1-First Step: Prep Your Ingredients Begin by chopping your veggies and measuring everything out this is your mise en place, and it makes cooking a breeze. Dice the 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces, chop the 1 medium yellow onion, and mince the 3 large garlic cloves. For busy parents, prepping ahead can save time, so consider cutting everything the night before.

2-Second Step: Cook the Bacon and Aromatics In a large pot, cook the 6 strips of uncooked bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes; this builds a flavorful base. Add 3 Tablespoons butter, the chopped onion, and minced garlic, then sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften. If you’re making a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use oil instead to keep that savory edge.

3-Third Step: Make the Roux Sprinkle in the ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken your soup nicely. For gluten-free folks, use a cornstarch slurry here to achieve the same creamy result without any issues. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning this step is key for that smooth texture in your creamy potato soup.

4-Fourth Step: Add Potatoes and Liquids Pour in the 4 cups chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes, 2 cups milk, ⅔ cup heavy cream, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and for dietary adaptations, swap milk for a plant-based option if needed.

5-Fifth Step: Blend and Finish Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s silky smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender for the same effect. Stir in the ⅔ cup sour cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors. If you’re aiming for a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup to keep some potato pieces intact.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional goodies like shredded cheddar cheese or chives. Serve hot for the best experience this creamy potato soup pairs great with crusty bread. For more potato inspiration, try our make-ahead mashed potato casserole recipe when you’re planning family meals ahead.