Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Potato Soup
1. Cook the Bacon for Rich Flavor

Start by cooking the bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crispy. Bacon adds a savory richness that enhances the flavor of your potato soup. Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the pan, and set it aside on a paper towel. Remember to reserve some bacon for garnish later, as it adds a crunchy texture to the final dish.

2. Sauté Vegetables in Bacon Grease

After removing the bacon, keep a small amount of bacon grease in the pan for flavor. Don’t wash the pan, as the drippings from the bacon will infuse the vegetables with extra depth. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 4–5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring them with the sautéed vegetables. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add any extra seasonings, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika, for an extra kick. Cook the potatoes with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

4. Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Once the potatoes are lightly sautéed, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything well and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

5. Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour (or cornstarch). This will act as the thickening agent for your potato soup. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering soup while constantly stirring to avoid any lumps. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.

6. Blend for Creaminess

For a creamier consistency, remove about half of the soup from the pot and carefully blend it until smooth using a food processor or an immersion blender. Once blended, pour it back into the pot. This will give your potato soup a creamy, velvety texture while still leaving some hearty potato chunks. Be cautious while handling the hot soup to avoid any accidents.

7. Add Heavy Cream and Cheese

To elevate the richness of the soup, stir in the heavy cream and grated cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a silky smooth texture. The combination of heavy cream and cheese adds a luscious finish that enhances the comfort factor of the soup.

8. Garnish and Serve

Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, a sprinkle of extra grated cheese, and a dash of fresh parsley. These final touches add both flavor and visual appeal, making each bowl irresistible.