Name: Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces; 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups / 200g); 3 large garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g); 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (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 (optional, for topping); Chives (optional, for topping); Additional sour cream (optional, for topping); Additional bacon (optional, cooked and crumbled for topping)

If you’re anything like me, there’s just something so comforting about a warm, rich bowl of potato soup — and this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe nails it every single time. I absolutely love how velvety and satisfying it turns out, with golden chunks of tender potatoes and that irresistible crispy bacon sprinkled on top. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe has got your back. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through every step with tips to get it just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Creamy Texture: Combining pureed and chunky potatoes creates a luscious, comforting soup that’s not overly thick or thin.
Bacon Flavor Boost: Crispy bacon pieces add a smoky bite that brings this classic soup to life.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You probably already have everything in your kitchen pantry for this recipe.
Customizable Heat Level: A touch of ancho chili powder gives subtle warmth without overpowering the soup.

A white bowl filled with creamy, thick potato soup spilling slightly over the edge, showing chunks of soft potatoes covered in smooth white sauce. On top, colorful layers include small crispy bacon pieces in dark red and brown tones, bright orange shredded cheese, and vibrant green chopped scallions. A gold spoon lifts a spoonful of the creamy soup, emphasizing the thick texture and mixed ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth below and some bread pieces visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, Potato Soup with Bacon, Comforting Potato Soup, Easy Potato Soup Recipe, Bacon Potato Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe, each ingredient plays a starring role. From the golden potatoes providing a hearty base to the smoky bacon and creamy dairy, these flavors just come together like an old friend welcoming you home. If you can, opt for fresh, good-quality ingredients to make the most of this comforting bowl.

Flat lay of six uncooked bacon strips cut into small pieces, a small chunk of golden yellow butter, one medium yellow onion chopped, three large garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, several peeled and diced gold potatoes, a small white bowl filled with chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with milk, a small white bowl with heavy cream, one small white bowl containing coarse salt, one small white bowl of ground black pepper, one small white bowl with ancho chili powder, a small white bowl filled with sour cream, and a few sprigs of fresh chives placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, Potato Soup with Bacon, Comforting Potato Soup, Easy Potato Soup Recipe, Bacon Potato Soup

Bacon: I love the smoky crunch bacon brings—cut it small so it crisps evenly.
Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness better, but salted works in a pinch.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed; chop finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives just the right punch; avoid pre-minced jarred garlic for best flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup beautifully—don’t skip this step!
Gold potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds hold their shape well while still mashing nicely.
Chicken broth: Make sure to use a good-quality one for richer soup; low sodium lets you adjust salt perfectly.
Milk: Whole milk is my favorite for creaminess; you can swap in 2% but it won’t be quite as rich.
Heavy cream: That little indulgence takes the soup from good to wow.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, but always add salt gradually to avoid overdoing it.
Ancho chili powder: Adds subtle warmth and a slight smoky note; start with just a pinch if you’re new to it.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for tang and extra creaminess — trust me, it’s a game changer.
Optional toppings (cheddar cheese, chives): Because who can resist a little extra cheese and freshness?

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is so easy to personalize depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to tweak things — you’ll find it hard to go wrong.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth, then top with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a different but equally delicious spin.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder instead of ancho chili powder if you’re craving more heat. I discovered this when friends came over craving bold flavors!
Extra Veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or diced carrots with the onions for added texture and nutrition.
Dairy-Free: Try coconut milk instead of cream and use vegan sour cream or plain yogurt to keep it creamy while accommodating dairy restrictions.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon and Sauté Onion

Start by cooking those little bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until they’re gloriously crisp and golden brown. This step fills your kitchen with the best aroma — seriously, I look forward to this part every time. Once the bacon’s done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but don’t toss that rendered bacon fat yet! We’ll use it to sauté the onions.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the butter to the bacon fat in the pot, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent — about 3 to 5 minutes. The onions give the soup its sweet undertones that balance the smoky bacon. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté just about 30 seconds until fragrant; garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Thicken Things Up with Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked onion and garlic mixture and stir continuously to form a smooth paste — this is your roux. I usually grab a whisk here to break up any lumps. This step is crucial because the flour thickens the soup, giving it that lovely creamy texture we all crave. Cook the roux for about 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t let it brown.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Liquids, and Seasoning

Now, stir in your diced gold potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and that magical touch of ancho chili powder. I usually start with a smaller pinch of the chili powder, tasting as I go—it adds a subtle warmth without stealing the spotlight. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. I poke a few potato pieces with a fork — as soon as they slide off easily, you’re good to go.

Step 6: Blend Half for Perfect Creaminess

This is the trick that makes my Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe stand out! Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender, then puree until smooth — be cautious since it’s hot. If you prefer, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree half the soup. Once pureed, stir it back into the pot so you have a nice balance of creamy and chunky textures.

Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon

Stir in the sour cream and mix in the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Let the soup simmer gently for another 15 minutes — this allows the flavors to mingle perfectly. When I first tried adding sour cream here, it made the soup just irresistibly tangy and creamy.

Step 8: Serve and Top to Your Heart’s Content

Ladle your soup into bowls and top with extra sour cream, more bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and some fresh chives if you like. Personally, I love the fresh pop that chives bring, but you can customize it however you want!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Don’t Overpuree: Leaving some chunks of potato in the soup adds wonderful texture and makes each bite interesting.
Adjust Salt Gradually: I learned the hard way that broth varies wildly in saltiness, so start low and taste before adding more.
Use an Immersion Blender: It saves time and keeps you from handling hot soup in batches — plus, it’s easier to control the texture.
Crisp Bacon Separately: Cooking bacon separately ensures it stays crispy for topping rather than getting soggy in the soup.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

My go-to toppings are extra crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream for cool tang, sharp shredded cheddar, and fresh chives for brightness. Sometimes, I even add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick. These little touches take the soup from great to restaurant-quality at home.

Side Dishes

A warm crusty bread or garlic rolls are absolute musts for dipping into this thick and creamy soup. For a lighter side, I pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette — the acidity cuts through the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls for special occasions, which adds an impressive touch and doubles as edible dinnerware! It always wows guests and feels cozier on chilly evenings. Another idea is to pre-portion in small mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or cocktail parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve the texture. When stored properly, it tastes just as good the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully a few times. Just let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. The soup may separate a bit upon thawing, but simply whisk it back together over low heat and it’s good as new. Avoid freezing if you’ve added sour cream beforehand—add it fresh when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating gives the best silky texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoky seasonings like smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon flavor. Top with cheese and herbs for added richness.
What potatoes work best for this potato soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my top pick because they’re creamy and waxy but still hold their shape well during cooking, striking the perfect balance for this soup.
Can I use an immersion blender for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using an immersion blender makes pureeing half the soup (or the whole batch) so much easier and safer since you can do it right in the pot without transferring hot soup.
How do I prevent soup from becoming too thick?

If your soup is too thick after cooking, simply add a little more milk or broth while reheating and stir well to loosen it up. This is an easy fix I rely on when leftovers sit in the fridge.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, you can dice the potatoes and chop the onions and garlic a day ahead — just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my cooking rotation because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. I’ve served it during busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and even holidays when everyone needs a hug in a bowl. I hope you’ll give it a try — tweak it, make it yours, and enjoy every spoonful with someone you love. Trust me, once you master this soup, it’ll become your go-to for a heartwarming meal any time of year.