This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of Potato Soup made with just one potato. This easy recipe combines tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese for the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes.
If you like this Potato Soup For One recipe, be sure to try our hearty Lasagna Soup for rich, comforting flavors, our classic Split Pea Soup for a homestyle favorite, or our Chicken Tortellini Soup for a warm, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned: Made for one, so there’s no waste or leftovers.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Rich and Creamy: Bacon and cheddar cheese create a deliciously creamy and flavorful soup that feels indulgent.
- Easily Scaled: Need more? Double or triple the recipe for extra servings.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch potato soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Bacon: Center-cut bacon is a leaner option, but any bacon works. Leftovers? Use them in Pasta Carbonara, Cauliflower Casserole, or Loaded Deviled Eggs.
- Onions and Garlic: Build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a vegetarian version. Leftover broth? Try it in Chicken Piccata, Cheeseburger Soup, or Brunswick Stew.
- Potato: are best for thickening the soup, but Yukon Gold works too. For one serving, use a medium russet (about 1.5 cups or 250g), peeled and cubed. Extra potatoes? Use them in a Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor.
- Milk: Use skim, 1%, 2%, whole, or a dairy-free option like almond or soy. Higher-fat milk makes a creamier soup.
- Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the soup. Cornstarch works as a gluten-free alternative.
- Cheese: Cheddar adds rich, tangy flavor, but any cheese works. Leftovers? Use them in Chicken Tacos or Cheddar Biscuits.
Recipe Variations
Want to change things up? Try these easy variations:
- Spicy Potato Soup: Add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne or stir in sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegan Potato Soup: Swap the milk for coconut milk and skip the bacon for a plant-based version.
- Clam Chowder-Style: Stir in canned clams with a splash of clam juice for a seafood twist.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Use gouda, fontina, or another favorite cheese for a richer flavor.
- Corn and Potato Soup: Add a few tablespoons of corn for sweetness and extra texture.
How To Make Potato Soup
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this single serve potato soup recipe. See the recipe below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Cook the Bacon: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and let it cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Using the bacon drippings in the saucepan, sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until they are tender and fragrant.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Add the broth, cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the soup is thickened and bubbly. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted.
Expert Tips
- Cook the Bacon First: Sauté onions and garlic in the bacon drippings for extra smoky flavor.
- Evenly Chop Potatoes: Keep pieces the same size so they cook evenly for a smooth, creamy soup.
- Add Herbs for Depth: A pinch of thyme, sage, rosemary, or oregano (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon) can enhance the flavor. Adjust to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your soup with one of these delicious sides:
- French Bread: A warm, crusty slice of French Bread is perfect for dipping into potato soup.
- Italian Chopped Salad: Add a fresh, crisp contrast with our Italian Chopped Salad, packed with vibrant flavors.
- Butter Swim Biscuits: Pair the soup with soft, buttery biscuits for an extra comforting meal.
- Chicken Tenders: For a heartier option, serve alongside crispy, golden Chicken Tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Russet potatoes are the top choice for creamy potato soup because their high starch content helps thicken the soup and creates a smooth texture. Yukon Golds are another excellent option, adding a buttery flavor and creamy texture. Red or round white potatoes are lower in starch, making them great for soups with chunks that hold their shape.
Peeling is optional and depends on your preference. For russets, peeling is common because their skin can be tough. Yukon Golds and red potatoes have thinner skins, so leaving them on adds texture and color.
Mix 1 teaspoon of flour with milk before adding it to the soup to avoid lumps. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch. Heavy cream can also thicken the soup; reduce the milk by half and replace it with cream.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes, simply double the ingredient amounts to make potato soup for two. A 4-quart pot works best for doubling.
More Single Serving Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this single serving Potato Soup, here are a few more popular and flavorful soup recipes to add to your recipe collection:
- French Onion Soup – Caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with melted cheese and crusty bread.
- Broccoli Cheese Soup – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender broccoli florets.
- Minestrone Soup – A comforting, veggie-packed Italian favorite.
- Tomato Soup – A smooth and classic choice, perfect with a slice of French bread.
- Taco Soup – A zesty, hearty option loaded with bold flavors.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serve potato soup recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Potato Soup For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium Russet potato -peeled and cubed (about 1.5 cups cubed/250 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ½ cup 1% milk (may also use 2%, whole, half & half, almond or soy milk instead)
- 1 teaspoon all purpose flour
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and let it cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Using the bacon drippings in the saucepan, sauté the chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until they are tender and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the broth, cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the soup is thickened and bubbly. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheese until fully melted.
- Pour into a bowl and top with crumbled bacon. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Cook Bacon First: Always cook the bacon first and use the flavorful drippings to sauté the onions and garlic. This simple step adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Even Potato Chunks: Chop your potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. This prevents uneven textures, keeping the soup creamy and smooth.
- Enhance with Herbs: Though optional, a pinch of dried herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, or oregano can take the flavor to the next level. Start with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon and adjust based on your preference.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Probably the best potato soup I have ever made! Everything blended so well. I used half and half. This will be made often in the future.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup, thank you so much for your feedback.
Really liked the soup. For me though the recipe had too much pepper. I would say in the future that when I make it I will probably add corn or other veggies. Will definitely make this again! Love the fact that I can make it quickly and for one person so I don’t have to eat the sMe food for days!!
Hi Janice,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for your feedback.
I am a big fan ! there is always a recipe here that tickles my appetite. Wanted to mention one of my Cooking for One tricks that fits with this recipe and many others. I order a package of bacon from the store and cook the whole package at once. The bacon drippings go into a jar next to the stove. The cooked drained bacon goes (foil wrapped) into the freezer. Saves time, and an extra step, and makes the recipe go even faster….like this one.
Nice tip, thanks!
Your recipes have been so helpful during these stay at home times. I tried the potato soup recipe and it was so good! I added some roasted corn just before serving and it blended well with the other flavors. Yum! Many thanks! Yoli Tatum
I’m so happy you are finding the recipes helpful, thank you for taking the time to let me know.
It sounds like the roasted corn was a wonderful addition to the soup.
This was delicious! A little too much black pepper though. Next time I’ll only use 1/2 the pepper and maybe add some corn.
I’m glad you enjoyed the soup. Thank you so much for your feedback.
I rate this soup a 3.5/5 stars. It was delicious, but a bit on the salty side for my liking. Next time I’ll add less salt. I also omitted the onion as I’m not a fan. The soup was quite sweet even without it.
Overall a decent quick potato soup for one recipe.
I’ve always wanted to do a potato soup but like with most soup recipes it just makes so much so I look with longing and skip. But then I thought to look for a one or two serving soup and came upon this recipe. This came out so well and was so delicious. I even burned the bacon a bit and it still came out delicious and perfect. Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed to soup, Karyn. Thank you for letting me know.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Joanie
Thank you.beat potatoe soup ever.turned out just perfect.
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.
Joanie
Just made this tonight and it is SOO delicious!! I doubled the recipe so my husband could eat too lol!! This will definitely be a keeper in our house!!
I’m so happy you both enjoyed the soup, Dea! Thank you so much for letting me know.
Have a wonderful week!
Joanie
Talk about Comfort Food, during the winter months there’s nothing better than hot wholesome soups and chili’s. This soup was delicious, I hit it with my Immersion blender for a second or two, added a Tablespoon of Sour Cream and a pinch of Dried Chives. YUM Thank you for sharing your Awesome Recipes for One
I so appreciate how much time and effort you must be putting into cutting down these recipes for one. I know so many people that live alone and most of us live on frozen dinners or eat out. If we cook we end up eating it for days until you are sick of it. Nothing at the grocery is ever made in smaller sizes. Like bread and soda crackers. Also what do you do with the left over pasta etc when you only use a small amount. What is the best way to store or use up the remaining.. thank you again for your time and your book is amazing and so helpful.
instead of stirring the flour into the milk to thicken, it is better to stir flour into onion and garlic and stir for 1 minute then continue on with recipe. That one minute really enhances the taste. Once you try it you will understand why!
Many ways to do it, thanks for your feedback.
Joanie
I cook for 2 so I double the recipes.
Most of our recipes do double well. I’m so happy you are enjoying them.
Joanie