This cozy One-Pot Potato Soup is super simple to make! With just potatoes, broth, and a few other ingredients, you’ll have a warm bowl of comfort food in no time.
I love how everything cooks together in one pot—less mess means more time to enjoy! Perfect for chilly days when you need a hug in a bowl! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter dish, try cauliflower or sweet potatoes as substitutes.
Bacon: Bacon adds great flavor, but you can substitute it with turkey bacon, cooked sausage, or even skip it for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can mimic that smoky taste!
Broth: Chicken broth enhances flavor, but vegetable broth works perfectly too, especially if you want a vegetarian soup. Homemade broth adds extra depth but store-bought is convenient.
Milk/Half-and-Half: For a lower-calorie version, you can use almond milk or oat milk. A splash of cream gives richness, while coconut milk will add a unique twist!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Pepper jack or gouda can give it a spicy or smoky kick. Vegan cheese is an option too for dairy-free.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Texture in My Potato Soup?
Getting that creamy consistency without heavy cream is essential! Here’s how:
- **Cook the Potatoes Tender:** Simmer them until soft, so they break down easily when mashing.
- **Mash Part of the Soup:** Use a potato masher or an immersion blender. This keeps some chunks for texture while making the soup creamy.
- **Don’t Boil After Adding Milk:** Heat gently to avoid curdling the milk or separating the soup. Just warm it through!
These tips help you create a smooth, hearty potato soup that everyone will love!
One-Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh if available)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup sour cream, plus extra for topping
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty One-Pot Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, warm bowl of soup, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon slices and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot—it adds flavor!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Flour:
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and sprinkle the flour over everything. Mix well to coat the potatoes and onions with the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Mash the Soup:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, gently mash or blend part of the soup to create a creamy texture. Make sure to leave some potato chunks for a hearty bite!
6. Stir in Creamy Ingredients:
Add the milk or half-and-half, shredded cheddar cheese, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the milk.
7. Add the Bacon:
Chop the reserved crispy bacon into small pieces and stir half into the soup for added flavor. Save the other half for topping later!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot! Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, extra cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, and a sprig of fresh dill if you want to be fancy.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of One-Pot Potato Soup! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends on any chilly day!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet and Yukon Gold are great for creamy soups. You can also try sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor or even cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb version.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’d like to skip the bacon, try turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or even a bit of liquid smoke for flavor. For a vegetarian version, just omit it and add more seasoning for enhanced taste.
Can This Soup Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
