The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade creamy potato soup to warm you from the inside out. This classic comfort food staple is beloved for its rich texture, hearty potatoes, and a symphony of flavors that evoke feelings of home and coziness. Forget complicated recipes; this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a thick, luscious, and utterly delicious potato soup that your family will crave, especially during those chilly winter months.
Our creamy potato soup recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and robust flavor. It’s designed to be straightforward, using readily available ingredients, yet yielding a remarkably satisfying dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find joy in preparing this wholesome meal that promises warmth and contentment in every spoonful.
Looking for more comforting soup ideas? Don’t miss our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup!
Why This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Stands Out
This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a recipe that has been perfected to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. What makes our homemade potato soup truly special?
- Unbeatable Creaminess: We achieve that velvety, smooth consistency while retaining some delightful potato chunks for texture.
- Rich Flavor Base: Starting with crispy bacon and sautéed aromatics creates a deep foundation of taste that elevates the entire soup.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t find any obscure items here. Just common pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary.
- Customizable Comfort: From the choice of potatoes to the toppings, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or a comforting dish for entertaining, this soup fits every bill.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for the Best Potato Soup
The success of any great recipe lies in the quality and type of its ingredients. For our thick potato soup, each component plays a crucial role in building its signature flavor and texture:
- Potatoes: We primarily use russet potatoes due to their high starch content, which helps in thickening the soup and creates that desirable creamy consistency when mashed. However, if you prefer a slightly waxier texture, gold potatoes (like Yukon Golds) are an excellent alternative. They hold their shape a bit better while still contributing to a creamy base. For best results, ensure your potatoes are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bacon: Beyond just a garnish, diced bacon is essential for rendering flavorful fat, which becomes the base for our roux. The crispy bacon bits are then reserved for a delightful crunchy topping, adding both flavor and texture.
- Onions and Celery: These aromatic vegetables are sautéed in the bacon grease, creating a foundational layer of savory flavor. They soften and become translucent, sweetening the soup without overpowering the potato flavor. If you’re not a fan of celery, you can certainly omit it, but it adds a lovely subtle freshness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is our thickening agent. When cooked with the bacon grease and aromatics, it forms a roux, which is key to achieving that rich, thick consistency without making the soup heavy.
- Chicken Broth (or Stock): The liquid base of our soup. Good quality chicken broth adds depth and savoriness. Feel free to use low-sodium broth to better control the overall saltiness of the dish. For a vegetarian version, simply swap bacon for olive oil and use vegetable broth.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the soup’s luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. Added at the end, it infuses the soup with incredible richness. Make sure to use heavy cream, not half-and-half or milk, for the best results.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a touch of dry basil elevate the overall taste. Remember to season to taste, as the saltiness of your bacon and chicken broth can vary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Creamy Potato Soup
Crafting this easy potato soup is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a flawless and flavorful outcome:
1. Preparing the Bacon and Flavor Base
Start by heating a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced bacon and cook until it’s beautifully crisp. This step is crucial not only for creating delicious bacon bits for garnish but also for rendering out the flavorful bacon grease. Once crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot – this golden liquid is the foundation of your soup’s rich taste.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics and Creating the Roux
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and celery to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking process coaxes out their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken your soup. Cooking the flour sufficiently is important to remove any raw flour taste.
3. Building the Soup Base and Cooking Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken stock (or broth), whisking constantly as you add it. Continuous whisking is key to ensuring a smooth, lump-free soup base. Once the liquid is incorporated, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the potatoes are very soft and easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes. The softer the potatoes, the easier they will be to mash for thickening.
Craving more hearty dishes? Try our Easy Ham and Potato Soup!
4. Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to achieve that signature creamy texture. Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. The goal is to thicken the soup by breaking down some of the potatoes, but be sure to leave plenty of chunks for a satisfying bite. If using an immersion blender, pulse briefly to avoid over-blending, which can result in a gummy texture. You want a mix of smooth creaminess and tender potato pieces.
5. Finishing with Cream and Seasoning
Add the heavy cream to the soup. Stir it in gently, then bring the soup back to a very gentle simmer (do not boil after adding cream, as it can curdle). Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the cream to fully integrate and the soup to warm through thoroughly. This step ensures all the flavors meld beautifully. Finally, season the soup generously to taste with salt and black pepper. This is a crucial step; don’t be afraid to taste and adjust until it’s perfect for your palate. A little extra salt can often make all the difference in bringing out the flavors.
6. Serving and Garnishing Your Delicious Soup
Ladle the hot, creamy potato soup into individual bowls. For an irresistible finish, top each serving generously with shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved crispy bacon crumbles, and a sprinkle of freshly diced green onions. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also provide a wonderful contrast in flavors and textures, making each spoonful an absolute delight.
Tips for the Best Homemade Potato Soup
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Properly cooking the flour in the fat is essential to prevent a raw flour taste and to ensure proper thickening.
- Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: When adding the chicken broth, consistent whisking will prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer, or mash more potatoes.
- Gentle Simmer for Cream: Avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil after adding the heavy cream, as this can cause it to separate or curdle. A gentle simmer is all you need.
- Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is personal! Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other herbs as needed.
Variations & Customizations for Your Creamy Potato Soup
One of the joys of homemade potato soup is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative with these delicious additions:
- Add More Veggies: Stir in some cooked corn, peas, or even finely diced carrots along with the potatoes. Roasted garlic can also add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Hearty Meats: Besides bacon, you can add diced cooked ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned sausage for an even more substantial meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or a smoky gouda, can take your soup to the next level.
- Herbal Touches: Fresh chives, parsley, or a pinch of thyme can enhance the aroma and flavor profile. Add fresh herbs at the very end.
- Extra Creaminess: A dollop of sour cream or cream cheese stirred in at the end can boost the richness and tanginess.
- A Hint of Spice: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty potato soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of artisan bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread makes an excellent partner for potato soup.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness of the soup beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This creamy potato soup is often even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While potato soup *can* be frozen, dairy-based soups sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the soup *before* adding the heavy cream. Thaw, then reheat gently and stir in the cream. If you freeze the finished soup, reheat very slowly over low heat, stirring frequently, and be prepared to whisk vigorously or add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat potato soup on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a little milk, cream, or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching or curdling the cream.
Don’t forget to check out our delicious Bread Pudding recipe for a sweet treat!
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Creamy Potato Soup
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Ingredients
- 6 slices Bacon, diced
- 1/2 medium Onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Celery, diced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose Flour
- 4 cups Chicken broth (or stock)
- 5 medium Potatoes (Russet or Gold), peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dry Basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced green onions (or chives)
- Reserved crispy bacon crumbles
Instructions
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In a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions and celery to the bacon grease. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
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Slowly pour in the chicken stock (or broth), whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. Add the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are very soft, approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on size.
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Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
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Stir in the heavy cream and dry basil. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for an additional 10 minutes until warmed through and flavors have melded. Season generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved crispy bacon crumbles, and fresh green onions (or chives) before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Potato Soup
What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup?
Russet potatoes are generally considered the best for a creamy potato soup because their high starch content breaks down easily, helping to thicken the soup and create a velvety texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice, offering a slightly waxier texture while still providing creaminess and a rich, buttery flavor.
Can I make this potato soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon and sauté the onions and celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter instead of bacon grease. Replace chicken broth with a good quality vegetable broth. You can also add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor if desired.
How do I thicken potato soup without flour?
If you prefer to avoid flour, you can thicken potato soup by mashing a larger portion of the cooked potatoes, or by blending a cup or two of the soup base (including potatoes) until smooth before returning it to the pot. Another option is to create a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water) and whisk it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Can I make creamy potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, creamy potato soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight. Prepare the soup as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy consistency. Remember to avoid boiling the soup once cream has been added.
Conclusion
This creamy potato soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth, comfort, and homemade goodness. With its rich, smooth texture, savory bacon, and tender potato chunks, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect dish to gather your loved ones around the table. So, go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor the ultimate comfort food!
Adapted from jocooks