Get ready to dive into cozy comfort with this Potato Soup Recipe, a bowl that’s as creamy and luscious as it is soothing. There’s just something magical about a homemade soup packed with tender potatoes, sweet onion, and a gentle swirl of cream and cheddar that wraps you up like your favorite blanket. Whether you’re seeking a new family favorite or looking for an easy recipe for chilly weeknights, this Potato Soup Recipe is here to deliver simple goodness and soul-hugging flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics — every ingredient in this Potato Soup Recipe is carefully chosen to create the ideal balance of creamy, savory, and comforting. You don’t need anything fancy, just kitchen staples that work a little magic together in the pot.
- Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture helps the soup become perfectly creamy and satisfying.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and mingles with the rest of the flavors.
- Garlic: Just two cloves make all the difference, lending warmth and subtle aroÂmatic notes.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Choose based on your mood — either option forms the flavorful backbone of the soup.
- Whole milk: Boosts the soup’s creaminess while keeping it light and smooth.
- Heavy cream: Delivers extra richness for that classic, dreamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: Sautéing the vegetables in butter creates a nutty, golden base for flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Works as a thickener, creating a luscious roux so your soup is silkier.
- Dried thyme: Lends the earthiness that gives the soup a little herby lift.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously to highlight all those cozy flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Bacon: Optional, but if you like smoky crunch on top, it’s a must!
- Green onions: Optional, for a fresh burst of color and brightness.
- Sour cream: Optional, perfect for that tangy dollop on top just before serving!
How to Make Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start your Potato Soup Recipe by melting butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook just until translucent and soft, about three or four minutes. As the aroma fills your kitchen, add the minced garlic and stir for one more fragrant minute — this is where big, savory flavor truly begins!
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir constantly for a couple of minutes. This simple roux is what gives your Potato Soup Recipe its signature creamy body and prevents clumps. Take your time and let the flour lose its raw taste, becoming slightly golden and nutty-smelling.
Step 3: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Thyme
Now, slowly whisk in your broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add those perfectly diced russet potatoes and sprinkle the dried thyme over everything. Increase the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let the potatoes soften and soak up all the goodness for about 15 to 20 minutes — they should be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: Mash for the Perfect Texture
This is where you can customize your Potato Soup Recipe. Use a potato masher for a chunky, rustic feel, or an immersion blender if you like things smooth and velvety. Aim for a happy medium, leaving enough texture so each spoonful is interesting.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Cheese
Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, giving the soup a final silky upgrade. Warm everything through gently (don’t boil!), then sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts completely — you’re so close to soup nirvana now!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your Potato Soup Recipe and tweak the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite garnishes — crispy bacon, a handful of green onions, and a swirl of sour cream, if the mood strikes. Serve piping hot and prepare for comfort-food joy!
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on toppings! A sprinkle of sharp cheddar, a few crumbles of bacon, and a handful of green onions instantly liven up each bowl. A dollop of sour cream is the ultimate cool, creamy finish — it melts beautifully into the heat, adding tang in every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This Potato Soup Recipe shines as the star, but a side of crusty bread or warm biscuits is always welcome to mop up every last bit. Pair it with a simple green salad for contrast, or serve with roasted vegetables for an extra boost of color and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy look, spoon soup into little mugs or bread bowls, top with an artful swirl of sour cream and a flourish of fresh herbs. You can also serve in mini appetizer cups as a clever starter — or set up a DIY topping bar for a fun, interactive meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Potato Soup Recipe will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and let the flavors mingle — you might find it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
Potato-based soups can be a little tricky to freeze since the texture sometimes changes, but this Potato Soup Recipe handles the cold. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge before gently reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwaving in short bursts, stirring in between, works well too for busy days.
FAQs
Can I make this Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon topping for a satisfying, all-veggie version. You’ll still get all the classic richness and flavor.
What’s the best potato to use?
Russets are ideal because their high starch content makes the soup extra creamy, but Yukon Golds or even red potatoes work if that’s what you have on hand. Each brings its own unique texture and subtle flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup — everything else in this Potato Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How can I get an ultra-smooth texture?
An immersion blender is your friend here! Just blend for a few extra seconds until creamy, but remember to leave a few potato chunks for that classic homestyle feel, if that’s your thing.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or even corn during the simmering step for extra color and flavor. Just make sure everything’s chopped about the same size so they cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Potato Soup Recipe — it’s pure comfort in a bowl, guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy Potato Soup. This easy-to-make recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Potato Soup:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream for topping
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly whisk in broth, then add diced potatoes and thyme. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Blend Soup: Partially mash the soup for texture. Stir in milk, cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot, topped with bacon, green onions, and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.
- Yukon gold or red potatoes can be substituted.
- Soup reheats well the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
