There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a big, cozy hug—at least, that’s exactly how I feel about this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of smoky bacon to keep things interesting. This soup works perfectly for chilly nights when you want to curl up with a good book or impress friends at a casual get-together without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe stand out is the harmony of flavors and textures: tender potatoes cooked in flavorful chicken stock, a silky roux made with butter and flour that thickens the soup perfectly, and fresh herbs like tarragon and cilantro that brighten every bite. I promise once you try this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more – it’s that good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe was chosen to build deep layers of flavor and create that luscious, creamy texture we all crave in a potato soup. When shopping, pick fresh herbs and crisp celery for that fresh pop, and don’t skip on the quality bacon—it really sets the flavor tone!

Bacon: Go for thick-cut if you can; it crisps up beautifully and adds smoky depth.
Celery: Adds subtle freshness and a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess.
Onion: Yellow onion works best here for a sweet, mellow base.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic keeps the flavor vibrant and aromatic.
Potatoes: Russets or Yukon golds are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked.
Chicken stock: If you can find low-sodium, it gives you better control over seasoning.
Butter: Essential for that silky roux, so use real butter – no substitutes here.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup just right without being gloopy.
Heavy cream: This gives the soup its decadence, so don’t skimp or swap it out.
Dried tarragon: Offers a subtle anise-like flavor that brightens the soup beautifully.
Fresh cilantro: Adds freshness and a lovely herbal finish right before serving.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste and don’t be shy – these bring everything together.

Variations

I love making this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe my own by playing around with ingredients based on what I’m in the mood for or what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize—it’s really forgiving and always delicious!

Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. I usually add smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor I miss.
Cheesy kick: Add sharp cheddar or Gruyère in the last minutes of cooking for an irresistible cheesy twist—I do this when I want it extra comforting.
Spicy variation: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat. It adds a nice contrast, especially on cold days.
Herb swaps: Tried fresh parsley or chives instead of cilantro? Both work wonderfully and give a slightly different but equally fresh herbal punch.

How to Make Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook Bacon Until Crispy

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy and all that fat has rendered out—this usually takes about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This fat is packed with flavor and will be the base for sautéing your veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Celery, Onion, and Garlic

Add diced celery and chopped onion to the bacon fat, cooking over medium heat until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—watch out for burning the garlic because it can turn bitter quickly. This step builds a fragrant, savory foundation for the soup that you really want to take your time on.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Chicken Stock

Now, toss in the peeled and cubed potatoes, then pour in enough chicken stock to cover everything by an inch or so—usually about 4 cups. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which usually takes around 15–20 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash slightly but still holding their shape for texture.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Thicken the Soup

While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2–3 minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in about a cup of the hot soup liquid until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the pot with the potatoes. This step is key for getting that smooth, velvety texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Herbs

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, dried tarragon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently (don’t boil) for another 5 minutes to marry flavors. Just before you serve, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and the reserved crispy bacon—you’ll love the burst of freshness and that crunch.

How to Serve Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I almost always top my soup with the crispy bacon bits we saved from the beginning and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro because they add such a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy soup. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese if I’m feeling extra indulgent—trust me, it’s fantastic either way.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like serving this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe with warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and keeps things balanced on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—kids and adults alike love it! Another fun idea is to drizzle a little chili oil or herb-infused olive oil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor flair. Presentation like this makes it feel extra cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find that this soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the crispy bacon separate if you want to keep it crunchy when reheating. When you’re ready, just reheat gently on the stove or microwave and add fresh garnishes.

Freezing

This Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe can be frozen, but I recommend skipping the cream until reheating to keep the texture just right. Freeze in portioned airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low heat to prevent curdling or separating. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the soup feels too thick. Then add your fresh garnishes last for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use a coconut or almond milk cream alternative instead of heavy cream. The soup will be less rich but still tasty. Just adjust seasonings to balance the flavors.
What type of potatoes is best for this soup?

I recommend russet or Yukon gold potatoes because they break down nicely and create a creamy texture while still holding a bit of shape. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes if you want classic texture and creaminess.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the bacon and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker except the roux and cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. Make the roux and add the cream near the end on the stove for best results.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you want thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a little extra flour when making the roux. To thin it out, simply add a bit more chicken stock or cream during simmering or when reheating.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! For this recipe, I add fresh cilantro right at the end to keep its bright flavor. You can substitute fresh tarragon for dried but use about three times more since fresh herbs are milder. Just add fresh herbs later in cooking or as a garnish to preserve their taste.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl every time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for flavor-packed, creamy potato soup that everyone raves about. So grab those potatoes and bacon, and let’s get cooking—you’ll thank me later!