The Best Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for a cozy, creamy, and deeply comforting meal? Potato soup is a classic that never goes out of style. With its rich, velvety texture and the perfect balance of flavors, it’s ideal for a chilly night, a family dinner, or when you simply crave a warm bowl of comfort. This potato soup recipe is loaded with tender potatoes, creamy broth, and smoky bacon, all topped with shredded cheese and fresh herbs. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and sure to become your new favorite! Read on for the step-by-step guide, tips, and variations for crafting the perfect potato soup.

What is Potato Soup?

Potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with tender potatoes, milk, broth, and other flavorful ingredients like onions, garlic, and bacon. It's a comforting, one-pot meal that's rich and creamy without being overly heavy. The simplicity of potato soup allows the ingredients to shine, making it the ultimate comfort food. Topped with crispy bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs, this soup is a delightful, warming dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients List for the Best Potato Soup

To make this delicious potato soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

1. Potatoes (4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced) – Russets work best because they break down easily and give the soup its creamy texture.
2. Bacon (6-8 slices, diced) – Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crunchy topping.
3. Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Provides a rich, savory aroma.
5. Chicken broth (4 cups) – The liquid base that adds flavor and helps cook the potatoes.
6. Heavy cream (1 cup) – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
7. Milk (1 cup) – Lightens the soup without making it too thick.
8. Flour (¼ cup) – Thickens the soup and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
9. Butter (3 tablespoons) – For sautéing and flavor enhancement.
10. Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Adds a cheesy, savory flavor to the soup.
11. Salt and pepper – For seasoning to taste.
12. Chives or green onions (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh, bright flavor and pop of color.

Optional Garnishes

1. Extra shredded cheddar cheese – For even more cheesy goodness.
2. Crumbled bacon – Adds texture and a smoky flavor on top.
3. Sour cream – A tangy, creamy topping to balance the richness.
4. Croutons – Adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily tweak this potato soup recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for additional flavor and texture.
• Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil instead of butter.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.
• Lighter version: Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese. Turkey bacon is also a great lighter alternative to pork bacon.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, ham, or sausage for a heartier soup.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these easy steps to create a rich, creamy, and delicious pot of potato soup.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot for sautéing the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth, leaving some small chunks of potato for texture if desired.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Cream Mixture

Slowly pour the creamy roux mixture into the soup and stir until well combined. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, chives or green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side.

How to Cook Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the bacon: Fry until crispy, then set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the potatoes and broth: Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make a roux with butter, flour, milk, and cream: Whisk until smooth and thickened.
5. Blend the soup: Puree until smooth, leaving chunks if desired.
6. Stir in cheese and cream mixture: Combine for a rich, velvety texture.
7. Serve with garnishes: Top with bacon, cheese, and chives for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and make the soup overly thick or starchy. Test them with a fork, and stop cooking once they’re tender.
• Forgetting to thicken the soup: The roux (flour and butter mixture) is essential for thickening the soup and giving it a creamy, smooth consistency. Be sure to whisk the roux thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Not blending the soup properly: For a perfectly creamy soup, make sure to blend the soup thoroughly. If you don’t blend enough, you may end up with a lumpy texture.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Cheese can clump or become grainy if added too fast or over high heat. Slowly stir in the cheese over low heat for a smooth, creamy finish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A great dish deserves a beautiful presentation. Here are some tips to make your potato soup look as good as it tastes:

• Generous garnishes: Top each bowl with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh chives for an eye-catching and flavorful finish.
• Serve with bread: A warm slice of crusty bread, a dinner roll, or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Use a drizzle: Add a swirl of sour cream, heavy cream, or olive oil on top for a gourmet touch.

How to Serve Potato Soup

Potato soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• With a side salad: A light green salad or Caesar salad pairs well with the richness of the soup.
• In bread bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a rustic, fun presentation.
• As an appetizer: Serve smaller portions as a starter for a multi-course meal or dinner party.

Presentation Ideas for Potato Soup

• Layer the garnishes: Start with shredded cheese, followed by crispy bacon, and finish with a sprinkle of chives or green onions for a visually appealing presentation.
• Add color with herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill can brighten up the dish with both flavor and appearance.
• Use rustic bowls: Serve the soup in rustic-style ceramic bowls or mugs for a cozy, homestyle feel.

Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the creamy texture.
• Freeze leftovers: You can freeze potato soup for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove, adding more liquid if necessary.
• Adjust texture: For a smoother soup, blend the entire batch. If you prefer more texture, leave some chunks of potato or blend only half of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze potato soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of extra milk or broth to restore the creamy texture, as dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen.

Q: How can I make my soup thicker?
A: You can thicken the soup by blending more potatoes or adding more flour to the roux. You can also mash some of the potatoes for a thicker consistency.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Cook the bacon separately, then add the potatoes, broth, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the roux, cheese, and cream in the last 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This potato soup recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, rich, and savory flavors that come together to create a deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or a delicious lunch option, this potato soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. With tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a velvety broth, every spoonful is packed with comforting goodness. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy this ultimate comfort food! Try it today and experience the warmth and deliciousness of this classic dish.

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