This creamy and comforting potato soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add butter to the pot. Once melted, sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Thicken the Soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour with ¼ cup of the milk until smooth. Stir the slurry into the soup.
- Add the remaining milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Blend (Optional):
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a touch of smoky flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use low-fat milk or replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- Chunky or smooth: Blend completely for a smooth soup or leave some chunks for texture.
- Extra toppings: Try sour cream, croutons, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.
This soup is the ultimate comfort food and will quickly become a family favorite! Let me know how it turns out. 🥔🍲