Potato soup has always been one of those comforting meals that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and an undeniable sense of home. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a hearty dinner, a bowl of creamy potato soup hits the spot. But when you talk about potato soups, one recipe stands out-Corner Bakery’s Potato Soup. Known for its smooth texture, rich flavors, and delightful toppings, this soup has earned its place in many people’s hearts.
The beauty of this particular recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate this indulgent bowl of creamy goodness right in your kitchen. So, if you’ve been longing to recreate the magic of that rich, creamy, and hearty Corner Bakery potato soup, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down, step by step, and delve into the recipe, cooking instructions, tips, and variations, so you can master this delicious dish.
Corner Bakery Potato Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed to give you that comforting, velvety texture and flavor that Corner Bakery is known for. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and there’s no denying its ability to satisfy any potato soup craving you may have. But, as with all great recipes, it’s not just about the ingredients-it’s about the method and technique that bring those ingredients together into something magical. So, get ready to indulge!
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is that it calls for simple, everyday items, but the combination of them creates something wonderfully rich and flavorful.
- Russet Potatoes – These potatoes are the foundation of the soup. They’re starchy, which makes for a creamy texture when they’re boiled and mashed.
- Butter – A key player in making this soup rich and velvety. The butter enhances the flavors and adds a luxurious finish to the dish.
- Onion – Onion adds depth and a savory sweetness to the soup that balances the richness of the potatoes and cream.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves create an aromatic base that elevates the flavor profile of the soup. A must for that classic potato soup scent.
- Chicken Broth – This is the liquid that will create the soup’s base. It’s essential for infusing the soup with a savory depth. You can swap with vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream – This is the secret to that indulgent, creamy texture. It makes the soup incredibly smooth and gives it a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Milk – For the perfect consistency, you’ll add milk to smooth out the heavy cream. It’s the ideal balance between richness and creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese – The cheesy topping takes the soup to another level. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, flavorful layer on top of each bowl.
- Bacon Bits – If you like a little crunch and smokiness, bacon is a must. It adds a contrast of texture and a savory touch to the soup.
- Green Onions – For garnish, these not only brighten up the soup visually but also add a subtle oniony flavor that contrasts with the richness.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring everything together and ensure the soup is perfectly balanced in flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Making this potato soup is not complicated, but it does require some attention to detail. The process takes just under an hour, but the results are so worth it.
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Prep The Ingredients
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Dice the onion and garlic finely.
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Cook The Potatoes
- In a large pot, add the potato cubes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- While the potatoes cook, melt a tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Combine Everything
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them (but save about 1 cup of the potato water) and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork. You want a mix of smooth and chunky texture for a heartier soup.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the mashed potatoes.
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Add The Broth And Dairy
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream. Stir to combine. If the soup seems too thick, add a little of the reserved potato water to reach your desired consistency.
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Season
- Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Finish With Toppings
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper dive into the ingredients that make this soup so special. Each component serves a distinct role, contributing to the texture, flavor, and overall richness of the dish.
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Russet Potatoes
These are the best potatoes for creamy soups because of their starchy nature. They break down and absorb liquids easily, giving the soup a thicker, creamier consistency. When mashed, they create a velvety base that’s the foundation of this recipe.
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Heavy Cream & Milk
The combination of both heavy cream and milk ensures a perfect balance of richness and smoothness without being overwhelmingly thick. Heavy cream provides that luxurious mouthfeel, while milk lightens the texture just enough to make the soup feel comforting but not too heavy.
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Cheddar Cheese
The sharpness of cheddar cheese complements the creamy, savory base of the soup. It melts perfectly into the soup, creating that gooey, indulgent texture that is absolutely irresistible.
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Bacon Bits
Bacon introduces a smoky, savory flavor that balances the richness of the creamy soup. Plus, the crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the potatoes. The saltiness of the bacon also helps enhance the overall flavor profile.
Expert Tips
To make sure your Corner Bakery-inspired potato soup is as good as it gets, here are a few expert tips:
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Don’t Overcook The Potatoes
While boiling, ensure you don’t overcook the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and disintegrate too much into the soup, making it overly thick and losing texture.
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Use A Potato Masher, Not A Blender
While it might be tempting to blend everything smooth, a potato masher will give you that perfect balance of creamy and chunky texture. You want some chunks of potato left in the soup for heartiness.
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Season Gradually
When adding salt and pepper, do it gradually. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. The broth and cheese add a lot of salt, so it’s easy to overdo it.
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Add The Dairy Slowly
Adding the milk and cream slowly while stirring helps prevent curdling. Make sure the heat is low and keep stirring as you add them in.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ways to give your potato soup a unique twist:
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Vegetarian Version
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or even leeks for extra depth of flavor.
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Spicy Potato Soup
For a bit of heat, stir in some cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños. A few dashes of hot sauce can also do wonders to balance out the richness.
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Loaded Potato Soup
Make your soup extra indulgent by adding additional toppings like sour cream, chives, and even more cheese. You can also add some cooked sausage or ground beef for a meatier option.
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Dairy-Free Version
Replace the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a plant-based milk of your choice (like almond or oat milk). You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative for topping.
Final Words
This recipe for Corner Bakery potato soup isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot-it’s about creating a comforting, soul-warming dish that you can enjoy with family and friends. With its creamy base, tender potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd favorite for a reason. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving some comfort food, this recipe is bound to satisfy.