The Best Potato Soup Recipe

Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Comfort Food!

Potato soup is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. The best potato soup combines simple, wholesome ingredients like potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and cream, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it as an appetizer at a special gathering, this potato soup recipe will quickly become a favorite. Packed with flavor and customizable to your taste, this soup is sure to impress. Read on to discover all the tips, variations, and techniques you need to make the best potato soup ever!

What is Potato Soup?

Potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup that features potatoes as the main ingredient, usually combined with vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots, along with broth, cream, and seasonings. It’s a rich, warming dish that can be made in a variety of ways, from smooth and velvety to chunky and rustic. This classic comfort food is easy to prepare and can be dressed up with toppings like bacon, cheese, green onions, or sour cream to make it even more indulgent.

Ingredients List for The Best Potato Soup

To make the best potato soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and delicious dish:

• 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for a herbal note)
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for garnish)
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

Ingredients List for The Best Potato Soup (Optional Add-Ons)

If you want to elevate your potato soup or add some unique flavors, consider these optional ingredients:

• Crumbled sausage or ham for added protein
• A splash of white wine to deglaze the pan and add complexity
• Grated Parmesan cheese for an extra umami kick
• Sour cream for added richness and tang
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist
• Spinach or kale for added greens and nutrients

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about potato soup is how versatile it is. You can make substitutions or add variations to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream. Skip the cheese and bacon for a fully dairy-free and vegan soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup. You can also skip the roux and blend more potatoes for a naturally thick texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, celery, or mushrooms for more flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap out some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower to reduce the carb content while still keeping the soup creamy and hearty.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make the best potato soup with rich, creamy texture and deep flavors:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Prepping all your ingredients first ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Cook the Bacon (Optional): In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. If you're skipping the bacon, use olive oil or butter to start the recipe.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot with the bacon grease (or butter/olive oil), add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the Carrots and Potatoes: Toss in the diced carrots and potatoes. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly.
5. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Make the Cream Base: While the soup is simmering, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
7. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smooth potato soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup or skip this step entirely. If using a countertop blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid any accidents.
8. Combine the Cream Base with the Soup: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, stir in the cream base and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken further.
9. Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and season it with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme (if using). Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
10. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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

Here’s a quick recap of how to make the best potato soup:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in bacon grease or butter for a flavorful base.
2. Add potatoes, carrots, and broth, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
3. Prepare a roux with butter and flour, then add milk and cream to create a creamy base.
4. Blend the soup (optional) to your preferred consistency—smooth or chunky.
5. Combine the cream base with the soup and let it simmer to thicken.
6. Garnish with bacon, cheese, and green onions for the perfect finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your potato soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not cooking the vegetables long enough: The potatoes should be tender, but not mushy. Be sure to simmer until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
• Using cold milk in the roux: If the milk is too cold, it can form lumps when added to the roux. To avoid this, bring the milk to room temperature or warm it slightly before whisking it into the roux.
• Over-blending the soup: If you blend the soup too much, it can become gummy due to the starch in the potatoes. If you want some texture, blend only a portion of the soup or use a potato masher instead.
• Forgetting to season properly: Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as you go.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving potato soup, presentation matters! Here are some tips to make your bowl look as good as it tastes:

• Top with Garnishes: Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream add visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Serve with Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls to make it a more complete meal.
• Swirl of Cream: For an elegant touch, drizzle a swirl of cream or olive oil on top of the soup before serving.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve The Best Potato Soup

Here are some ways to serve this delicious potato soup:

• As a main dish: Serve it in large bowls with generous toppings and a side of bread for dipping.
• As an appetizer: Offer smaller portions before a larger meal, especially for a holiday dinner or special occasion.
• Meal prep: Potato soup keeps well in the fridge and can be made in advance for easy weeknight meals. Reheat it gently on the stove for the best results.

Presentation Ideas for The Best Potato Soup

Get creative with your presentation to make your soup extra special:

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of sourdough or French bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and hearty presentation.
• Family-Style Serving: Place the soup in a large pot on the table and let everyone serve themselves, with toppings set out in small bowls for customization.
• Garnish in Layers: Layer your garnishes, starting with a swirl of cream, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, bacon, and green onions, for a visually appealing presentation.

The Best Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Here are a few pro tips to help you make the best potato soup:

• Choose starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold for the best creamy texture.
• Blend cautiously—for a rustic soup, blend only a portion of the soup to retain some texture.
• Don’t skimp on the garnishes. Toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions not only enhance flavor but add texture and visual appeal.
• Store properly: Potato soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating—just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup. However, cream-based soups may change texture after freezing. Let the soup cool completely before freezing and reheat it gently on the stove, stirring frequently.

What type of potatoes are best for soup?
Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold are best for potato soup because they break down easily and create a creamy texture.

Can I make potato soup in advance?
Yes, potato soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

How do I thicken potato soup?
If your soup isn’t thick enough, you can blend more of the potatoes, add a roux (butter and flour mixture), or stir in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making the best potato soup. This creamy, comforting dish is perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized with your favorite garnishes and ingredients. Whether you like your potato soup smooth or chunky, loaded with bacon or packed with veggies, this recipe will become a go-to in your household. Try it today and enjoy the comforting warmth of a bowl of potato soup!

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