Comforting Homemade Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth (or desired consistency). If you don't have an immersion blender, you can also use a regular blender in batches, just be careful to not overfill the blender.
  6. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Heat the soup over low heat until it's warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth until your desired consistency is reached.
  8. Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the bacon. Add some extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for added flavor and texture.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Top the soup with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped chives, and additional shredded cheese.
  • Spicy Potato Soup: Add some heat by including diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before serving.
  • Herb-infused Potato Soup: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill to add extra depth of flavor.
  • Cheesy Potato Soup: Increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or add other types of cheese like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a richer and cheesier soup.
  • Chunky Potato Soup: Instead of pureeing the soup, leave it chunky by mashing some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher.
  • Smoky Potato Soup: Add a smoky flavor by including some diced smoked sausage or smoked paprika to the soup.
  • Loaded Potato Soup with Broccoli: Add cooked broccoli florets to the soup for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

Recipe overview

Warm up with a scrumptious bowl of homemade potato soup. This comforting and hearty soup is full of rich flavors from the creamy potatoes, savory chicken broth, and aromatic herbs. It's perfectly smooth and creamy, thanks to a quick blend before serving. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and freshly sliced green onions, every spoonful is packed with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This recipe is simple to make and requires basic ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. In just a few easy steps, you'll have a pot of delicious potato soup that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use a different type of potato such as Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the soup may vary slightly.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the potato soup.
  3. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk? Yes, you can use low-fat milk if you prefer. However, using whole milk will yield a creamier and richer texture.
  4. Can I freeze the potato soup? Yes, you can freeze the potato soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  5. Can I add other ingredients to the soup? Certainly! Potato soup is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include cooked ham, corn, carrots, or even diced bell peppers.
  6. How can I make the soup thicker? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork or potato masher before adding the milk and cream. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and slowly add it to the soup while stirring until desired thickness is achieved.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Potato peeler - Used to peel the russet potatoes before dicing them.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Large pot - Needed for cooking and simmering the soup.
  • Immersion blender - Used to puree the soup until smooth.
  • Ladle - Useful for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - The serving vessels for the potato soup.
  • Grater - Required for shredding cheddar cheese as a topping.
  • Cooking pan - For cooking the bacon slices until crispy.
  • Spatula - Used for flipping and transferring bacon slices.
  • Knife - To crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Serving spoons - For garnishing the soup with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.

Origin stories

Potato soup has a rich history that spans countries and centuries. Originating in Europe, this hearty dish was primarily consumed by the working class due to the affordability and availability of potatoes. In fact, during the Irish potato famine in the mid-1800s, potato soup was a staple for many households, providing much needed sustenance during a time of scarcity. Today, potato soup is a comfort food enjoyed by many around the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. For example, in Germany, a version of potato soup includes sausage, demonstrating the adaptability of this humble dish. This potato soup recipe, with its creamy texture, fragrant herbs and toppings of cheese and bacon, is a testament to how this simple soup has evolved while still maintaining its comforting appeal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.