Pin it
I wanna tell you about the potato soup I adore—it's totally flipped my family's idea of soup! I spent years tweaking different versions before I landed on this creamy, super cozy bowl. There’s crispy bacon, gooey cheese, soft potato chunks, and just a hit of smoky ancho chili powder—absolute harmony! The first time I made this, my teen who swore off soup came back for a huge refill.
Unbeatable Soup Story
This is way more than basic potato soup! You get silky bits from the blended potatoes, but I always save some for those tasty bites. When my neighbor caught a cold last week, a big bowl of this cheered her up way faster than any meds could. Even my usually fussy kid surprised me—his bowl was totally licked clean!
What Goes In
- The Extras:
- Sour cream to swirl in at the end
- That awesome ancho chili powder
- Sharp cheddar, handled fresh
- Fresh chives snipped for brightness
- Bacon (the crispier the better) crumbled up
- The Base:
- A serious splash of heavy cream
- Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Onion and garlic, the real deal
- Plenty of chicken broth
- Nice pat of butter (don’t swap it out)
- Milk or pour in that half and half
Start Cooking Now
- Making It Rich
- Milk, cheese, and those crunchy bacon bits all go in now—watch the magic happen as the soup gets thick and cheesy. Once that cheese melts in, who needs takeout?
- Creating The Magic
- Potatoes get cooked soft but not too soft, then mash or blitz some so it's extra thick while keeping some chunky. My kiddo thinks this part’s hilarious and calls it her “potato trick.”
- Building Our Base
- Butter melts first, then toss in onions till they’re smelly and golden. Throw in garlic and everyone gets hungry quick—nothing smells better!
Pin it
Nailing Every Bowl
Want this to taste amazing every single time? Don’t let the potatoes turn to mush, just cook 'til soft. So worth grating your own cheese—it melts like a dream. And hey, stash some of your finest bacon until serving for that knockout finish!
Time To Serve
I always go big on toppings—more cheddar, a heap of bacon, fresh chives, and a spoonful of sour cream. You can’t skip warm bread! At parties, I toss out a topping tray so everyone’s bowl turns into their own creation.
Stay Delicious
Let’s be honest, this is even better the next day. I double mine up and toss leftovers in the fridge—makes the best easy lunch. Warm it gently and splash in a bit more milk if it's gone thick. Not that there’s ever much left at my place, folks always grab one more bowl!
Switch It Around
Go ahead, switch it up! Sometimes I’ll sneak in some corn or carrots. My son cranks up the chili powder. Fried onions on top? Blows minds! Play with it—find your fam’s favorite twists.
Pin it
Why This Bowl Matters
This one’s a family winter classic now! It’s wild how basic stuff can come together to make something that just hugs everyone. My kids are getting the hang of it, learning to chop, and seeing how a sprinkle here and there can make a bowl extra special.
The best thing isn’t just the flavor—it’s how happy everyone looks with their first spoonful. Whether I’m cheering someone up or just making a cozy dinner for my crew, this is always a hit. And when someone realizes they can cook something this tasty right at home? That’s the best part for me!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze this potato soup?
- Yup, you can freeze it, though it might get a bit grainy when you thaw it. Just pop leftovers in something airtight for up to three months. Heat it up slow and give it lots of stirs when you’re ready to eat.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
- For a lighter bowl, use half-and-half or whole milk. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still taste awesome. Stir in a bit of extra flour to help it stay thick enough.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
- Gold potatoes are everything here. Creamy, sturdy, and hold up great. Russets are okay but can fall apart. Red potatoes and waxy kinds break down too much, so skip those.
- → How can I make this soup thicker?
- Just mash or blend in more potato till it's as thick as you want. Or, make a fast roux using extra butter and flour right before adding the liquids.
- → What can I use instead of bacon?
- You’ve got options—ham or turkey bacon both work. If you want it meat-free, grab smoked paprika and a little butter for that savory kick. Toss in extra seasonings to balance the flavors.