There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade potato soup on a chilly day. Growing up, my mom would whip up a big batch of her famous potato soup whenever the weather turned cold. The aroma of simmering potatoes, onions, and garlic would fill the house, and I can still remember the way my mouth would water in anticipation.
Mom always had a secret ingredient that made her homemade potato soup stand out – a dash of smoked paprika that added a lovely depth of flavor. She’d carefully chop the vegetables, then let the soup simmer away on the stove, stirring it every so often. When it was finally ready, we’d ladle the creamy, luscious homemade potato soup into big bowls and top it with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. It was the ultimate cozy comfort food, and it never failed to warm us up from the inside out.
Why This Homemade Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect homemade Potato Soup
This homemade potato soup recipe is truly special because it’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and hearty. The secret lies in the way we prepare the potatoes – by lightly mashing some of them to create a luxurious, velvety texture, while leaving others in chunky bites. This technique gives the soup an incredible, satisfying mouthfeel that you just can’t get from a regular potato soup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Potatoes – We’ll be using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
– Onion – Diced yellow onion adds essential sweetness and depth.
– Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall savory notes.
– Chicken or vegetable broth – This will be the flavorful base for the soup.
– Heavy cream – For that wonderfully rich and creamy texture.
– Butter – A touch of butter rounds out the flavors.
– Salt and pepper – To season the soup perfectly.
– Toppings – Crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives make the perfect garnishes.
Step-by-Step homemade Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your homemade Potato Soup
This homemade potato soup comes together quickly, with just about 30 minutes of hands-on time. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, a potato masher or ricer, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, keeping the russet and Yukon Gold varieties separate.
2- In a large pot, sauté the onion in butter over medium heat until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3- Add the russet potato cubes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very soft.
4- Use a potato masher or ricer to mash about half of the russet potatoes right in the pot, leaving the other half in chunky bites.
5- Stir in the Yukon Gold potatoes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more, until the Yukon Golds are tender.
6- Ladle the rich and creamy homemade potato soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives.
Pro Tips for Success
To make the best homemade potato soup, be sure not to overcook the potatoes – you want them tender but still holding their shape. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika. And if you like an extra-thick and creamy soup, feel free to mash a few more of the russet potatoes.
Serving and Storing Your homemade Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for homemade Potato Soup
This homemade potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread or rolls, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly satisfying meal. It also makes a great starter course for a special dinner. And don’t forget the classic potato soup toppings – crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives really take it over the top.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover homemade potato soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes it a great option for meal prepping – you can enjoy comforting homemade potato soup all winter long!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for homemade Potato Soup
Creative homemade Potato Soup Variations
While this classic homemade potato soup recipe is hard to beat, there are lots of fun ways to mix it up. Try adding diced ham or crumbled sausage for a heartier, more filling soup. You could also blend in some roasted garlic, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Making homemade Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this homemade potato soup recipe more diet-friendly, you can easily substitute low-fat or non-dairy ingredients. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for a plant-based butter or olive oil. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. And to keep things low-carb, you can replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all russet potatoes or all Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe?
A: While you can certainly use just one type of potato, the combination of russets and Yukon Golds creates the perfect texture. Russets will give you that classic mashed potato consistency, while the Yukon Golds add a lovely, creamy bite.
Q: How long does this homemade potato soup take to make?
A: This recipe comes together relatively quickly, with just about 30 minutes of active prep and cooking time. The key is to dice the potatoes evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
Q: Can I make this potato soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! Homemade potato soup is a great make-ahead meal. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: How can I make this potato soup thicker or creamier?
A: To thicken the soup, you can mash or puree a few more of the russet potatoes. For an extra-creamy texture, stir in a bit more heavy cream or use a higher cream-to-broth ratio.
Q: What should I do if my potato soup turns out too thin?
A: If your homemade potato soup ends up being a bit too thin, you can easily thicken it up. Just make a slurry with a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or all-purpose flour and some of the hot broth, then stir it back into the pot. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to allow the starch to activate and thicken.
Homemade Potato Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
This homemade potato soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender potatoes in a rich, creamy broth, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to warm you up.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
2. – Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. – Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. – Serve the potato soup hot, garnished with toppings like shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, and chopped chives.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
– Try adding diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Leftover potato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s really nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a big bowl of homemade potato soup. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite, with its rich, creamy texture and just-right seasoning. The secret technique of mashing some of the potatoes while leaving others in chunky bites gives it an unbeatable mouthfeel. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with fun toppings and variations. I hope you’ll give this homemade potato soup a try – your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
