The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

I made this Creamy Potato Soup recently and it turned out fantastic. Fresh Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and diced yellow onion mingle perfectly with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk. A little unsalted butter and a pinch of seasoning make it rich and satisfying in every spoonful.

I recently discovered a new way to level up a classic dish with my Best Creamy Potato Soup recipe. I’ve always loved a good loaded potato soup so I knew I had to try and make this version extra special.

I started by crisping up 6 slices of roughly chopped bacon until they turned perfectly crunchy and set them aside for later. Meanwhile, I tossed a diced medium yellow onion and 3 garlic cloves in a pan with unsalted butter until they softened nicely.

Then, I added in diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk to create a luscious base that simmers into pure deliciousness. A pinch of salt and pepper and a hint of dried thyme really brought everything together.

Every spoonful reminds me of that simple satisfaction of a great bowl of potato soup, and I can’t wait for you to try out this quick loaded potato soup masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how the bacon turns out super crispy and adds such a great flavor to the soup, its like a little burst of savory goodness in every bite.
2. I love how the combination of heavy cream and whole milk makes the soup extra rich and creamy, it feels so indulgent and comforting on a chilly day.
3. I appreciate that the potatoes turn out tender and the whole recipe is really easy to follow, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight when I dont have a lot of time.
4. I also enjoy the option of adding extra herbs like thyme and fresh chives, it gives the soup a fresh twist that makes it feel a bit fancy even though its still super homey.

Ingredients

• Bacon: crispy, salty, and fatty, infuses savory protein and deep smoky flavor.
• Yellow Onion: mildly sweet, offers fiber and antioxidants and provides a subtle aromatic base.
• Garlic: zesty and pungent, gives vitamins, boosts immunity and enriches the broth.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: hearty, starchy and creamy, delivering essential carbohydrates and pure comfort.
• Heavy Cream: rich and velvety, imparts smooth texture and a luxurious, subtle sweetness.
• Whole Milk: light and creamy, harmonizes flavors while adding a gentle body to the soup.
• Thyme & Chives: aromatic herbs that brighten the dish with a hint of earthiness.
• Unsalted Butter: enhances creaminess and carries flavors beautifully with rich dairy notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 slices bacon, roughly chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

How to Make this

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until its crispy. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and leave the bacon fat in the pot.

2. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are softened.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, stirring well.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, and unsalted butter, letting the soup warm through for about 5 minutes.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and if you want, add the dried thyme for an extra hint of flavor.

8. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.

9. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces back into the soup.

10. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh chives if using and serve your creamy potato soup warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – you need one that holds plenty of soup and can handle the heat while cooking the bacon and simmering all the ingredients
2. Slotted spoon – essential for removing crispy bacon bits and leaving the bacon fat behind
3. Chef’s knife – used for dicing the yellow onion, mincing garlic, and chopping any other ingredients
4. Cutting board – a must have surface for safely prepping your bacon, onions, and potatoes
5. Measuring cups – needed to accurately measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk
6. Measuring spoons – for the garlic, salt, pepper, and optional dried thyme
7. Wooden spoon – great for stirring the soup and even mashing the potatoes against the side of the pot
8. Stove – required to heat your pot over medium heat and simmer the ingredients

This list gives you the basic equipment and utensils required to create the creamy potato soup using the directions provided.

FAQ

The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have bacon, try turkey bacon or even smoked sausage to keep a nice, savory taste.
• If you don’t have a yellow onion, red onion or shallots work well and add a hint of sweetness.
• If chicken broth is out of stock, low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead.
• If Yukon Gold potatoes aren’t available, russet potatoes make a good substitute though they may be a bit starchier.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to fry the bacon until it’s really crispy then set it aside so it stays crunchy when you add it back in later.
2. Keep an eye on your onions and garlic while cooking; if they start to brown too much youll get a bitter taste.
3. When simmering the potatoes, give them a good stir every now and then and if you want a thicker soup, mash a few against the pot wall.
4. Add the heavy cream and milk gently so the soup heats evenly and nothing curdles.