummy!
This soup was delicious and loved that it didn’t have cream in it. Okay, there’s bacon and cheese but I think a must to put them in. I wouldn’t make this recipe not using Yukon golds because they were so creamy and moist. I was going to add clams but after I tasted it, decided the soup was great as was. Will put this recipe in my “success” file and make again. My husband will be happy since he loved it as well.
So glad you enjoyed it! (And good idea — it’s delicious with clams too!)
Do you use full fat, or low fat Greek yogurt? Looking forward to making this tonight!
I’ve used both kinds, and they work great! :) Enjoy!!
Delicious soup!! I will be making this more often, that’s for sure! My daughter has a problem digesting lactose so I used lactose free milk and it turned out just great.
Wonderful, so glad you both enjoyed it! :)
So easy and delicious. I didn’t peal the potatoes and it tasted great!
Made this tonight and it was very easy and good. My sick teenager is currently thrilled with it. ? I did end up simmering mine for about double the time, but I think that was probably a combo of my potato size and low temp. I added a bit more cheese and next time I will add more bacon. Thanks for a delicious and easy recipe!
This soup is outstandingly delicious!! I will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Made this for the 2nd time tonight…negative temps outside call for something warm and comforting in your belly & this hit the spot!
WOW! This was a huge hit around here! Loved it! Thanks so much.
I LOVE this recipe!!! It’s easy and delicious!!!
Thank you so much for sharing it!!! ❤️
Did not use any bacon and it’s delicious
I made this soup one day fir my fiance and he loved it so much he ate the whole pot in 24 hours hahaha
I am remaking it today as a double batch in hopes it will last a little longer this time and I may actually get more than 1 bowl! ;)
I made this soup today. It was great! The hubby loved it. It’s definitely a keeper.
Really easy! Just add a little more broth. It is a very hearty soup! Husband approved ?
Awesome! I was looking for a recipe close to Carolina Roadhouse soup in Myrtle Beach, I based this pick soley on the picture, it just looked so good. It did not disapoint! We loved it to so much we think it might even be better then the one we had down south. Will definately make this again.
Instead of just plain sour cream i used Helluva Good French Onion dip and wow was it great. Awesome recipe makes an incredible soup.
Made this for dinner tonight…it was perfect! Thanks for another great soup recipe.
Made the soup last night. It was great! I think next time I’ll use butter instead of the bacon drippings. Other than that, it was excellent! Thank you!
On a side note … where did you get the soup bowls? I’ve been trying to find sime like these but am having a hard time!
Looking forward to somw of your other recipes. This one is a keeper!
In the Crock-Pot recipe you use evaporated milk instead of milk. Can you use evaporated milk in the stove top recipe? Love your blog! Thanks!
I have made this recipe many times and it is so good. I love the Yukon Gold potatoes. Today I made it and completely forgot the flour! Then when I added the sour cream, it separated. However, it is still tasty! I may try to thicken it up by making a separate roux and adding it.
Quick, easy and excellent! Definitely a keeper recipe
My Go-To potato soup and it has been a hit every time with my whole family! I double it and add extra cheese
This is delicious!!
This was the most delicious potato soup I have ever eaten! It was so easy and quick, from start to finish.
Delicious!! I didn’t have any bacon, but I did have a kielbasa in the freezer. I cut it up into small pieces and sautéed it with the onions, using butter. Otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. It was the best EVER!
I did exactly as directed but reduce salt and add a little heavy whipping cream…omg my family loved it and I rarely ever write reviews but this is A MUST TRY!! Our pot is already gone just between 3 people..
Made this for dinner tonight. Not quite as quick to make as I thought it would be, but still reasonable for a weeknight dinner. My husband loved it!
Delish, if your searching for a potato soup recipe, stop. This is an easy and tasty soup. I served this at a baby shower and everybody loved it. Try it and you won’t be disappointed.
I make this recipe all the time! Best I have found. Family favorite. Thank you!
Made this a few days before payday as i little in the house. Absolutely lovely. I made a lactose free version with non dairy yogurt, and parmesan cheese. Topped with bacon and spring onions. So filling and cheap.
Love it
This is my favourite soup recipe EVER. I love that it tastes like a creamy soup without the heavy cream base. I’ve made it many many times now and it’s a hit with everyone who’s tried it. The recipe is perfect as is but I always add about a cup of frozen corn to give it some extra veg. It’s great reheated. This soup is basically hashbrown casserole in soup form – so yummy!
I think I put too many potatos how can I fix it to have more soup?
Great recipe. I have made it several times.
Very good. Made this with leftover potatoes and onions from a crawfish boil
Literally the best soup I’ve ever had, my boyfriend can’t get enough of it and requests it for special occasions!
Yay!!! So happy to hear it!
Love this soup! Has become a staple in our house! I’m gluten free so I sub corn starch for the flour!
This is hands down the best potato soup I have ever eaten! Definitely 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was easy and great! The hubby was craving potato soup, so I tried this recipe. He LOVE it!! Thank you for sharing this easy recipe! No need to get extra items from the store. I used buttet instead of bacon drippings, sour cream, precooked bacon and onion powder. I will make this often.
Can this be frozen? I am prepping meals and freezing them since we are about to have our first child! We live this recipe and hope it freezes and cooks up well!
So good and easy to make. I didn’t have cheddar cheese so I used shredded marble jack cheese and was great that way too. Also I like soup hot so added a diced jalapeño.
This is the best. On a cold April 15 in Chicago this is dinner. I double and share. Thank you.