Potato Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy potato soup brings comfort on chilly nights when warmth matters most.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a delightful bowl that feels like a culinary hug.

Cold weather calls for something rich and satisfying, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Simple pantry staples transform into a smooth, velvety experience that everyone adores.

Chunky potatoes mingle with savory herbs, creating depth and character in every spoonful.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this soup a go-to meal for busy people.

You’ll want to ladle this goodness into bowls and savor each delicious moment.

Potato Soup Creamy Comfort in a Bowl

  • Easy to personalize with toppings like cheese, green onions, or bacon bits, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Prepared in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this soup is an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious, nutritious dinner option.
  • Clever technique of partially mashing potatoes creates a delightful blend of creamy smoothness and chunky potato pieces, ensuring a more interesting and enjoyable eating experience.

Ingredients for Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the base and hearty texture of the soup.
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Broth: Liquid base that helps cook the potatoes and creates the soup's foundation.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Thyme: Herb that introduces a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.
Creamy and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Milk, Cheese: Dairy ingredients that add richness, creaminess, and a smooth texture to the soup.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and savory undertone to the soup.
  • Green Onions, Bacon Bits: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Make Potato Soup

Step 1: Saute Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot and melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring continuously until they transform into a soft, translucent mixture that releases a delightful aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh thyme (optional)

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat.

Allow the soup to simmer peacefully, letting the potatoes become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Texture

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down the potatoes.

This technique creates a velvety base while keeping some chunky potato pieces for a rustic, hearty feel.

The goal is a soup that’s creamy yet still has some delightful potato texture.

Step 4: Finish with Creamy Elegance

Pour in milk and continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring each spoonful is perfectly balanced with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Silky Potato Soup

  • Mash potatoes directly in the pot for a thicker, more luxurious soup texture without losing the rustic potato chunks.
  • Use an immersion blender sparingly to maintain a mix of smooth and chunky elements, preventing an overly pureed result.
  • Sauté onions and garlic slowly to release their natural sweetness and create a rich foundational taste for the soup.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually during cooking to build layers of flavor without overwhelming the delicate potato base.
  • Experiment with different garnishes like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, or fresh chives to add personal flair and extra texture to your soup.

Storing and Reheating Potato Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding dairy before freezing to maintain texture.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.
  • Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Watch carefully to prevent overheating and separation.

Delicious Pairings for Potato Soup

  • Harmonize Hearty Flavors: Pair this creamy potato soup with complementary dishes and drinks that elevate its rich, comforting profile.
  • Craft a Crisp Salad Companion: Toss a light, tangy green salad with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide fresh contrast.
  • Select Perfect Wine Pairing: Uncork a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay to complement the soup's creamy texture and enhance its subtle potato and herb notes.
  • Complete the Meal with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or a crusty baguette to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add delightful textural variety to your dining experience.

Variations on Classic Potato Soup

  • Vegan Potato Soup: Replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and top with nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Add extra herbs like rosemary for depth.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure broth is gluten-free certified and use cornstarch as a thickener if needed. Swap regular milk for lactose-free or dairy-free alternatives.
  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Top with jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty kick. Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Maintain similar cooking method and seasoning for a lighter alternative.

FAQs

  • Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work great in this recipe. They’ll add a slightly different flavor and more nutrients to your soup.

  • Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

It can be if you use vegetable broth and skip the optional bacon garnish. The base recipe is naturally vegetarian.

  • How can I make the soup thicker?

Use less liquid or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the soup. Alternatively, mashing more potatoes will naturally increase the soup’s thickness.

  • What are the best cheese toppings for this potato soup?

Cheddar, sharp white cheddar, and parmesan work wonderfully. Each adds a different depth of flavor to the creamy soup.

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Potato Soup Recipe

Potato Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Potato Soup emerges as a comforting classic, blending creamy textures with rich potato goodness. Warm spices and tender vegetables create a soul-satisfying bowl that beckons you to savor each spoonful with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (or cream)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Garnish (optional):

  • Chopped green onions
  • Bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, allowing butter to transform into liquid gold.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently dancing them in the melted butter for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
  3. Incorporate cubed potatoes, rich broth, seasoning elements, and fragrant thyme into the pot, elevating the temperature until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
  4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the potatoes to tenderize and absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they can be easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Create textural complexity by partially pulverizing the soup using a potato masher or immersion blender, maintaining a balance between smooth creaminess and rustic potato chunks.
  6. Stream in milk, continuing to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes and fine-tuning the seasoning profile to achieve perfect harmony of flavors.
  7. Finish the culinary creation by scattering vibrant cheese across the surface and adorning with optional green onion slivers or crispy bacon fragments, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize the thickness by adjusting the amount of mashed potatoes, creating a perfectly creamy or chunky consistency based on personal preference.
  • Swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to make the soup vegan-friendly and accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
  • Elevate the flavor profile by roasting garlic and onions before adding them to the pot, intensifying the soup’s depth and complexity.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or sage to transform the classic potato soup into a unique, personalized comfort dish that suits your taste buds.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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