Name: Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces; 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g); 3 large garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g); 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg); 4 cups chicken broth (945ml); 2 cups milk (475ml); ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml); 1 ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground pepper; ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder; ⅔ cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional); Chives, chopped for garnish (optional); Additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 127 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, you have to try my Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe. This soup is everything you want—rich, velvety, packed with tender potatoes, and that irresistible bacon kick that just takes it over the top. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe never fails to deliver pure satisfaction. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to make it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The perfect blend of creamy potatoes and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that feels like home.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff here — just everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Customizable Texture: Love soup chunky or silky smooth? You can adjust the consistency easily.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!

A white bowl filled with creamy, thick potato soup spilling slightly over the edge, showing chunks of soft potatoes covered in smooth white sauce. On top, colorful layers include small crispy bacon pieces in dark red and brown tones, bright orange shredded cheese, and vibrant green chopped scallions. A gold spoon lifts a spoonful of the creamy soup, emphasizing the thick texture and mixed ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth below and some bread pieces visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, Potato Bacon Soup, Easy Creamy Potato Soup, Comforting Potato Soup Recipe, Bacon-Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a few simple, sturdy ingredients that balance richness and depth perfectly. When picking your potatoes, I find gold potatoes work beautifully for their creamy texture and flavor without falling apart.

Flat lay of six uncooked bacon strips cut into small pieces, a small chunk of golden yellow butter, one medium yellow onion chopped, three large garlic cloves peeled, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, several peeled and diced gold potatoes, a small white bowl filled with chicken broth, a small white bowl filled with milk, a small white bowl with heavy cream, one small white bowl containing coarse salt, one small white bowl of ground black pepper, one small white bowl with ancho chili powder, a small white bowl filled with sour cream, and a few sprigs of fresh chives placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, Potato Bacon Soup, Easy Creamy Potato Soup, Comforting Potato Soup Recipe, Bacon-Loaded Potato Soup

Bacon: Go for good quality thick-cut bacon if you can, because that crispy bacon fat is where the magic begins.
Butter: Unsalted or salted both work fine — I use unsalted so I can control the salt level better.
Yellow Onion: Diced finely to build a deep, savory foundation you’ll barely notice but definitely appreciate.
Garlic: Fresh is key here — it brings a nice gentle punch without overpowering.
All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup to creamy perfection without using crazy additives.
Gold Potatoes: Peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces—trust me, don’t go bigger than an inch or they’ll take forever to cook.
Chicken Broth: Use a flavorful broth for best results; homemade is amazing but store-bought works well too.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess but you can adjust depending on your preference.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that luscious softness that coats your spoon.
Salt & Pepper: These two staples balance all those flavors out perfectly, but remember to taste as you go!
Ancho Chili Powder: Adds a subtle smoky depth—don’t worry, it’s not spicy, just a nice flavor booster.
Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end for tanginess and creaminess that brighten the whole dish.
Cheddar Cheese, Chives, Extra Bacon: Optional toppings but oh so worth it when you want to go all out.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix it up depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. This soup is a fantastic base for so many creative tweaks, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth; add smoked paprika for a smoky kick I discovered when friends didn’t eat meat.
Extra Cheesy: Stir in sharp white cheddar or Gruyère right before serving for a richer, gooier texture — my family goes nuts over this.
Loaded Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli, corn, or diced ham for added texture and flavor layers.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, a dash of cayenne or smoked chipotle powder works wonders.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon Until Crispy

I always start with the bacon because its rendered fat is the flavor foundation of this soup. Use a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, and cook the bacon pieces until they’re dark golden and crisp—don’t rush here, those crispy bits add incredible texture. Once done, scoop out the bacon and set it aside but leave all that delicious fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Drop in the butter with the bacon fat and then add your chopped onion. Cook on medium until translucent and tender, around 3 to 5 minutes. The sweet aroma at this stage makes me smile every time. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch carefully because garlic burns fast and can turn bitter.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add the Potatoes

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. This thickens your soup beautifully, so whisk away any lumps. Then, add the diced potatoes along with the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Give it a good stir to combine it all.

Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Remember, cooking times can vary depending on your potato size, so check occasionally. This is where the soup starts thickening nicely—your kitchen should smell amazing.

Step 5: Blend Half the Soup for The Perfect Creaminess

Here’s a little trick I discovered that makes the texture just right: remove about half the soup carefully (it’s hot!) and puree it until silky smooth, either in batches in a blender or with an immersion blender right in the pot. Then stir it back in with the remaining chunky half. This combination of creamy and chunky bits means every spoonful is satisfying in all the best ways.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon

Mix in sour cream and the crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that brightens the richness, while those bacon pieces give bits of smoky crunch in every bite. Let the soup gently simmer for another 15 minutes to marry all the flavors before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Crispy Bacon First: Cooking the bacon first and keeping the fat ensures every layer of flavor builds on that smoky, savory goodness.
Adjust Salt Gradually: Different broths have different salt levels, so start low and season up to taste near the end.
Don’t Overblend: Puree only half the soup unless you want it totally smooth; I love the contrast of creamy and chunky potatoes.
Use an Immersion Blender: It’s a game-changer that saves time and mess, especially when you’re cautious about handling hot soups.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

My favorite toppings to jazz this soup up are extra crispy bacon bits, a generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped chives. A dollop of sour cream on top adds that perfect tangy finish. These add-ons turn a simple bowl into an irresistible feast.

Side Dishes

I like to pair this soup with some crusty bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad also balances the richness nicely, especially when you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—everyone loves the extra flair and the edible container! You can also layer toppings on individual servings for guests to customize, making it a fun and interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, it thickens a bit, but just thin it with a splash of milk or broth while warming up, and it’s as good as fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well if you leave out the sour cream and toppings before freezing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. You might need to stir well when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens, slowly stir in a bit of milk or broth to loosen it. Avoid microwaving unless you do it in short bursts with stirring in between to keep the texture nice.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes in this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe?

Absolutely! While gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, russet potatoes work well too, though they tend to be fluffier. Just be cautious as waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes may not break down enough for the creamy base.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the milk and heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use coconut yogurt or omit sour cream to keep it dairy-free, and try plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Just note the flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.
Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe in advance?

Definitely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to add fresh toppings like crispy bacon and cheese right before serving to keep them vibrant.
What if I don’t have ancho chili powder?

You can substitute with mild smoked paprika or omit entirely. The ancho chili powder adds a subtle smoky note, so smoked paprika is a good stand-in for a similar flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to again and again because it’s reliably delicious and simple to make. It’s exactly the type of comfort food that feels special without needing hours in the kitchen. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I do serving it up to my family. So grab some potatoes, cook up that bacon, and let this soup work its magic for you!