Easy & Tasty Potato Soup Recipe for Fall 2025

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup. It wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, fills your belly, and feeds your soul.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food. This potato soup recipe has everything you need: crispy bacon, velvety potatoes, and rich flavors all in one pot.

In this post, we’re going to walk you through every step of making a hearty homemade potato soup from scratch.

With tips, flavor variations, and answers to common questions, this recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to for fall and winter comfort.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and soul-soothing, this potato soup delivers everything you need: flavor, texture, and warmth.

Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or just one of those days when you need a bowl of comfort, this soup checks all the boxes.

Here’s what makes it a must-try:

• Incredible Flavor from Bacon Drippings
  The secret to deep, rich flavor in this soup lies in cooking your onions and potatoes in rendered bacon fat. It creates a savory base that infuses every bite with smoky deliciousness.
• Creamy Without Being Overwhelming
  Thanks to Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, and sour cream, this soup achieves its signature creamy texture without requiring a substantial amount of butter or processed ingredients.
• One-Pot Wonder
  Everything from crisping the bacon to simmering the potatoes happens in a single Dutch oven or soup pot. Less mess, fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Customizable Toppings
  This recipe is like a blank canvas. Add shredded cheddar, chopped chives, more bacon, or a dash of smoked paprika for a personalized touch.
• A Meal in Itself
  Who says soup isn’t a full meal? This one is so filling and satisfying, especially when paired with some crusty bread or a simple salad. Even the skeptics at your table will be convinced.
• Leftover-Friendly
  This soup reheats beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it for lunch the next day or as an easy dinner later in the week. (Don’t freeze it more on that later.)

🥔 Ingredients for Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s a clear and organized table with everything you’ll need to make this creamy potato soup from scratch:

Optional Substitutes:

• Swap duck bacon for a gourmet twist (if you can find it).
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (skip the bacon and use butter or oil).
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a bit of heat if desired.

These ingredients work together in perfect harmony to create a soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Potato Soup (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making potato soup from scratch may sound like a weekend project, but it’s surprisingly easy and gratifying.

Every step is packed with flavor, and by the end, you’ll have a soul-warming meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or simple lunches.

Follow along with this step-by-step breakdown for the best homemade potato soup you’ve ever made.

🥓 Step 1: Crisp the Bacon for Maximum Flavor

Start with a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot. Why? Because we’re building flavor from the bottom up, and that begins with bacon.

Add 8 slices of bacon directly into the cold pot and set the heat to medium-high. Let the bacon cook slowly as the fat renders out.

This should take approximately 10–12 minutes, and you’ll want to stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even crisping.

Bacon isn’t just a topping here. It’s the foundation of flavor. We’re going to use the drippings to cook the onions and potatoes, which makes the soup taste rich and satisfying.

Pro Tip:

If you’re looking for a unique option, duck bacon is a great alternative. It’s fatty, flavorful, and perfect for rendering. Just don’t use turkey bacon; it lacks the fat and flavor needed for this recipe.

Once the bacon is nice and crisp, remove it with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Set it aside for garnish later.

Now, the golden fat at the bottom of your pot? Don’t drain it! You’ll need that for the next step.

🧅 Step 2: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics

With your bacon set aside and drippings still warm, it’s time to add in the aromatics that will give your soup its mouthwatering base.

You’ll need:

• 1 yellow onion (medium-sized)
• 3 to 4 cloves of garlic

Dice the onion into a rough chop. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Fresh garden onions are ideal here.

Unlike store-bought onions, which often sit in cold storage and develop more potent compounds that make you cry, garden onions are milder, sweeter, and easier to handle.

Next, mince the garlic cloves finely.

Turn the heat to medium and toss the onions into the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become translucent, not brown.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

These aromatics are like the opening act to your soup, laying down the melody before the main performance.

🥔 Step 3: Peel and Chop the Potatoes

Time to bring in the star of the dish, potatoes. And not just any potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet here.

Why Yukon Gold? Because they’re:

• Naturally creamy
• Hold their shape while cooking
• Perfectly balanced in starch content

You’ll need 3 pounds of them.

Steps:

1. Peel the potatoes (unless your household prefers skins on).
2. Cut them into 1-inch cubes, roughly bite-sized, and ensure they cook uniformly.

If you’re short on time or prefer a rustic texture, feel free to leave the skins on. Just be sure to scrub them well. However, in households with texture-sensitive eaters (such as picky kids), peeling is usually the safer bet.

🍳 Step 4: Sauté Potatoes and Mix In Flavor

Now that your potatoes are chopped, it’s time to let them soak up some of that onion and garlic goodness.

Add the potatoes directly into the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir them frequently for about 5 minutes to coat them in the drippings and flavor. You’ll start to smell that warm, homey aroma that screams comfort food.

If the potatoes begin to stick or the bottom of the pot seems dry, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved bacon drippings to help keep things moving and flavorful.

Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot occasionally to prevent sticking. There’s flavor hiding in every little caramelized bit.

🌾 Step 5: Thicken It Up with a Roux

To give the soup a thick, creamy texture without relying solely on cream, we will make a roux directly in the pot.

Here’s how:

• Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the potatoes and stir immediately.
• Add it in stages; this helps avoid clumps.
• Stir constantly for 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and absorb the fat.

This flour-bacon fat mixture creates a thickening base. Think of it like the start of a gravy or creamy sauce. If you skip this step, your soup might turn out thin and watery, so don’t rush it!

🥄 Step 6: Add the Liquids

Now comes the transformation.

Slowly pour in:

• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1½ cups of whole milk

Start with the broth, pour it in gradually, stirring the whole time. This helps bind the liquid to the flour and fat mixture, resulting in a silky smooth soup base. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir to get every bit of flavor.

Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the milk. Then season with:

• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Important: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Boiling milk can cause it to break and separate, which affects the texture. Keep the heat medium-low and let it simmer slowly.

Once simmering, partially cover the pot, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape. Simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a fork.

🍽 Step 7: Optional—Mash for Creaminess

At this stage, you have a choice:

• Do you want a chunky, rustic potato soup?
• Or do you prefer a smooth, creamy texture?

If it’s the latter, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot. Don’t go overboard—just mash about ⅓ of the potatoes. This will thicken the soup naturally while leaving some chunks for texture.

The key here is to balance mash enough to make it rich and creamy, but not so much that it turns into mashed potatoes.

🥛 Step 8: Add Cream and Sour Cream

Ready to take things to the next level?

Stir in:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ cup (120g) of sour cream

The heavy cream adds body and richness, while the sour cream brings a slight tang and extra depth of flavor. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.

Grab a tasting spoon and do a quick flavor check. This is your moment to adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of paprika or cayenne for extra warmth and spice.

🧀 Step 9: Add Toppings & Serve!

Now comes the part that turns this soup from comforting to unforgettable—toppings!

Ladle the soup into bowls and add any (or all) of the following:

• Crispy crumbled bacon (from earlier)
• Shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Dollop of sour cream
• Dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Think of your bowl like a canvas, make it beautiful, colorful, and loaded with flavor.

Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread, a flaky biscuit, or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

🧠 Tips for the Best Potato Soup

Even though this recipe is forgiving and straightforward, a few smart tips can make your potato soup go from good to absolutely unforgettable.

These practical suggestions straight from the stovetop help you nail the flavor, texture, and experience every time.

✅ 1. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Golds are the MVP of potato soup. They’re creamy, buttery, and don’t break apart when cooked. Avoid russet potatoes unless you want a grainier, starchier texture in your soup. If you’re craving creaminess and structure, Yukon Gold is your best friend.

Bonus Tip: Leave the skins on for a more rustic vibe, and make sure to scrub them well.

✅ 2. Render the Bacon First—Don’t Skip It

Cooking bacon first and using the drippings to sauté your onions and garlic builds an intensely flavorful base. It’s what makes this soup taste rich and homemade, even before the broth and cream go in.

If you skip the bacon, be sure to replace the flavor with good-quality butter or olive oil and add smoky spices like smoked paprika to mimic the depth of flavor.

✅ 3. Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy

Once you’ve added the milk, cream, and sour cream, keep the soup at a gentle simmer, not a boil. Boiling can cause dairy to separate, resulting in a gritty or curdled texture.

Simmer = gentle bubbles
Boil = rolling waves = Nope

✅ 4. Mash Just the Right Amount

For perfect consistency, mash about ⅓ of the potatoes after simmering. This thickens the soup naturally and gives it a creamy base while leaving enough chunks for texture.

You can use a potato masher, the back of a spoon, or even an immersion blender—don’t over-blend unless you’re going for a puréed version.

✅ 5. Season at Every Stage

From rendering the bacon to adding broth and finishing with dairy, make sure to taste and adjust your seasoning as you go. Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so don’t be shy with your seasoning.

Also, finish with a final tasting right before serving to balance the salt, pepper, and any finishing spices, such as paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes.

🥄 Variations to Try: Mix It Up!

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, vegetarians, or spice lovers, potato soup is super versatile. Here’s a handy table of creative and tasty variations you can try:

🥣 Final Thoughts

This homemade potato soup is more than just a meal. It’s a warm, creamy hug in a bowl. From the sizzling bacon to the silky blend of Yukon Gold potatoes, broth, and sour cream, every spoonful is packed with flavor and comfort.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd on a chilly night, this one-pot wonder delivers every single time.

It’s incredibly flexible, too. You can dress it up with cheddar and chives, spice it up with paprika or cayenne, or keep it simple and rustic. However you make it, this soup is guaranteed to leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your guests asking for seconds.

So, go ahead, grab your pot, chop those potatoes, and bring the cozy vibes into your kitchen tonight.

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Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.