Potato Soup

Potato Soup

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Potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with hearty flavors. Whether you need a cozy meal on a chilly day or an easy dish to feed a crowd, this potato soup recipe is a winner. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup Recipe

1. Creamy and Flavorful

A velvety texture with just the right balance of seasonings makes this soup irresistibly delicious.

2. Simple Ingredients

You likely already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge!

3. One-Pot Wonder

Fewer dishes, less cleanup—this soup is made in just one pot.

4. Customizable

Make it vegetarian, add bacon, or spice it up—this recipe is easy to tweak to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for topping)

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Roux

  1. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)

  1. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.

  2. If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher while leaving some pieces intact.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

  1. Stir in the heavy cream for extra creaminess.

  2. If using, add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.

  2. Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

  3. Serve hot and enjoy.

Potato Soup

Tips for the Best Potato Soup

  • Use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for a creamy texture.

  • Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they may become too mushy.

  • For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.

  • Make it thicker by adding a bit more flour to the roux or mashing more potatoes.

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.

  • If reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to thin the soup out, as it thickens in the fridge.

Variations to Try

1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Top with sour cream, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions—just like a baked potato!

2. Spicy Potato Soup

Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

3. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

Stir in cooked broccoli and extra cheddar cheese for a veggie-packed version.

4. Slow Cooker Potato Soup

  1. Add all ingredients except milk, flour, and cheese to the slow cooker.

  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

  3. Stir in milk, flour (as a slurry), and cheese during the last 30 minutes.

5. Dairy-Free Potato Soup

Swap milk and cream for unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320

  • Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Cholesterol: 45mg

  • Sodium: 480mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 5g

  • Protein: 9g

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Can I freeze potato soup?

Yes, but because of the dairy, the texture may change. If freezing, leave out the milk and add it after reheating.

What can I serve with potato soup?

  • Crusty bread

  • Side salad

  • Grilled cheese sandwich

  • Roasted vegetables

Conclusion

This creamy potato soup is warm, comforting, and full of rich flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a delicious homemade soup in under an hour. Whether you like it chunky, smooth, cheesy, or spicy, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, satisfying bowl of goodness.