Cozy Up with the Best Potato Soup You’ll Ever Make

 Comfort in a Bowl: A Creamy, Bacon-Loaded Classic

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🥣 A Hug in a Bowl

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot bowl of potato soup. It’s hearty, creamy, simple—but far from boring. For our family, this recipe has been a go-to for years. It started as a way to stretch ingredients and warm up a cold day, but over time, it became a tradition. Whether it’s a snowed-in Sunday or a casual weeknight dinner, this potato soup brings everyone to the table—bowls in hand, ready for seconds.

What sets this recipe apart? Real ingredients, rich flavor, and a generous helping of bacon. The texture is velvety thanks to cream cheese and Parmesan, while the dill adds a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the whole dish. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both rustic and indulgent.

🧾 The Recipe: Family-Favorite Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 strips of bacon

• 5 tbsp onion, chopped

• 4 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 ½ cups water

• 3 cups milk

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

• Dill (to taste)

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Crisp the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pot, set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, and reserve the bacon grease.

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 3–5 minutes).

3. Build the Roux: Stir in the butter until melted, then sprinkle in the flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a light roux.

4. Whisk in Liquids: Gradually add the water while whisking to prevent lumps. Then add the milk and cream cheese. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Add Potatoes and Cheese: Stir in the diced potatoes, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked bacon (you can crumble or chop it). Let the soup simmer gently until the potatoes are tender—about 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally.

6. Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and dill to your liking. A little goes a long way with dill—it adds brightness and pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese and bacon.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra bacon, cheese, or herbs if you like. Enjoy hot!

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🍲 A Short History of Soup: The Original Comfort Food

Soup has been around for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that even early humans were boiling ingredients in clay pots as far back as 20,000 years ago. Ancient civilizations from the Greeks to the Chinese had their own unique versions of soup, often using bones, vegetables, and grains to nourish the body and soul.

Potato soup, as we know it, has European roots. After the potato was introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, it quickly became a staple in humble, hearty dishes. In Germany, Eastern Europe, and Ireland, creamy potato soups became popular for their simplicity and affordability. Over time, they evolved with regional ingredients—bacon, cheese, herbs—turning a peasant dish into a rich culinary tradition.

Today, soup remains a symbol of comfort, family, and care. Whether it's a pot of chicken noodle for the sniffles or a velvety potato soup like this one, there's something timeless about ladling up a warm bowl of love.

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🧑‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Perfect Potato Soup

1. Choose the Right Potatoes:
Yukon Gold or Russets work best. Yukon Golds give a creamier texture, while Russets break down more and naturally thicken the soup. You can even do a mix of both.

2. Dice Evenly for Even Cooking:
Cut your potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook at the same rate. If they’re too big, they’ll take longer to soften.

3. Go Low and Slow:
Once you add the dairy, keep your heat on medium to low. High heat can cause milk to scorch or separate.

4. Cream Cheese Tip:
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes before adding. It will melt faster and incorporate more smoothly into the soup.

5. Crisp vs. Stewed Bacon:
Add the bacon toward the end for crunch, or simmer it with the potatoes for smoky depth. Or do both—there’s no wrong answer here.

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🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Whether you're trying to make this soup with what you have on hand or accommodating dietary needs, here are some easy swaps:

• No Cream Cheese? Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Or skip it altogether and add a splash of heavy cream for richness.

• Need a Dairy-Free Version? Use plant-based butter and milk (oat milk is a good choice for creaminess). Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative or blended cashews.

• No Parmesan? Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack work well. Sharp cheddar adds great flavor depth.

• Vegetarian? Skip the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to sauté the onions. For smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

• Add-Ins: Try stirring in corn, chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or leftover ham. This soup is versatile and loves leftovers.

• Thicker or Thinner? If the soup feels too thick, add more milk or broth. Too thin? Simmer uncovered a bit longer or mash a few of the potatoes in the pot.

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🥄 Closing Thoughts: Soup’s On

There’s a reason this potato soup recipe has stayed in our rotation for years—it’s easy, affordable, flexible, and best of all, it tastes like home. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create something that feels indulgent but doesn’t break the bank. Perfect for cold nights, sick days, potlucks, or when you just need a little extra comfort.

Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again. And when you do, don’t forget to double the batch—it’s even better the next day.