There’s just something magical about a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup—especially when it’s topped with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fresh green onions. This is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up in a big cozy blanket after a long day of mom life. And let me tell you, this Creamy Potato Soup is everything. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor—and yes, totally kid-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup
This recipe is a total win for busy families. It’s simple to make, uses basic pantry staples, and you only need one pot. Hello, easy clean-up! Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd on a chilly night.
Mom Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for one of those nights when everything feels chaotic.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and diced
- 8 strips of bacon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat (from cooking the bacon)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Garlic to taste (about 3–4 cloves, minced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups heavy cream or substitute the milk and cream with 3 cups half-and-half
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings (Don’t Skip These!)
- Green onions, chopped
- Reserved crumbled bacon
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook That Bacon!
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You want it nice and crispy. Once it’s cooked, remove it and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don’t toss the grease! You’ll want about 2 tablespoons of that glorious bacon fat for the next step.
Mom Tip: Let the kids crumble the bacon once it cools down—it’s the perfect job for little hands.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
To the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This is the base that makes your soup luxuriously creamy.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the milk, followed by the chicken broth and cream (or half-and-half), whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The soup should start to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Season It Up
Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Step 6: In Go the Potatoes
Carefully add the diced potatoes to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 7: Mash & Mix
Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This gives the soup a thicker texture without turning it into mashed potatoes. Leave plenty of chunks for that rustic, homemade feel.
Step 8: Add Cheese & Bacon (The Best Part!)
Stir in most of the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, saving a little of each for topping.
Step 9: Serve It Up!
Ladle the soup into warm bowls—or better yet, bread bowls if you’re feeling fancy. Top each serving with the extra cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Mom Tip: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a full meal.
FAQs About Creamy Potato Soup
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just cook the bacon and sauté the onion and garlic first. Then add everything except the cheese and bacon to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Mash some of the potatoes before serving and stir in the cheese and bacon at the end.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes! Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. Just know that dairy-based soups can separate a bit when thawed—just give it a good stir while reheating.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yep! Skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil instead of bacon fat. Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or celery.
What kind of potatoes are best?
Russets work best here because they break down nicely, giving the soup that thick, creamy texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, it’s not. But you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken.
Make It a Meal: Pairing Ideas
- Salad: Caesar, simple mixed greens, or even a spinach strawberry salad
- Bread: Crusty French bread, breadsticks, or sourdough rolls
- Dessert: Apple crisp or warm chocolate chip cookies
Why Moms Love This Recipe
This soup is:
- Hearty and filling
- Easy to reheat and store
- Budget-friendly
- Full of comforting flavors
And let’s be honest—anything with cheese and bacon is already a hit with most families.
Week Nights Just Got an Upgrade
This creamy potato soup recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food during chilly months. It’s warm, cozy, and packed with flavor—and your whole family will be asking for seconds.
Mom Tip: Print this recipe and stick it on the fridge for those “I don’t know what to cook” nights. Or better yet, teach your teens to make it so they can surprise you one day!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @tipsfromamom with your delicious bowl. Happy cooking, mama!
Other potato soup recipes you may like.
Potato Soup Recipe ~ The best you’ll ever make!
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage, Bacon & Potato Soup
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