Comforting Potato Soup Ideas to Get You Through Fall and Winter

Scalloped spuds are no longer just for casserole recipes. Translate the same cozy, cheesy flavors into this ham and potato soup that comes together in a Dutch oven in just 35 minutes. Crunchy panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crispy topping to the one you know and love from the baked, cheesy potato dish.

Chances are you've fallen in love with a loaded baked potato soup at a restaurant. But why only indulge when you dine out? With its cozy, layered flavors, you’ll probably be surprised about how easy it is to make the soup at home with this homemade potato soup recipe with bacon.

This cheesy potato soup can be served as a cozy sit-down starter to a multicourse meal. Or for a midday option, serve it alongside a healthy sandwich recipe at lunch. PS: To make this recipe into a potato-leek soup, simply use those aromatic veggies instead of onions.

Simply smashing! Literally—simmer spuds in a slow cooker for a few hours along with chicken broth, roasted garlic, and bell peppers. Then simply smash that mix with a potato masher before stirring in cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Buy It: OXO Potato Masher ($13, Bed Bath & Beyond)

For another kind of loaded potato soup, why not fill the bowl with some superfoods? Broccoli and dark leafy greens join the party alongside plenty of potatoes, cheese, and milk. You'll love the brightness and nutrients those sturdy cold-weather veggies bring to this crazy-quick (13 minutes quick!) broccoli-potato soup recipe.

Looking for easy potato soup recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less? Try this uber-creamy one that’s lusciously rich thanks to a can of evaporated milk and a whirl in a blender. Asparagus adds fresh springtime appeal and, of course, you can't beat finishing it off with a little bacon!

Buy It: Vitamix Blender ($350, Target)

You’re just six ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time away from a taste of Louisiana. With this potato soup idea in your repertoire (and some andouille or smoked sausage in your fridge), you can feel like you’re on Bourbon Street in a matter of minutes with this 30-minute meal. For the potato element, it calls for something even easier than fresh potatoes: frozen hash browns!

In just 35 minutes, you can have an easy potato soup that tastes like you fussed over it all day. The key lies in caramelizing the sausage first, then the pork drippings can infuse the vegetables and spuds with ample amounts of salty, savory flavors. Along with that sausage, buttery cannellini beans and Yukon gold potatoes make it all super-satisfying.

Related: 23 Potato Recipes Worthy of Your Next Party

Chicken noodle soup meets a homemade potato soup recipe with bacon with irresistible results in this big-batch (14 cups!) chowder. At its base, this soup features the classic combination of sautéed carrots, onions, and celery. To complete the stick-to-your-ribs recipe, finish with half-and-half—and bacon, since everything is better with it!

This vegetarian soup recipe was inspired by the creamy goodness of Irish potato soup. While traditional Irish renditions don't often include cheese, we couldn't resist stirring in a little smoked cheddar to heighten the richness and flavor. The pesto-topped toast (shape as a shamrock or just serve by the slice) is the perfect crunchy crown for this cheesy potato soup!

The subtle anise notes of fennel bring an extra flavor angle to this sausage-potato soup. Using fat-free milk and turkey sausage helps make this a healthy recipe.

Cheesy hash brown potatoes aren’t just for breakfast. They make quite the dynamic duo in this cream of potato soup too! Curry powder and cayenne add warmth to the cheddar cheese-infused vegetarian meal idea.

Kale is loaded with vitamins A and C, and offers protein and fiber. Above all, it adds vibrant color and a pleasant earthy element to this easy potato soup recipe. But the real star, besides the potatoes, of course, is the cheese, according to BH&G fans. “Very lemony and I love the feta!” one reviewer said.

“I have been making this for years for my hubby and son. They absolutely love this chowder,” says one BH&G home cook. That’s because the one-pot potato soup recipe is loaded, all right—including with a few unexpected ingredients. Bacon, corn, bell peppers, and chile peppers make this a unique twist on a loaded baked potato soup recipe.

Transform leftovers into something totally new. Start with leftover mashed potatoes (or store-bought refrigerated ones) and this hearty ham and potato soup can be on your table in less than 30 minutes. Smoked cheeses—try cheddar, mozzarella, and/or Gouda—echo the smokiness of the paprika.