Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: A Hug in a Bowl

Hearty and comforting, this creamy potato soup recipe promises pure culinary comfort on chilly evenings.

Potatoes blend seamlessly with rich cream and aromatic herbs, creating a velvety texture that warms your soul.

Smooth and satisfying, each spoonful carries deep flavor notes that dance across your palate.

Kitchens everywhere can master this simple yet elegant dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate its adaptable nature, allowing personalized twists and creative additions.

Seasonal vegetables and carefully selected spices can elevate this classic soup from good to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming culinary masterpiece.

Sides That Go With Creamy Potato Soup

  • Rustic Comfort Feast: Serve this hearty potato soup in a bread bowl for a cozy, rustic dining experience. Hollow out a round sourdough loaf and ladle the creamy soup inside, letting the bread soak up the delicious flavors.
  • Seasonal Soup Party: Create a soup bar with various toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, croutons, and different cheese varieties. Guests can customize their soup, making it an interactive and fun meal.
  • Gourmet Lunch Pairing: Accompany the soup with a crisp green salad and crusty artisan bread. Drizzle some herb-infused olive oil on top for an elegant touch that elevates the entire dining experience.

The Smart Way To Store Potato Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra milk or broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon for a delicious vegetarian version.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening, and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce cream, add more vegetables like carrots or celery, and use turkey bacon or skip bacon completely for a lighter option.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy, smooth texture when cooked in the soup.

Creamy Potato Soup That Warms Every Spoonful

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy flavors.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine everything in one bowl, mix, and bake – no complicated techniques required, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
  • Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings like bacon, different cheeses, or vegetables to match your family's preferences and keep the meal exciting.
  • Serve for Any Gathering: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, this crowd-pleasing casserole feeds a hungry group without stress or complicated preparation.

Ingredient Essentials For Creamy Potato Soup

For the Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide the main texture and substance of the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth of flavor and helps cook the potatoes.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, savory flavor profile for the soup.
For the Creaminess and Thickening:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious texture and add richness to the soup.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a more substantial consistency.
  • Butter: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Delicious garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

How To Whip Up Creamy Potato Soup

Step 1: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and stir for another minute, releasing its fragrant essence.

Step 2: Simmer Potato Base

Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme into the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes turn tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Texture

For a richer consistency, whisk flour into milk until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring continuously.

Allow the soup to simmer and thicken, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Elements

Pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly heated and blended.

Step 5: Customize Soup Consistency

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup’s texture.

Partially blend for a rustic feel or completely smooth out the soup, keeping some potato chunks if desired.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with delectable garnishes:
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Sharp shredded cheddar cheese
  • Dollop of tangy sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh parsley sprigs

Enjoy your comforting, creamy potato soup immediately while hot!

Kitchen Tips For Creamy Potato Soup Perfection

  • Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest texture and best flavor absorption.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent soup texture.
  • Prevent milk from curdling by adding it slowly and keeping the heat low when incorporating dairy.
  • Enhance soup's richness by using chicken broth instead of water for deeper flavor profile.
  • Create a vegetarian version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting bacon as a topping.

Creative Twists For Creamy Potato Soup Lovers

  • Rustic Farmhouse Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add chopped carrots and celery for extra vegetable richness. Top with crispy pancetta instead of bacon.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace thyme with cumin. Garnish with cilantro, pepper jack cheese, and a dollop of salsa.
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup Style: Increase cream ratio and make soup extra thick. Pile on classic baked potato toppings like sharp cheddar, green onions, bacon bits, and a swirl of sour cream.
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Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting potato soup celebrates hearty flavors from rural kitchens. Home cooks will savor this simple, warming classic that connects generations through nourishing ingredients you can enjoy with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 6 cups diced potatoes (45 medium russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat until it sizzles. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and introduce diced potatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and easily mashed.
  3. For a more robust texture, create a thickening slurry by whisking flour into milk until smooth. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, allowing the soup to gradually thicken.
  4. Introduce milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate. Maintain a low simmer for 4-5 minutes, ensuring the soup reaches a consistent temperature without boiling.
  5. For a velvety consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Leave some potato chunks intact for textural contrast, creating a rustic and hearty presentation.
  6. Transfer the creamy soup into serving bowls. Embellish with crispy crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of parsley for a visually appealing and flavor-packed finish.

Notes

  • Swap butter with olive oil for a healthier version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
  • Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting bacon for protein-packed garnishes like roasted chickpeas or tofu crumbles.
  • Dial down dairy for lactose-sensitive diners by using unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
  • Boost nutrition by leaving potato skins on, which contain extra fiber and minerals, and adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery during initial sauteing for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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