Potato soup – a dish that has stood the test of time and become a staple in kitchens across the world. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a cozy Sunday afternoon, this comforting bowl of goodness is sure to warm you from the inside out. Potato soup has a way of offering both simplicity and rich, indulgent flavors, often bringing back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals and hearty gatherings. But what makes this soup so beloved?
It’s the tender chunks of potato, the smooth creamy texture, and the savory depth of flavor that comes together in a way that feels like a hug in a bowl. And the best part? Potato soup is incredibly versatile! You can add all kinds of ingredients to make it your own or keep it simple for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you prefer a classic, creamy version or a loaded potato soup with cheese and bacon, the variations are endless. Let’s dive in and explore a delicious and easy classic potato soup recipe, along with all the tips and tricks to make it perfect.
Classic Potato Soup Recipe
This classic potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. If you’ve never tried making potato soup from scratch, you’re in for a treat.
Ingredients Needed
To make the perfect classic potato soup, you don’t need a long list of ingredients-just a few simple ones that work together to create a comforting and delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Russet Potatoes (about 4 medium-sized)
These are your base. Their starchy texture breaks down and thickens the soup beautifully.
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Onion (1 medium, diced)
The onion gives a lovely aromatic foundation to the soup, adding depth and flavor.
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Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic infuses the broth with rich, savory notes.
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Butter (3 tablespoons)
Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to bring out their flavors.
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Chicken Broth (4 cups)
You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but the chicken broth gives a nice savory base.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup)
For that rich, velvety finish. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or milk, but it won’t be quite as indulgent.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Season well to bring all the flavors together.
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Chives (for garnish)
Fresh herbs like chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
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Cheddar Cheese (optional, for garnish)
If you’re craving that extra indulgence, sprinkle some sharp cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy touch!
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this comforting potato soup. It’s simple, but you’ll love the results!
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Prep The Potatoes
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
- Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning as you work on the other steps.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook The Potatoes
- Drain the potatoes and add them to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Mash The Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the pot. You can mash them as much or as little as you prefer. If you like a chunky soup, mash only some of the potatoes. For a smoother texture, mash all the potatoes or use an immersion blender.
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Add The Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
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Season The Soup
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. If you like, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of spice, or a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary for extra herbal flavor.
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Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits (if using).
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
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Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for potato soup because of their high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture once they break down during cooking. If you use waxy potatoes (like red potatoes), they won’t break down as easily and could leave your soup more watery and less creamy.
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Heavy Cream
Using heavy cream in this recipe is what makes the soup ultra-smooth and rich. You could substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version, but be aware that the consistency won’t be as thick. If you use milk, you may need a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.
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Chicken Broth
The base of the soup is incredibly important for flavor. Using homemade or low-sodium chicken broth will ensure that your soup isn’t too salty. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought will work, but always adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
Expert Tips
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For A Creamier Soup
After mashing the potatoes, consider adding a small dollop of sour cream to the soup for a tangy, creamy twist.
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For Extra Flavor
Before adding the broth, try sautéing the onions and garlic in bacon fat or olive oil for added richness. You can even toss some bacon bits into the soup as it cooks for a smoky undertone.
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Make Ahead
Potato soup actually improves in flavor if allowed to sit for a few hours (or even overnight). Just reheat on the stove over low heat and add a little extra cream if it thickens too much.
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Freeze For Later
You can freeze leftover potato soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly when reheated, as potatoes can become grainy after freezing.
Recipe Variations
While the classic version is wonderful on its own, there are several variations you can try to add a twist:
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Loaded Potato Soup
Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions right into the soup for a loaded version. Serve with extra toppings on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.
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Vegan Potato Soup
Swap out the butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Instead of heavy cream, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain the rich texture.
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Spicy Potato Soup
Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the soup. You could even mix in a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
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Herbed Potato Soup
Add some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup while it simmers to infuse it with more herbal notes.
Final Words
This classic potato soup is a dish that always satisfies. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a lazy weekend or for a family dinner. The beauty of potato soup lies in its simplicity, but also in how adaptable it can be to suit any mood or craving. Whether you keep it simple and pure or load it up with all your favorite toppings, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.