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This creamy potato soup for one is filled with tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together in just 30 minutes for a warm, comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Featured Comment
“I’ve used this recipe several times and it comes out great every time.”
– Jennie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Single Serving: No waste, no leftovers, just the right amount.
- Quick to Make: This loaded potato soup is ready in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy and Comforting: Made with bacon, cheddar, and potatoes for rich flavor and a satisfying texture.
- Flexible Serving Size: Double or triple the recipe if you’re cooking for more.
This single serve potato soup recipe is one I come back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I love how a few basic ingredients turn into something warm and hearty.
It’s perfect when you’re cooking just for yourself and want something that feels comforting and filling. I truly hope it becomes one of your favorites too.
If you enjoy this Potato Soup For One, you might also like our rich and hearty lasagna soup for one, classic single serve split pea soup, borscht for one, or comforting chicken tortellini soup for one, each of our single serving soup recipes are perfectly portioned and full of flavor.
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 our simple carbonara recipe, cauliflower casserole for one, or single serve 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 our chicken piccata recipe, single serve cheeseburger soup, or Brunswick stew for one.
- Potato: Russets 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? Air fry a baked potato, or use one in a twice baked potato casserole for one.
- 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 our small batch cheddar biscuits recipe.
Recipe Variations
Want to change things up? Try these easy potato soup variations:
- Spicy: Add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne or stir in sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegan: 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 variation.
- Cheesy: Use gouda, fontina, or another favorite cheese for a richer flavor.
- Corn Addition: Add a few tablespoons of corn for sweetness and extra texture.
How To Make Potato Soup
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this single serving 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:
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe makes just enough for one serving, so leftovers are unlikely. But if you do have some left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
Peeling is optional. If using Yukon Gold, you can leave the peel on for added texture.
Yes, simply double the ingredient amounts to make potato soup for two. A 4-quart pot works best for doubling.
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 small batch loaded 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 to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon drippings until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk the milk and flour until smooth. Stir into the soup and bring to a gentle boil. Cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
- Pour into a bowl and top with the crumbled bacon. Serve right away.
Notes
- 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.
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