Perfect Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy potato soup with bacon and onions, perfect for cozy dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, crumble and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add peeled and cubed potatoes (or thawed hash browns) and water to the pan.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in salt, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and some crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon and use low-fat milk. You can also add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. For a quicker meal, consider using frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this potato soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Bacon Crescent Squares for a comforting dinner. For added crunch, top with green onions or serve alongside a light Crumb Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perfect Potato Soup contains roughly 973 calories, with 32g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (71% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for water. You can add sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables for flavor. Using a plant-based cream of mushroom soup will also keep the creaminess without the meat.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little cold water) and stirring it in while heating. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes in the soup to create a thicker consistency without additional ingredients.
Can I freeze potato soup?
While you can freeze potato soup, the texture may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the dairy products, and add them when you reheat. Store in airtight containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).