Potato Soup Recipe Creamy And Easy For Cozy Comfort

Name: Potato Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces; – 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted); – 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g); – 3 large garlic cloves, minced; – 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g); – 2 ½ pounds gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg); – 4 cups chicken broth (945ml); – 2 cups milk (475ml); – 2/3 cup heavy cream (155ml); – 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste); – 1 teaspoon ground pepper; – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (start with 1/4 teaspoon); – 2/3 cup sour cream (160g); – Shredded cheddar cheese for topping; – chives for topping; – additional sour cream for topping; – bacon for topping

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Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup

This creamy potato soup offers warmth and comfort that’s perfect for chilly days, making it a go-to for home cooks everywhere. Imagine tossing a few simple ingredients into one pot and ending up with something that feels like a hug in a bowl it’s that easy and satisfying! Beyond its cozy vibe, this recipe packs in health perks like vitamins and fiber from the potatoes, plus it adapts to all sorts of tweaks for different tastes or diets.

One big plus is how quick it comes together without much fuss. You’ll spend just a short time prepping before the soup simmers away, ideal for busy parents or working pros who need dinner fast. Whether you’re a food enthusiast experimenting with flavors or a student on a budget, this potato soup hits the spot every time.

Ease of preparation: This recipe is simple from start to finish. Just peel and dice potatoes, chop an onion and garlic, and you’ll have the soup ready in about 35 45 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for weeknights.
Health benefits: Potatoes bring vitamin C, potassium, and fiber to the table. Pair them with broth and milk for a nourishing meal that keeps things light. For extra nutrients, toss in greens or keep the potato skins on for more fiber and better digestion.
Versatility: Adapt this soup to fit your needs easily. Go vegan with plant-based milk and oil, or make it gluten-free with the right broth. You can tweak the texture too, from chunky to smooth, based on what you like.
Distinctive flavor: Sautéed onion and garlic give it a rich, deep taste that stands out. Fresh herbs or a hint of spice add a fun twist, making each bowl memorable and full of personality.

And if you want to dive into more spud-related goodness, check out this link on Potato Health Benefits to see why potatoes make such a smart choice for your meals.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
2. Essential Ingredients for Potato Soup
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Protein and Main Component Alternatives
5. Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
6. Mastering Potato Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Potato Soup: Best Practices
8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup
9. Potato Soup

Essential Ingredients for Potato Soup

This section breaks down everything you need for a delicious potato soup. I’ll list out the ingredients based on the recipe we’re using today, keeping it straightforward so you can grab what you need from the store without any guesswork.

Ingredients List

6 strips uncooked bacon, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups/200g)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g)
2 ½ pounds gold potatoes, peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1 inch (about 6 large potatoes/1.15kg)
4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
2 cups milk (475ml)
2/3 cup heavy cream (155ml)
1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
2/3 cup sour cream (160g)
Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and bacon for topping (optional, quantities not specified)

These ingredients create a creamy base that’s hard to beat. For special diets, you can swap things out like using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version but we’ll cover those tweaks later.

How to Prepare the Perfect Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to whip up some potato soup? Let’s walk through it step by step so you can nail it on your first try. This guide keeps things simple and fun, with tips for making it your own along the way.

First Step: Prep Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping your items, which takes about 10 15 minutes. Wash and peel the potatoes if you like, then cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop any celery if you’re adding it.

Second Step: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the onion and celery. Cook until they’re soft, about 4 5 minutes, then stir in the garlic for another 30 60 seconds. This builds a tasty base for your potato soup.

Third Step: Add Potatoes and Liquid

Toss in the potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender, around 18 22 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, especially if you’re going for a vegan version with vegetable broth.

Fourth Step: Blend and Adjust Texture

Once tender, blend about 60 75% of the soup for that creamy feel. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer some to a regular blender. If you want it chunky, leave some pieces as is.

Fifth Step: Finish with Dairy or Alternatives

Stir in the milk, cream, and other flavors, heating gently to blend everything. For a lighter or vegan potato soup, swap in plant milk to cut down on fat while keeping it creamy.

Sixth Step: Season and Customize

Taste and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. This is where you can get creative, like adding cheese for extra gooeyness.

Seventh Step: Garnish and Serve

Scoop it into bowls and top with your favorites. Serve hot with bread for a complete meal. If you’re making this ahead, just reheat it gently to keep the texture just right.

For more ideas on casseroles that pair well, check out our recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole to mix things up.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Want to switch up the protein in your potato soup? There are plenty of ways to do it without losing that creamy goodness. For instance, add beans for a vegetarian boost or chicken for something heartier.

Stir in 1 2 cups cooked white beans for fiber and a smooth blend.
Use lentils or tempeh for a vegan option that soaks up flavors nicely.
For meat lovers, try shredded chicken or ham to add savoriness.

You can also swap the main starch, like using cauliflower for a lower-carb twist.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Make your potato soup even better by mixing in veggies or changing up the seasonings. Add carrots for sweetness or kale for a nutrient punch it’s all about what you have on hand.

For a tangy kick, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. It brightens the whole pot!

Swap onions for leeks for a milder flavor.
Use herbs like thyme to add a fresh twist.
For creaminess without dairy, blend in cashews.

Mastering Potato Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your potato soup to the next level with these pro tips. Using a good pot helps with even cooking, and roasting some ingredients first adds depth.

Pro Cooking Techniques

Sweat your onions slowly for a richer base, and try roasting potatoes for extra flavor.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with Mediterranean herbs or smoky spices to change things up.

Presentation Tips

Serve in warm bowls with fun toppings to make it look as good as it tastes.

Make-Ahead Options

Prep ahead and store it properly for easy meals later.

Check out Creamy Potato Soup Recipe for more inspiration on variations.

How to Store Potato Soup: Best Practices

Storing your potato soup right keeps it fresh and tasty. Cool it quickly and pop it in the fridge for a few days.

Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	3 4 days	Store in airtight containers and separate garnishes.
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Under cook potatoes to avoid texture changes.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in potato soup?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in potato soup. Using vegetable broth will give the soup a different flavor profile—often lighter and slightly earthier—while keeping it suitable for vegetarians. To maintain a rich taste, choose a well-seasoned vegetable broth or add herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning as needed since vegetable broth can be less salty than chicken broth.

How do I make creamy potato soup without using cream?

To make creamy potato soup without cream, you can blend some of the cooked potatoes with the broth to create natural thickness. Adding a small amount of milk, sour cream, or plain yogurt can also help achieve a creamy texture. Alternatively, pureeing soaked cashews and stirring them in is a dairy-free option that adds richness.

What type of potatoes is best for potato soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal for potato soup due to their high starch content, which helps create a smooth and creamy texture when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes are another great choice since they hold their shape well and add a subtle buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes if you prefer a creamy consistency.

How can I add extra flavor to my potato soup?

To boost flavor in potato soup, start by sautéing aromatics such as onions, garlic, and celery in butter or oil before adding potatoes and broth. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary and seasoning with salt and pepper is essential. For a smoky note, consider adding cooked bacon or smoked paprika. A splash of cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving can also deepen the taste.

Can I prepare potato soup in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, potato soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low to medium heat to prevent the soup from separating or becoming grainy. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much. Potato soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Potato Soup Recipe Easy and Creamy for Comfort in Every Bowl