There’s nothing like a warm bowl of potato soup to make you feel cozy and satisfied. This creamy and hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and is easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as a side, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why We Love This Potato Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of potato soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or quiet nights at home. Whether you’re craving something creamy and hearty or looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this soup checks all the boxes.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients like potatoes, onions, garlic, and cream, you can whip up this comforting dish in no time. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like cheddar cheese, bacon, or even some fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless!
- Versatile: Potato soup can be served in so many ways. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, or top it with sour cream and shredded cheese for a little extra indulgence.
- Nourishing and Filling: The creamy texture and heartiness of the potatoes make this soup a satisfying meal on its own. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy yet flavorful dish that offers both comfort and flexibility. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for potato soup
Making a delicious bowl of potato soup starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, comforting recipe:
Potatoes – The Main ingredient for a creamy texture. Russet potatoes are best, but Yukon Gold adds a buttery flavor.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup. Yellow or white onions work best.
Garlic – Gives a savory flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works too.
Chicken broth – The flavorful base. Vegetable broth is a good alternative.
Heavy cream – This makes the soup creamy. Half-and-half or milk can be used for a lighter option.
Butter – Adds richness. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt.
Flour – Thickens the soup for a smooth texture. Gluten-free options are available.
Black pepper – Adds warmth and mild heat. Freshly ground is best.
Cheddar cheese – Adds a cheesy finish. Sharp cheddar works best.
Green onions – Garnish that adds freshness and crunch.
Instructions
Making potato soup is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of your soup, giving it that savory depth.
Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend the Soup
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step or blend only half of the soup.
Add Cream and Season
Once your soup is blended (or left chunky, depending on your preference), stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors and let the soup thicken.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Pro Tips
To make sure your potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that will elevate both the texture and flavor of your dish:
Use the Right Potatoes
For the best results, go with russet potatoes. They break down easily, giving the soup that perfect, creamy texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can also mix in Yukon Gold potatoes, which add a velvety richness to the soup.
Blend for Creaminess
If you’re looking for a super-smooth and velvety soup, an immersion blender is your best friend. It blends everything right in the pot, so you don’t need to transfer it to a separate blender. If you like a chunkier texture, just blend part of the soup, leaving some of the potatoes intact for that hearty feel.
Season Gradually
While making the soup, season with salt and pepper gradually. Taste as you go! You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix an over-salted soup. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the flavors.
Add a Touch of Heat
For a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your soup. This adds an extra layer of flavor that can really balance the creaminess.
Finish with Freshness
Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley, some shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream not only looks beautiful but also adds a burst of flavor that makes each bite even better.
Keep It Warm
If you’re making the soup ahead of time, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low heat. It will continue to absorb the flavors as it sits, and when you’re ready to serve, it’ll be perfectly creamy and comforting.
Variations
Make your potato soup unique with these easy variations, whether you prefer a heartier, lighter, or more flavorful twist.
Cheesy Potato Soup – Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan at the end for a rich, melty texture. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese can add a mild kick.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Add crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top to mimic the flavors of a classic baked potato.
Creamy Dairy-Free Version – Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious, dairy-free alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your potato soup with crusty bread like a warm French baguette or buttery dinner rolls for a satisfying bite. For added protein, serve it with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or hard-boiled eggs to make it a heartier meal.
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FAQs about potato soup
What to make with potato soup?
Potato soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or roasted turkey for a balanced and satisfying meal.
What spices go in potato soup?
Common spices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper for depth of flavor, while thyme and bay leaves add a subtle herbal touch.
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
A splash of heavy cream, a dash of nutmeg, or a bit of Parmesan cheese can elevate the richness and flavor, making the soup extra creamy and delicious.
potato soup
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Melt butter in a pot, then cook chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. This creates the flavor base for the soup.
- Cook the Potatoes – Add diced potatoes, then pour in stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup – Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture, or blend in batches. For a chunkier soup, skip blending or blend only half.
- Add Cream and Season – Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken the soup.
- Serve – Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with parsley, sour cream, shredded cheddar, or crispy bacon bits.