Best Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Velvety creamy potato soup loaded with bacon, cheddar, and chives is pure comfort in a bowl. This hearty, family-friendly vegetarian base soup warms you up on the coldest evenings.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#vegetarian base #comfort food #family dinner #one pot meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • russet potatoes 2.5 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • carrot 1 pieces
  • celery stalk 1 pieces
  • bacon 6 slices
  • whole milk 2 cups
  • low-sodium chicken broth 4 cups
  • cheddar cheese, shredded 1.5 cups
  • chives, fresh 0.25 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • unsalted butter 3 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour 3 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper, ground 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 37 g 40%
Protein 13 g 14%
Fat 18 g 46%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.

  2. 2

    Add unsalted butter to the bacon fat, then sauté chopped onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat until soft, about 6 minutes—be sure not to brown the vegetables.

  3. 3

    Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a light roux. This thickens the soup without lumps.

  4. 4

    Gradually whisk in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

  5. 5

    Remove about 1 cup of potato mixture and mash; return the mash to the pot. Stir in whole milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar, simmering gently (do not boil) for 5 minutes.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with remaining cheddar, crispy bacon, and chopped chives.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is russet potatoes, which give the soup its signature creamy texture and rich, comforting flavor. The addition of cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives further defines the dish's classic character.
Q. Which seasoning brings out the soup's flavor the most?
Kosher salt and a moderate amount of black pepper are essential seasonings, but the combination of unsalted butter with sautéed onion, celery, and carrot adds aromatic depth. The sharp cheddar cheese melts in as a final flavor booster.
Q. What's the secret to a smooth, lump-free potato soup?
Cooking the flour for 2 minutes after sautéing the vegetables forms a light roux that thickens the soup smoothly. Gradually whisking in the broth and mashing a portion of the cooked potatoes ensures a velvety texture without lumps.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?
Each serving (350 g) contains approximately 370 kcal, with 37g carbohydrates (40%), 13g protein (14%), and 18g fat (46%), making this a balanced yet hearty soup suitable for a satisfying meal.
Q. How do I prevent overcooking or undercooking the potatoes?
Simmer the potatoes gently on low heat for 20 minutes, checking that they are just fork-tender—this keeps the soup creamy and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy or resisting a bite.
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