This Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any day. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, cream, and seasonings, this creamy soup is ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cook, this easy recipe guides you through every step.
The result is a warm, delicious bowl of soup that tastes like home. Customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this homemade potato soup will become your go-to recipe.
Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade potato soup recipe on a chilly day. This comforting dish brings families together and fills your kitchen with amazing smells. A homemade potato soup recipe is easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re new to cooking or have been making meals for years, this guide will help you create the perfect potato soup.
Let’s learn how to make this delicious comfort food that everyone will love.
How to Make Potato Soup
Making potato soup from scratch is easier than you might think. In fact, you don’t need fancy cooking skills or expensive ingredients to create something wonderful. The process involves cooking potatoes until they’re soft, and then mixing them with cream and seasonings. As a result, this simple method creates a cozy meal that tastes like home.
Typically, most recipes take about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. That way, you can have dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen. What’s more, the best part is that you can adjust the recipe to match what your family likes best.
The Ultimate Creamy Potato Soup
Creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food. Specifically, the smooth, rich texture pairs perfectly with tender potato chunks in every bite. What’s more, this version stands out with real butter, fresh cream, and high-quality ingredients. In particular, homemade makes all the difference – you’ll notice the flavor leap compared to store-bought versions. As a result, the creamy base wraps your senses in warmth and coziness.
For many people, this soup sparks memories of home-cooked meals from childhood. Therefore, it’s ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something soothing.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Potato Soup
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes create a thick texture, while Yukon Gold adds a buttery flavor. Mixing both types can give you the best results.
- Cut potatoes evenly: Cutting potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and prevents some from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Cook on low heat: Cooking the soup on low heat prevents the dairy from separating and keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
- Stir regularly: Regular stirring prevents the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- Add dairy wisely: Adding cream or milk at the end of cooking helps prevent curdling and maintains the soup’s smooth texture.
- Season in layers: Seasoning the soup in layers and tasting as you go helps build deeper flavors and ensures the soup is perfectly seasoned.
The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Now let’s get into the details of amazing Homemade potato soup . This recipe serves about six people and makes plenty for leftovers. You can easily double the amounts if you’re feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped small
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Green onions for topping
- Sour cream for serving
Recommended Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking much easier and more fun. To start, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven that holds at least 6 quarts. In addition, a sturdy wooden spoon helps with stirring without scratching your pot. For texture, keep a potato masher or immersion blender nearby for creating the perfect consistency. When prepping, a sharp knife and cutting board are essential for preparing your vegetables. To measure, measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the amounts just right.
For serving, a ladle makes it neat and simple. If desired, if you want crispy bacon on top, you’ll need a skillet for cooking it separately.
Instructions
Let’s walk through making this soup step by step
- Melt butter, cook onion (5 mins) and garlic (1 min).
- Add flour, cook (2 mins) to make a roux.
- Add broth, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Boil, then simmer (20 mins).
- Remove bay leaves, mash potatoes in pot.
- Add milk and cream, heat through (5 mins).
- Season to taste.
Notes (Cook’s Note)
Here are some important things to remember while making your soup. Firstly, don’t let the soup boil after adding the dairy products because this can cause them to separate and look curdled. If necessary, if your soup seems too thick, add more broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Alternatively, for a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with additional milk or half-and-half. Keep in mind that the soup will thicken as it sits, so it might need thinning when you reheat leftovers. When storing, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Additionally, you can freeze potato soup, but the texture may change slightly when thawed.
Nutrition
“One serving of this creamy potato soup contains approximately 320 calories. Breaking it down, each bowl provides about 8 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat. Additionally, you’ll get around 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mostly from the potatoes. The soup also offers calcium from the dairy products and vitamin C from the potatoes.
However, adding extra cheese, bacon, or sour cream will increase these numbers. If needed, if you’re watching your calorie intake, you can use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream.”
Perfect Homemade Potato Soup Recipe
The perfect Homemade potato soup balances creamy smoothness with satisfying potato chunks. Ideally, every spoonful should taste rich without being too heavy. The key is finding the right thickness that coats your spoon but still pours easily. Moreover, good potato soup has layers of flavor from the onions, garlic, and herbs.
In contrast, it shouldn’t taste bland or one-dimensional. Visually, the color should be a warm, creamy white with flecks of herbs throughout. When served, when you serve it hot with your favorite toppings, each bite feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
Beyond the basic ingredients, you can customize your potato soup in many ways. Consider adding these optional ingredients for different flavors:
- Celery stalks for extra vegetables and crunch
- Carrots for sweetness and color
- Fresh parsley or chives for brightness
- Cream cheese for extra richness
- Sour cream stirred in at the end
- Different types of cheese like gruyere or pepper jack
- Paprika for a smoky flavor
- Hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Corn kernels for sweetness
- Diced ham instead of bacon
More Homemade Soup Recipes
If you love making soup at home, try these other delicious recipes too.
Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
This fancy-sounding soup is actually quite simple to make using a pressure cooker. In particular, leeks add a mild onion flavor that’s more delicate than regular onions. Moreover, the Instant Pot cuts cooking time in half while creating the same creamy texture. As a result, this soup tastes elegant enough to serve at dinner parties.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Red peppers become sweet and smoky when roasted until their skins char. Then, blended into a smooth soup with cream, they create a beautiful orange color. As a result, this soup is naturally sweet and doesn’t need much seasoning. To serve, pair it with crusty bread for dipping.
Cheeseburger Soup
Imagine all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a bowl of soup. This fun recipe includes ground beef, cheese, pickles, and even ketchup and mustard. Kids absolutely love this creative twist on a classic meal. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner.
Vegetable Soup
A classic vegetable soup uses whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, celery, green beans, corn, and tomatoes all work wonderfully together. This healthy option is packed with vitamins and fiber. It’s perfect for using up vegetables before they go bad.
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash creates a naturally sweet and smooth soup without needing much cream. Roasting the squash first brings out its caramelized flavors. This orange soup is beautiful to look at and tastes like fall in a bowl. Add a swirl of cream on top for a pretty presentation.
Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder is another creamy soup that people love. Tender clams combine with potatoes in a rich cream base. Bacon adds smoky flavor that complements the seafood perfectly. This restaurant favorite is easier to make at home than you might think.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cheese-filled tortellini pasta makes this soup extra filling and satisfying. Tender chicken and vegetables float in a flavorful broth. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition right before serving. This soup is like a warm Italian hug in a bowl.
Old-Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Old-fashioned potato soup is the kind your great-grandmother used to make on the farm. For instance, this simple version uses fewer ingredients but delivers big flavor. To start, you’ll need potatoes, onions, butter, milk, and basic seasonings. Additionally, some old recipes include diced celery and carrots for extra vegetables.
Meanwhile, the cooking method is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. First, simply boil the potatoes until tender, then mash some while leaving others chunky. Next, add milk and butter for creaminess without heavy cream. Finally, season generously with salt and pepper to taste. As a result, this rustic soup proves that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Moreover, many families have passed down their own versions through generations.
In fact, the beauty of old-fashioned recipes is their flexibility and forgiving nature. Therefore, even beginner cooks can make this soup successfully on their first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes work best for potato soup?
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Russet creates a thick, creamy texture, while Yukon Gold adds a buttery flavor.
Can I make potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding broth or milk if needed.
How do I keep my potato soup from being too thin or too thick?
Control the thickness by adjusting the liquid and mashed potatoes. Add cornstarch slurry for thickening.
Can I freeze leftover potato soup?
Yes, but texture may change. Freeze before adding cream, and add fresh when reheating.
What toppings go well with potato soup?
Popular choices include shredded cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, and chives. Customize to taste!
Conclusion
Making homemade potato soup is a wonderful skill that will serve you well for years. Moreover, this comforting dish brings warmth to any table and smiles to every face. To begin with, with simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can create delicious Homemade potato soup . It’s essential to note that you should use good quality potatoes and don’t rush the cooking process.
Additionally, season carefully and taste as you go for the best results. Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, loaded with toppings or kept simple, potato soup adapts to your preferences. For example, try different variations until you find your family’s favorite version.
