What Makes This Potato Soup Recipe So Special
There’s something almost magical about a bowl of truly great Potato Soup Recipe. It’s the steam that fogs your glasses, the creamy texture that hugs the back of your spoon, and the humble, earthy flavor that whispers of home and hearth. It answers that age-old question we all ask on a busy weeknight: “What can I make that’s both comforting and easy?” This particular recipe is my go-to for its perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.
I remember my grandmother making a version of this soup on chilly evenings, her secret being the gentle mashing of the potatoes right in the pot. It’s a trick I still use today to create that wonderfully thick, rustic texture without any fuss. If you’re wondering about the secret to a really thick potato soup, you’ve come to the right place. For another cozy favorite that’s just as simple to prepare, you must try my Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup on another night.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Potato Soup Recipe
This easy potato soup comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight lifesaver. Prep time is a quick 15 minutes, and the cook time is about 25 minutes, for a total of just 40 minutes from chopping board to bowl. If you love the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll adore my Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for another set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. This gentle start builds the flavor foundation for our homemade potato soup.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the cubed potatoes and broth to the pot. Increase the heat and bring everything to a rolling boil. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Simmer to Tenderness
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the potatoes are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Now for the secret to that perfect texture! Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This naturally thickens the creamy potato soup, giving it a wonderful, rustic body.
Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Stir in the milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Heat the soup through until it’s steaming, but be careful not to let it boil after adding the dairy.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and immediately top with a generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh, chopped chives.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every good recipe has room for a little personal flair. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make this Potato Soup Recipe uniquely yours.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika with the garlic. If you love hearty flavors, my Creamy Cowboy Soup is another fantastic option.
- Diet Tweak: To make this soup vegetarian, simply use a robust vegetable broth. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk blended with a little cornstarch in place of the milk and cream.
- Prep Fix: For the smoothest blending, ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform, 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. For more make-ahead magic, check out my Best Creamy Scalloped Potatoes.
Healthier Alternatives for Potato Soup Recipe
Many of you ask, “Can I make this Potato Soup Recipe a bit lighter?” Absolutely! This soup is wonderfully adaptable. For a healthier version, swap the butter for olive oil and use low-fat milk instead of cream. You can even puree a cup of cauliflower with the potatoes for extra nutrients and a creamier texture without all the dairy. If you’re looking for other comforting yet lighter meals, my French Garlic Soup is a lovely, broth-based option. And for a truly indulgent yet simple potato side, these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are always a hit.
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe
I love serving this soup on a crisp autumn evening, with a crusty loaf of sourdough bread for dipping. The contrast of the warm, creamy soup with the crunchy bread is pure bliss. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a complete meal. For another cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a potluck, you must try my Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. It has that same heartwarming quality we all crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best potato to use for creamy potato soup?
For the creamiest texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choice. They have a naturally buttery flavor and a waxy texture that breaks down beautifully. Russet potatoes are also a good option, as they are high in starch, which helps thicken the soup.
How do you make potato soup without using dairy?
You can easily make a delicious dairy-free version. Use olive oil to sauté the onions, and for the creamy element, blend in a cup of unsweetened cashew or oat milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch at the end. The result is still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
What can I add to potato soup for more flavor?
There are so many possibilities! Crispy bacon bits, a dash of hot sauce, or a spoonful of prepared horseradish add a lovely kick. For an herby freshness, stir in some fresh dill or parsley at the very end.
How long does it take to make homemade potato soup?
This easy potato soup is surprisingly quick! From start to finish, you can have it on the table in about 40 minutes. The active prep time is minimal, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.
Can you freeze potato soup and reheat it later?
You can freeze it, but with a caveat. Soups with dairy can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the milk and cream. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat and stir in the dairy fresh.
What is the secret to a really thick potato soup?
The secret is in the mashing! Using a potato masher to partially mash the cooked potatoes right in the pot releases their natural starches, which thickens the soup beautifully without needing any flour. It’s the key to the best potato soup texture.
Are russet potatoes good for making potato soup?
Yes, russet potatoes are excellent for soup. They are very starchy, which helps create a thick, hearty consistency. They tend to break down more than Yukon Golds, resulting in a slightly less chunky, but equally delicious, creamy potato soup.
How do you keep potato soup from getting gluey?
The key is to avoid over-blending or using a high-speed blender, which can break down the potato starch too much and create a gluey texture. Stick to a simple potato masher or an immersion blender used in short pulses for control. For another perfectly textured soup, see my Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.
