Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about wrapping up your day with a bowl of thick, velvety potato soup that’s loaded with all the good stuff—cheddar, sour cream, and crispy bacon. Dive into this cozy hug of a dish, where every spoonful is a rich, creamy testament to just how deliciously simple life can be.

The comforting essence of Creamy Potato Soup is really hard to beat. You get a hearty and warm bowl of soup, with russet potatoes providing the comfy base, of course.

This is then layered with flavor from unsalted butter and loads of garlic. The soup’s silky texture comes from heavy cream, which obviously puts this in the indulgence category.

I could eat it every day and not get tired.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Potatoes: Potatoes provide a comforting, starchy base and are rich in carbohydrates and fiber.
• Onion: Adds aromatic flavor and depth, and contains vitamin C and fiber.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with its pungent, savory notes while offering antioxidants.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes creaminess; rich source of fat for a velvety texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy taste, while providing protein and calcium.
• Bacon: Optional for a smoky, savory element and crispy texture.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, vibrant flavor and color.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

1. In a big saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook until it becomes transparent, which takes about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic to the mix and cook for a further 60 seconds, or until you can smell it.

3. Combine the chicken or vegetable broth in a saucepan and heat to a simmer.

4. Put the diced potatoes in the pot. Season them with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cover and let simmer until the potatoes are nice and tender, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Blend the soup with an immersion blender to your preferred consistency. For a less-smooth soup, blend very briefly; for a completely smooth soup, blend until smooth.

6. Mix in the heavy cream and return the soup to a gentle simmer.

7. Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup until it is fully melted and blended.

8. Remove from heat and gently mix in the sour cream, stirring until completely integrated for an extra creamy texture.

9. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.

10. Serve this creamy potato soup hot, with the garnishments of your choice. The bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley certainly elevate the appearance and flavor to a new level. But if you want to go all out, a drizzle of truffle oil takes this soup over-the-top!

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Immersion blender
8. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?Indeed, you can just use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth, and leave out the bacon.
• Can I use a different type of potato?Indeed, Yukon gold or red potatoes can be utilized for a slightly altered texture and taste.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan; warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
• Can I freeze this soup?You can freeze it, but the cream might change the texture. If you’re going to freeze the soup, leave out the cream. And then add it when you reheat the soup.
• What substitutions can I make for heavy cream?You can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, but the soup will be less creamy.
• How can I make it thicker?To achieve a thicker soup, use a fork to mash some of the potatoes or employ an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
• Can I add other vegetables?Of course, you can add extra flavor and nutrition by using carrots, celery, or leeks.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil or margarine can be used as a substitute for butter.
You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream in a recipe, and the result will not be too different. Those two options are acceptable lighter alternatives for a cream sauce.
Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a nutritious twist. Whole Greek yogurt has the same creaminess as sour cream, while providing half the fat and almost twice the protein. Both yogurt and sour cream have similar flavors and textures, and can be used interchangeably, especially in baking and cooking. If you’re longing for a dish with the tangy flavor and rich consistency of sour cream, use a 1:1 ratio of yogurt to sour cream in the recipe.
Monterey Jack or Gruyère can take the place of Cheddar cheese and impart their flavors.
Turkey bacon can be substituted for traditional bacon, or the recipe can be adjusted for a vegetarian option.

Pro Tips

1. Cheese Blend For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and another type of cheese such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack. This can add depth and complexity to the soup.

2. Enhanced Garlic Flavor Roast the garlic cloves before mincing them. Roasting enhances the garlic’s sweetness and mellows its sharpness, adding a deeper flavor dimension to the soup.

3. Thicker Consistency If you prefer a thicker soup, reserve a portion of the cooked potatoes before blending. Mash them separately and stir them back into the soup after blending to achieve your desired thickness.

4. Infuse Extra Flavor Add a bay leaf along with the thyme when cooking the potatoes for an aromatic layer of flavor. Remember to remove it before blending.

5. Bacon Variations Instead of just crumbling bacon as a garnish, try incorporating some of the bacon fat into the soup by cooking the onions in it instead of butter. This will infuse the soup with a smoky, savory taste.