Easy Homemade Potato Soup: My Cozy Kitchen Staple (Print Version)

Easy Homemade Potato Soup warms you from the inside out! Discover my go-to recipe for comforting, creamy goodness, perfect for any cozy night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves Garlic, minced

→ Flavor Foundation

04 - 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
05 - 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
06 - 6 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium)
07 - 1 large Bay Leaf

→ Dairy & Creaminess

08 - 2 cups Whole Milk
09 - 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded

→ Finishing Touches & Seasoning

10 - 6 slices Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
11 - Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh Chives or Green Onions, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that bacon going! Cook your bacon slices in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until they're beautifully crispy. This is where the magic starts, the smell of sizzling bacon just fills the kitchen! Once done, remove the bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of that glorious bacon fat in the pot. If you don't have enough, add a little butter. Set the crumbled bacon aside for later – try not to eat it all, I know, it's hard! I always end up sneaking a piece or two here, oops.
02 - Now, in that same pot with the bacon fat (or butter), add your chopped onion. Sauté it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until it's softened and translucent. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen – it’s just the best! Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let it brown, or it'll get bitter, I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit. The smell at this stage is just heavenly, a true promise of the delicious Easy Homemade Potato Soup to come.
03 - Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste, a roux. This is what will thicken our Easy Homemade Potato Soup, so don't skip this step! It might look a little clumpy at first, but keep whisking. Slowly, gradually, pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. This is where I always remind myself to go slow, otherwise, I end up with a lumpy mess – been there, done that! The mixture will start to smooth out and thicken.
04 - Add your peeled and diced potatoes to the pot along with the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is where the potatoes really absorb all those amazing flavors. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing's sticking. I always peek in, eager to see those tender potatoes ready for mashing. The kitchen just smells so comforting at this stage, a true sign of a delicious Easy Homemade Potato Soup.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, remove the bay leaf (important!). Now, for that creamy texture! You can use a potato masher right in the pot, mashing about half to two-thirds of the potatoes. Or, if you want it super smooth, use an immersion blender for a few pulses. I like mine with a few chunks, gives it character, you know? Stir in the whole milk and the shredded cheddar cheese until it's all melted and smooth. This is where the Easy Homemade Potato Soup really comes alive, getting that rich, velvety texture. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings here!
06 - Finally, stir in most of your crumbled bacon, reserving a little for garnish. Taste your Easy Homemade Potato Soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes a little less – it's all about what tastes good to you! Serve hot, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon bits and fresh chives or green onions. The final result should be thick, creamy, and incredibly comforting. It smells like pure home, a truly satisfying bowl of goodness!

# Notes:

01 - Don't over-mash your potatoes! A few chunks give this Easy Homemade Potato Soup character, and over-mashing can make it gummy.
02 - Reheat gently on the stovetop; microwaving can sometimes make the dairy separate, oops.
03 - For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit bacon, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
04 - Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping – it's the perfect pairing, trust me!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - Potato masher or immersion blender
03 - Whisk
04 - Measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 15-20g

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