Best Ever Potato Soup

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Dec. 30, 2023
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

  • 6 bacon strips, diced
  • 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally; drain drippings. Add vegetables, seasonings and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes.
  2. Mix flour and milk until smooth; stir into soup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. If desired, serve with green onions.

Best-Ever Potato Soup Tips

How do you make potato soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour, or substitute some of the 2% milk for whole or heavy cream. These thickening ideas work just as well, too.

What if I don’t have Velveeta?

If you don’t have Velveeta, cheddar or Colby jack are good substitutes. Have extra cheese on hand? Put it to good use with these recipes that use up your favorite cheese!

What goes well with potato soup?

There's nothing like oven-fresh bread to go with homemade soup! Check out Mom’s Italian loaf , icebox rolls or any of our other bread recipes.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.