The chilly evenings of autumn call for something warm and soothing. Each time the seasons shift, my thoughts inevitably wander to my kitchen. Memories of creamy potato soup bubble to the surface. If there’s one dish that wraps you in a snug blanket of comfort, it’s this one. Let me take you on a delightful journey of how to make creamy potato soup that will warm your heart and feed your soul.
What is Creamy Potato Soup?
Creamy potato soup is a velvety blend of tender potatoes and rich cream, seasoned to perfection. This dish often brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where laughter filled the air alongside the aroma of simmering ingredients.
At its core, creamy potato soup includes simple, wholesome components. Potatoes are the star of the show, with broth and cream transforming them into a delightful potion of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup!
You might wonder, why this particular recipe? Let’s be frank, it’s not just about the flavor. Although, trust me, the flavor is something you won’t want to miss. This recipe is flexible, easy to prepare, and perfect for a crowd.
Perhaps you’ll sink into your chair with a warm bowl one chilly night. Or entertain guests on a rainy afternoon. This creamy potato soup has a way of making everything feel right, doesn’t it?
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up this fantastic creamy potato soup:
3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 strips of bacon, chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
⅓ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Optional Toppings:
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Diced green onions
Crispy bacon pieces
A dollop of sour cream
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. I often encourage leaving the skins on for extra flavor and nutrients. But for this creamy soup, I like them peeled. It gives a smooth texture that’s just delightful. Rinse them under cold water to remove any starch.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. The aroma of sizzling bacon is rivaled only by the final soup itself. Once it’s nice and crispy, remove it from the pot and let it drain on paper towels. Don’t toss the drippings; we’ll use them!
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onions to the bacon drippings. Let them sweat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The scent will take you back to some of the best comfort food moments in life.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes
Next, toss in those beautiful cubed potatoes. Stir them around gently for a couple of minutes, letting them mingle with the onions and garlic.
Step 5: Pour in the Stock
Now, it’s time for the chicken stock. Pour it into the pot, covering the potatoes. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 15 to 20 minutes should do it.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes easily crush with the touch of a fork, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Blend until it’s creamy and smooth.
Step 7: Add Flour and Dairy
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a cup of the soup until there are no lumps. This will help thicken the mixture. Add this back into the pot along with the milk and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
Step 8: Season to Perfection
Add the kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Don’t forget to taste! This is your chance to adjust salt and pepper according to your liking.
Step 9: Final Touches
Now for the fun part! Stir in the sour cream for an extra layer of creaminess. Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon and chopped chives on top.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or whatever toppings you fancy. I promise, your friends and family will be coming back for seconds.
Tips & Tricks
To make your creamy potato soup even more delightful, consider these tips:
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets work magic in building that fluffy, creamy base. Yukon gold also creates a lovely texture.
Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. It allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or non-dairy milk.
Bacon-Free Option: Use olive oil to sauté onions and garlic, and skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Batch Cooking: It freezes exceptionally well. Just store in airtight containers for later cozy meals.
Nutrition Information
This creamy potato soup recipe serves about 8, boasting a balance of comforting and hearty components. Each serving has roughly:
Calories: 320
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 3g
These values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
Can I Store Creamy Potato Soup?
Absolutely! This soup stores beautifully. Place leftovers in an airtight container and put them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Potato Soup?
When it comes to side dishes, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas:
Crusty Bread: Serve alongside thick slices of sourdough. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
Salad: A refreshing green salad provides a nice balance to the richness of the soup.
Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or a panini makes for a delicious pairing.
Chips: Crunchy chips or crackers offer added texture.
Pickles: A tangy side can brighten your meal wonderfully.
Variations
Feel like mixing things up? Here are five delightful variations you might enjoy:
Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup: Add blanched broccoli florets with the cheddar for a vibrant twist.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Mix in additional toppings like sour cream, chives, and even more crispy bacon.
Spicy Chili Potato Soup: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Vegan Potato Soup: Use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of dairy. It’s rich and satisfying.
Herb-Infused Potato Soup: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic depth.
Conclusion
Creamy potato soup is one of those comfort foods that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this bowl of goodness will always be a hit. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
Feel free to experiment, adapt the ingredients, and make it your own. With a little creativity, this crowd-favorite can evolve into your signature dish. So put on that apron, grab those ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories together with this delightful creamy potato soup! Enjoy every delightful spoonful.
You’ll also like the following Posts!
- Italian Vegetable Lentil Soup
- Balsamic Chicken Marinade
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Squash and Tomatoes
Creamy Potato Soup – Recipes From Chef
Description
The chilly evenings of autumn call for something warm and soothing. Each time the seasons shift, my thoughts inevitably wander to my kitchen. Memories of creamy potato soup bubble to the surface. If there’s one dish that wraps you in a snug blanket of comfort, it’s this one. Let me take you on a delightful journey of how to make creamy potato soup that will warm your heart and feed your soul.
Ingredients
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
-
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. I often encourage leaving the skins on for extra flavor and nutrients. But for this creamy soup, I like them peeled. It gives a smooth texture that’s just delightful. Rinse them under cold water to remove any starch.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
-
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. The aroma of sizzling bacon is rivaled only by the final soup itself. Once it's nice and crispy, remove it from the pot and let it drain on paper towels. Don’t toss the drippings; we’ll use them!
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
-
In the same pot, add the diced onions to the bacon drippings. Let them sweat over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The scent will take you back to some of the best comfort food moments in life.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes
-
Next, toss in those beautiful cubed potatoes. Stir them around gently for a couple of minutes, letting them mingle with the onions and garlic.
Step 5: Pour in the Stock
-
Now, it’s time for the chicken stock. Pour it into the pot, covering the potatoes. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 15 to 20 minutes should do it.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
-
Once the potatoes easily crush with the touch of a fork, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Blend until it's creamy and smooth.
Step 7: Add Flour and Dairy
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a cup of the soup until there are no lumps. This will help thicken the mixture. Add this back into the pot along with the milk and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
Step 8: Season to Perfection
-
Add the kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Don’t forget to taste! This is your chance to adjust salt and pepper according to your liking.
Step 9: Final Touches
-
Now for the fun part! Stir in the sour cream for an extra layer of creaminess. Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon and chopped chives on top.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, green onions, or whatever toppings you fancy. I promise, your friends and family will be coming back for seconds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Total Carbohydrate 37g13%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets work magic in building that fluffy, creamy base. Yukon gold also creates a lovely texture.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. It allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or non-dairy milk.
- Bacon-Free Option: Use olive oil to sauté onions and garlic, and skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Batch Cooking: It freezes exceptionally well. Just store in airtight containers for later cozy meals.
