Potato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're enjoying a cozy evening at home or looking for a hearty dish to serve guests, this potato soup recipe is a must-try. Packed with rich flavors and creamy goodness, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best potato soup you've ever tasted. So, grab your apron, and let's get started on this culinary adventure!
What Is Potato Soup?
Potato soup is a creamy and hearty dish made primarily from potatoes, onions, and broth. Often enriched with ingredients like bacon, cheese, and cream, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, loaded with toppings or simple and classic, potato soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List for Potato Soup
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make the best potato soup:
Basic Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Onions: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, low-sodium
- Milk: 2 cups, whole or 2%
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Bay Leaf: 1, for added flavor
Optional Ingredients:
- Bacon: 4 strips, cooked and crumbled
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Green Onions: ¼ cup, sliced
- Sour Cream: ½ cup, for garnish
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about potato soup is its versatility. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try something new, here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon. Add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
- Cheesy Delight: Add extra cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, for a richer, cheesier flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to give your potato soup a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make the best potato soup ever? Follow these detailed steps to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Measure out your milk, cream, and broth so they’re ready to go when you need them.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
If you’re using bacon, cook it first. Place the bacon strips in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, cooking the flour for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste. This step creates a roux, which will help thicken your soup.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to ensure there are no lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Blend the Soup (Optional)
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.
Step 7: Add Milk and Cream
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Add Toppings and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Cook Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making potato soup is a straightforward process, but here are some additional tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time:
- Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and break down easily, giving your soup a creamy texture. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative.
- Cook Bacon First: Cooking the bacon first and using the rendered fat adds extra flavor to your soup. Plus, you can use the crispy bacon as a topping.
- Blend to Your Liking: Decide whether you want a smooth or chunky soup. Blending part or all of the soup gives you control over the final texture.
- Season Gradually: It’s important to season your soup gradually, tasting as you go. This ensures you don’t over-season and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making potato soup:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and fall apart, which can make your soup overly thick and less appealing.
- Not Using a Roux: Skipping the roux or not cooking it properly can result in a soup that’s too thin or has a raw flour taste.
- Adding Dairy Too Early: Adding milk or cream too early can cause it to curdle. Always add dairy towards the end of the cooking process.
- Skipping the Blending Process: If you skip blending the soup, you might end up with an uneven texture. Blending helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your soup is ready, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and present it. After all, we eat with our eyes first!
How to Serve Potato Soup
Potato soup is best served hot, straight from the pot. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Bread: Serve your potato soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad makes a great side dish that complements the richness of the soup.
- In a Bread Bowl: For an extra-special presentation, serve your potato soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. The bread absorbs the soup, adding even more flavor to every bite.
Presentation Ideas for Potato Soup
Presentation is key when it comes to making your potato soup look as good as it tastes. Here are some ideas to make your soup look irresistible:
- Toppings Galore: Arrange your toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions in neat piles on top of the soup. This adds color and texture.
- Drizzle of Cream: A swirl of heavy cream or sour cream on top of the soup not only looks elegant but also adds extra creaminess.
- Herb Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
Potato Soup Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you master this potato soup recipe:
- Prep Ahead: You can peel and dice the potatoes in advance. Just store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge to prevent browning.
- Make It Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux or reduce the amount of broth.
- Storage Tips: Potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin it out if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze potato soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, stirring well.
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Absolutely! While russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Q: How can I make the soup lighter?
A: To lighten the soup, you can use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reduce or omit the heavy cream. You can also increase the amount of broth to make it less rich.
Q: What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
A: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a smoky flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or celery.
Q: How do I avoid curdling when adding dairy?
A: To prevent curdling, make sure to add the dairy slowly and stir constantly. Also, avoid bringing the soup to a boil after adding the milk or cream.
Conclusion
Potato soup is a timeless dish that offers comfort in every spoonful. With this recipe, you’re sure to create a delicious, hearty soup that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some of the suggested variations, this potato soup is bound to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this homemade delight today!
PrintThe Best Potato Soup Recipe
This comforting potato soup recipe is creamy, rich, and full of flavor, making it the best choice for a hearty meal. Using simple ingredients like russet potatoes, onions, and garlic, you can easily create this delicious soup. It's a quick and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add diced onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth or leave some chunks for texture.
- Stir in heavy cream and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- You can add shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
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