Best Homemade Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender Russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. The soup starts with cooking bacon until crispy, then sautéing diced onions, celery, and carrots in the bacon fat for added flavor. Potatoes and seasonings are added, followed by vegetable or chicken broth, and cooked until the potatoes are tender. A mixture of flour and milk is whisked in to thicken the soup, and part of the soup is blended for a creamy texture. The blended soup is returned to the pot along with heavy cream and crumbled bacon. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, reserved bacon, and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese.

Best Homemade Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

INGREDIENTS

• Russet Potatoes: 6 medium, cut into bite-size pieces. These starchy potatoes create a creamy texture in the soup.
• Onion: 1, diced. Adds depth and flavor to the base of the soup.
• Carrots: 3, peeled and sliced. Provide a subtle sweetness and color.
• Celery: 3 stalks, diced. Adds a mild flavor and crunch to the soup.
• Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled. Gives a smoky, savory flavor and a bit of texture.
• Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: 8 cups. The base of the soup, choose according to your preference.
• Milk: 1 cup. Adds creaminess to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. Makes the soup rich and velvety.
• Minced Parsley: 1 tsp. Adds a fresh, herbal note.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning the soup.
• Flour (or Corn Starch): 3 tbsp. Used to thicken the soup.
• Finely Grated Cheese of Your Choice: 1 cup. Adds a cheesy finish to the soup.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Cook the BaconIn a soup pot, cook 6 slices of bacon until the fat is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but retain some in the pot for added flavor.Step 2: Sauté the VegetablesReturn the pot to medium heat and add 1 diced onion, 3 diced celery stalks, and 3 peeled and sliced carrots. Stir and cook for about two minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.Step 3: Add the Potatoes and SeasoningsAdd 6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces, to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Stir to combine all the ingredients.Step 4: Pour in the BrothPour in 8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes begin to soften.Step 5: Thicken the SoupIn a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of flour (or corn starch) and 1 cup of milk until well combined. Pour the mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.Step 6: Blend Part of the SoupCarefully scoop out 1/4 to 1/2 of the soup and process it in a blender or food processor until smooth. This step helps to create a creamy texture while still leaving some chunky bits for added texture.Step 7: Combine and Add CreamSlowly and carefully add the blended soup back into the pot to avoid splashing. Stir to incorporate. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir until well mixed.Step 8: Add the BaconStir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. This adds a smoky, savory flavor throughout the soup.Step 9: ServeServe the soup in bowls, garnished with minced parsley, reserved bacon, and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and hearty flavors of this comforting potato soup.

Serving and Storage Tips

Here are some tips on how to serve and store your Best Homemade Potato Soup:

• Serve the soup hot, garnished with minced parsley, reserved bacon, and a sprinkle of finely grated cheese for added flavor and texture.
• This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Helpful Notes

Here are some helpful notes to enhance your cooking experience:

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour or corn starch to the milk mixture.
• Feel free to customize the soup with additional ingredients like corn, peas, or diced ham for extra flavor and variety.

Tips from well-known chefs

Here are some tips from famous chefs around the globe:

• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Always season your soup at the end to adjust the flavors perfectly.”
• Chef Julia Child: “Use high-quality ingredients to make your soup rich and flavorful.”
• Chef Jamie Oliver: “Blending a portion of the soup adds a beautiful creamy texture while still keeping some chunky bits for contrast.”