Name: Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
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 cups/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″ (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg); 4 cups chicken broth (945ml); 2 cups milk (475ml); ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml); 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon ground pepper; ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder; ⅔ cup sour cream (160g); Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping); Chives (optional, for topping); Additional sour cream (optional, for topping); Additional bacon (optional, for topping)

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you have to try this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — creamy, savory, and packed with that irresistible smoky bacon flavor. When I first made this soup, I was amazed at just how rich and satisfying it turned out, especially considering how simple the ingredients are. Keep reading, because I’m sharing everything you need to know to get it just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture Blend: Pureeing half the soup creates a silky base with hearty potato chunks.
Flavor-Packed Bacon: Crisp bacon cooked separately adds smoky depth and crunch.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the heat and toppings to suit your taste perfectly.
Family Favorite: This creamy potato soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners.

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, creamy potato soup, bacon potato soup, hearty potato soup, comforting bacon soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so well because they balance creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Plus, simple staples you probably already have in your kitchen make this an easy recipe to pull off any night.

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, creamy potato soup, bacon potato soup, hearty potato soup, comforting bacon soup

Bacon: Choose thick-cut for extra crispy texture and rich flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
Yellow onion: I love its natural sweetness that mellows as it cooks.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch without overpowering.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Gold potatoes: Their buttery texture is perfect; don’t use waxy potatoes as the soup won’t be as creamy.
Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want to control the salt level better.
Milk & heavy cream: For that rich, silky mouthfeel you’re after.
Salt and pepper: Season gradually to suit your broth and taste.
Ancho chili powder: This adds a gentle smoky heat that complements the bacon wonderfully.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for tanginess and extra creaminess.
Cheddar cheese, chives, extra bacon: Optional toppings that take this soup to the next level.

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

One thing I adore about this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Here’s how I’ve mixed things up based on what was in my fridge or to suit different dietary needs.

Vegetarian option: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and substitute bacon for smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon for a smoky touch.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gave the soup a nice kick that my spice-loving friends went crazy for.
Cheesy twist: Stir in some shredded Gruyère or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile that’s just as comforting.
Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free sour cream alternatives — the soup is still rich and creamy.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp That Bacon Just Right

Start by placing your chopped bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. The goal here is to render the fat slowly and get the bacon beautifully crisp without burning it. When you do this, not only do you get those crunchies to top your soup, but the bacon fat left behind becomes liquid gold for cooking the veggies. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but don’t discard that bacon fat just yet.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Bacon Fat

Add butter to that same pot with the bacon fat, then toss in the chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions soften and turn translucent — about 3 to 5 minutes works great. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, and the combination with bacon fat creates such an amazing base flavor. Then add minced garlic and cook just about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it brown or burn here.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Potatoes

Sprinkle in the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and stir constantly to make a smooth roux. This thickens the soup, so get rid of any lumps using a whisk if you need to. Then stir in your diced gold potatoes. These little guys are the stars — their creamy texture is what makes the soup so indulgent.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings

Add the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Now’s the time to season with salt, pepper, and a touch of ancho chili powder for that subtle smoky heat. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender — about 10 minutes usually does it.

Step 5: Blend Half for Creamy Texture

Here’s the trick that makes this soup so irresistible: remove about half the soup and puree it until silky smooth with either an immersion blender or in batches using a regular blender (careful, it’s hot!). Then stir this creamy mixture back into the remaining chunky soup. This way, you get the best of both worlds — luscious creaminess and comforting potato chunks. Stir in the sour cream and reserved bacon pieces, then let it simmer gently for another 15 minutes to marry all those flavors.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on them during simmering so they’re tender but not falling apart—this keeps your soup texture perfect.
Control Salt Cautiously: Because broth’s salt content varies, it’s best to start with less and season up later to avoid a salty soup.
Partial Puree Is Key: Pureeing half the soup ensures it’s creamy yet chunky, which my family absolutely loves over a fully smooth soup.
Use Fresh Bacon Fat: Cooking your onions and garlic in rendered bacon fat adds unbeatable depth of flavor you just can’t get with butter alone.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a handful of shredded sharp cheddar, extra crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chopped chives for color and that subtle oniony brightness. These garnishes add texture and elevate the flavors, making each spoonful satisfyingly complex.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or my favorite garlic breadsticks. On chilly days, I’m all about serving it with a crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this soup in small bread bowls or mini soup mugs, topped with microgreens and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It makes an uncomplicated meal feel extra festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge and try to use it within 3-4 days. The texture stays great, and flavors deepen after sitting overnight—often better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by letting it cool completely, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, it reheats nicely though I recommend stirring in a splash of milk or cream while warming to restore creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it thickens too much, just add a little broth, milk, or cream until you get your desired consistency back.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes in this soup?

Yes, but gold potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely, creating a creamy texture without becoming gluey. Russet potatoes can also work but sometimes make the soup a bit grainy. Waxy potatoes like red or fingerlings usually keep their shape too much and won’t create that perfect creaminess.
What if I don’t have ancho chili powder?

No problem! You can substitute with a pinch of regular chili powder or smoked paprika for a mild smoky heat. If you prefer no heat at all, you can leave it out—it won’t ruin the soup but the slight smoky note adds nice depth.
Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, coconut milk or another plant-based cream, and omit the bacon or replace it with a smoky vegan alternative. The recipe is very adaptable, and the creamy texture can still be achieved with these swaps.
Do I have to blend half the soup?

Blending half the soup is what creates that amazing creamy-yet-chunky texture, but if you prefer all smooth, you can puree it all in batches. I find that keeping some chunks gives a more satisfying bite and balances the creaminess perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe is one of those gems you’ll want to make again and again — it’s flavorful, filling, and just downright comforting. Every time I serve this to family or friends, I get rave reviews and requests for seconds. If you want a quick weeknight meal that feels special without fuss, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you taste that creamy broth dotted with crispy bacon and melted cheddar, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it!