Potato Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Potato Soup Recipe Ever: Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy potato soup beckons comfort seekers with its warm, hearty embrace during chilly evenings.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this classic dish.

Russet potatoes create a smooth, velvety base that melts in your mouth.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-warming experience for anyone craving something delicious.

Simmering herbs and tender chunks infuse the soup with incredible depth and character.

Simplicity meets elegance in this straightforward yet remarkable recipe that connects you to traditional home cooking.

Let’s craft a bowl of pure, delectable comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Potato Soup Is The Ultimate Comfort Fix

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: This potato soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for cooks of all experience levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the soup by adding favorite toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or extra cheese, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Pantry-Friendly Delight: Relies on basic ingredients typically found in most kitchens, eliminating the need for special shopping trips and ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Warmth: Delivers a comforting, creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings.

Everything You Need For Creamy Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of the soup and provide creamy texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth of flavor and helps cook the potatoes.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth consistency and enhances the soup's luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Milk: Helps thin the soup and adds additional creaminess.
Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a savory and aromatic soup base.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Bacon, Chives, Cheddar Cheese: Classic toppings that add texture, freshness, and extra flavor complexity.
Fat and Cooking Base:
  • Butter: Provides a rich flavor foundation and helps sauté the aromatics.

How To Make Potato Soup That’s Thick And Hearty

Step 1: Chop and Prep Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and knife. Dice potatoes and onions into uniform bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistent chunks to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture throughout the soup.

Step 2: Melt and Sizzle Butter

Heat a large stockpot over medium flame. Drop butter into the pot and let it melt, watching it turn golden and release a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir these ingredients in the melted butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and release their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Add Potato Magic

Slide diced potatoes into the pot. Gently stir to coat each piece with the buttery onion mixture, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Step 5: Liquid Gold Splash

Pour chicken broth into the pot, completely submerging the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling boil.

Step 6: Simmer to Softness

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer. Allow potatoes to become fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Texture Transformation

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down the potatoes. Create a thick, creamy consistency with some potato chunks remaining for texture.

Step 8: Cream Dream

Slowly pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk

Stir continuously to blend smoothly and prevent any separation.

Step 9: Seasoning Symphony

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 10: Final Flavor Fusion

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle and the soup to thicken beautifully.

Step 11: Gorgeous Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Top with:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped chives
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup immediately while hot, with the cheese just beginning to melt. Grab a spoon and dive into comfort in a bowl!

Tips For Rich, Cheesy Potato Soup Goodness

  • Dice with Precision: Cut potatoes and onions into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Boost Creaminess: Use an immersion blender or potato masher to partially break down potatoes, creating a rich, velvety soup without completely pureeing.
  • Prevent Dairy Separation: Add cream and milk gradually while stirring continuously to maintain smooth consistency and prevent curdling.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow the soup to simmer an extra 5 minutes after adding dairy to help ingredients meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Customize Toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like crispy pancetta, roasted green onions, or smoked paprika to personalize your potato soup experience.

Yummy Variations For Potato Soup To Mix Things Up

  • Rustic Herb Potato Soup: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage during sautéing to infuse earthy herb flavors into the soup base.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Mix in roasted green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a zesty southwestern kick with added heat.
  • Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup: Stir in extra sharp cheddar and cream cheese, then top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream.
  • Vegetarian Roasted Vegetable Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add roasted bell peppers, carrots, and celery for deeper vegetable complexity.

What Goes Great With Potato Soup On A Chilly Day

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to complement the soup's creamy texture and rich potato flavor, cutting through the heaviness while enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Grab a freshly baked sourdough slice with a crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for dipping into the creamy potato soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
  • Match with Herb-Crusted Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's velvety consistency.

How To Store Potato Soup For Later

  • Transfer leftover potato soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • When reheating, whisk the soup thoroughly to recombine any separated cream and restore its smooth texture.

Potato Soup FAQs—Answered The Easy Way

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will slightly change the soup’s texture and flavor.

  • Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Not required. Leaving the skin on adds nutrients and rustic texture to the soup, but peeling works fine if you prefer a smoother consistency.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon for a vegetarian version. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce butter quantity, and add more vegetables like carrots or celery to increase nutritional value.

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Potato Soup Recipe

Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy potato soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings, blending rich flavors from simple ingredients. Hearty potatoes and smooth broth create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Base:

  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 slices bacon, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare potatoes and onions by dicing them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  2. In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in melted butter for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
  4. Add diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them with butter and onion mixture.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, covering the potatoes completely, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  7. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down the potatoes, creating a thick and creamy consistency.
  8. Gradually pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to incorporate and prevent separation.
  9. Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soup to thicken.
  11. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  12. Serve immediately while the soup is hot and the cheese is slightly melted.

Notes

  • Dice potatoes and onions with precision for uniform cooking and a smooth texture throughout the soup.
  • Use butter at medium heat to develop a rich, nutty base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Mash potatoes partially to create a hearty, rustic consistency that balances creamy and chunky textures.
  • Experiment with dairy alternatives like coconut milk or plant-based cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the soup’s luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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