How to Make Potato Soup

How to Make Potato Soup is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sugar Spun Run on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 1 hr 44 min

Cost: $16.28 total, $4.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces Bacon Strips (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 whole Medium Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced (about 1 heaping tablespoon))
  • 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled (optional) and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (2% or whole milk)
  • 2/3 cup Heavy Cream (chilled)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ancho Chili Powder (smoky sweet flavor; can add another 1/4 tsp after taste test)
  • 2/3 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 2 strips Optional Garnish: Extra Bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup Optional Garnish: Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tablespoons Optional Garnish: Chives (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon

    Add the bite‑size bacon pieces to the Dutch oven and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and fully cooked.

    Time: PT8M

  2. Remove Bacon

    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Butter and Onion

    Add 3 Tbsp butter to the pot and melt, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–5 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium

  5. Incorporate Flour

    Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the onion‑garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux, eliminating any lumps.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Add Potatoes

    Add the cubed Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the roux.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Add Liquids and Spices

    Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups whole milk, and 2/3 cup heavy cream. Stir in 1½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp ancho chili powder (adjust after tasting). Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  8. Boil Potatoes

    Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and cook until the potatoes are fork‑tender, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Simmer Soup

    Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: low

  10. Puree Half the Soup

    Using an immersion blender, puree roughly half of the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a countertop blender, transfer half of the soup to the blender, puree, then return to the pot.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon

    Stir in 2/3 cup sour cream and the reserved crisp bacon. Simmer gently for another 15 minutes to meld flavors.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low

  12. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra bacon, shredded cheddar, or chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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How to Make Potato Soup

Recipe by Sugar Spun Run

A rich, velvety potato soup packed with crispy bacon, buttery onions, and a hint of smoky ancho chili. Finished with sour cream and heavy cream for extra silkiness, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
1h 14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.28
Total cost
$4.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking bacon until crisp
  • Incorporating flour without lumps
  • Pureeing half the soup for texture
  • Adding sour cream without curdling

Safety Warnings

  • Hot liquids and steam can cause burns; handle with care
  • When using an immersion blender, keep the blade fully submerged to avoid splatter
  • Cook bacon thoroughly to eliminate any raw pork risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy potato soup in American cuisine?

A

Creamy potato soup is a classic comfort food in the United States, rooted in early 20th‑century home cooking where inexpensive potatoes were combined with pantry staples like milk and bacon to create a filling, warming dish for families during cold months.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of potato soup exist within the United States?

A

In the Midwest, corn and cheddar are often added; the Pacific Northwest favors smoked salmon and dill; Southern versions may include ham and a roux base, while New England cooks sometimes finish with a splash of cream and fresh herbs.

cultural
Q

How is creamy potato soup traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically ladled into shallow bowls, topped with crisp bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, and served with crusty bread or a soft roll on the side.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is creamy potato soup commonly enjoyed in American culture?

A

It is a popular starter for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, a comforting lunch on chilly weekdays, and a go‑to dish for potlucks and family gatherings because it can be made in large batches and reheated easily.

cultural
Q

How does creamy potato soup fit into the broader tradition of American comfort foods?

A

It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos: simple, hearty ingredients transformed into a rich, satisfying bowl that evokes nostalgia and warmth, much like mac and cheese or chicken‑and‑dumplings.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American creamy potato soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, bacon, chicken broth, whole milk, heavy cream, butter, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Substitutes can be turkey bacon for a leaner option, vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or half‑and‑half in place of heavy cream, though flavor and texture will vary.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy potato soup?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the flour which can taste raw, not seasoning enough before the boil, pureeing the entire soup which removes texture, and adding sour cream to a boiling pot which causes curdling. Also, uneven potato cubes lead to uneven cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a roux of butter and flour instead of adding cornstarch later?

A

A butter‑flour roux creates a smooth, velvety base that coats the potatoes and integrates with the dairy, giving the soup a richer mouthfeel than cornstarch, which can feel gelatinous and may break down with prolonged simmering.

technical
Q

Can I make this creamy potato soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the soup through step 9, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, add sour cream and bacon just before serving, or freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sugar Spun Run specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sugar Spun Run, hosted by Sam, focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort foods and classic American recipes, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials with a friendly, down‑to‑earth style.

channel

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