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The Best Potato Soup – Ultra Creamy, Cozy & Comforting

When people talk about comfort food, potato soup sits at the very top of the list. This version — The Best Potato Soup — is everything you want in a cozy bowl: creamy, thick, rich, buttery, savory, and satisfying down to the last spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that turns cold evenings into warm memories, transforms simple ingredients into something luxurious, and feels like a hug you can eat. What makes this recipe the best? It uses perfectly cooked potatoes, sautéed aromatics, rich broth, gentle herbs, and a creamy finish that gives the soup its velvety texture. We skip pork entirely, replacing traditional bacon with beef bacon or turkey bacon to keep it fully compliant with your rules while still delivering that irresistible smoky flavor. Whether you're feeding the whole family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy dinner that warms you from the inside out, this potato soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. Simple, honest ingredients — elevated into pure comfort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat (Pork-Free)
  • 6 slices beef bacon or turkey bacon chopped (optional but adds flavor)
Vegetables & Herbs
  • 6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled & cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Broth & Liquids
  • 5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1½ cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup water optional for adjusting thickness
Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream or substitute milk for lighter version
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Potato masher (optional)
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Cook the (pork-free) bacon
  1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add beef or turkey bacon and cook until crispy.
  3. Remove and set aside.
  4. Keep a little of the drippings in the pot for flavor.
Step 2 — Sauté vegetables
  1. In the same pot, melt butter.
  2. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic.
  3. Cook 7–10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 — Add potatoes and seasonings
  1. Stir in potatoes, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Coat everything well.
Step 4 — Add broth
  1. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
  3. Simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are very tender.
Step 5 — Thicken the soup
  1. Use a potato masher to mash some (but not all) of the potatoes.
  2. This naturally thickens the soup while leaving chunks for texture.
  3. Step 6 — Add dairy
  4. Stir in milk or half-and-half, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
  5. Warm gently on low heat until creamy.
Step 7 — Finish
  1. Add crispy beef/turkey bacon back in.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Add fresh parsley.
Step 8 — Serve
  1. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy the ultimate potato comfort.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Best frozen before adding dairy.
Add milk/cream after reheating.
Reheating
Warm over low heat, adding broth or milk if too thick.
🥄 Variations
1. Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup
Add more cheddar or mozzarella.
2. Healthier Version
Use milk instead of heavy cream.
3. Veggie Boost
Add corn, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
4. Spice It Up
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
5. Herb Lovers Edition
Add rosemary or dill.
6. Fully Vegetarian
Skip bacon and use vegetable broth.
7. Extra Thick
Mash more potatoes or add a slurry.
8. Crockpot Version
Cook on LOW 6–7 hours; add dairy last.
9. Gluten-Free
Naturally gluten-free — no changes needed.
10. High-Protein Version
Add shredded chicken or white beans.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are very creamy; Yukon Golds hold shape better.
2. Can I skip the bacon?
Yes — it’s optional.
3. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add more heavy cream or blend part of the soup.
4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, but freeze before adding dairy.
5. Why mash the potatoes?
It thickens the soup naturally.
6. Can kids eat this?
Yes — it’s mild, creamy, and comforting.
7. How do I add more flavor?
Use fresh herbs and sauté the vegetables well.
8. Can I use red potatoes?
Yes — they keep their shape but are less creamy.
9. Is it okay to use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes — just crisp it before adding.
10. Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely — cheddar melts beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This truly is The Best Potato Soup. It’s rich, creamy, flavorful, and deeply comforting — the kind of soup that makes you close your eyes and savor every spoonful. The potatoes melt perfectly into the broth, the vegetables add sweetness and body, and the creamy base turns this simple dish into pure comfort food perfection.
Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just wanting something warm on a cold night, this soup is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Cozy, satisfying, nostalgic… this is potato soup at its very best.