Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to my favorite Creamy Potato Soup Recipe. This bowl of goodness is everything you crave: rich, velvety, packed with tender potatoes, and infused with the irresistible flavors of onion, bacon, and cheddar. A spoonful instantly transports you to a place of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. The best part? It’s simple enough for weeknights yet special enough for company. This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is about to become your go-to rainy day dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe lies in its everyday ingredients that come together for a simply unforgettable result. Every item adds something important: silky texture, bursts of flavor, or a pop of color. Don’t skip—the balance is what creates that signature taste!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, silky base and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweet, mellow depth to the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add that irresistible aroma and savory goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the soup and creates that dreamy, creamy texture.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For richness and flavor; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version!
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy quality is key for a thick, hearty soup that holds up to blending.
- Whole Milk: Helps create a smooth, luscious base without overpowering the potatoes.
- Heavy Cream: The ticket to extra creaminess—don’t be shy here!
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy kick and even more body to your soup.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together; don’t forget to taste as you go.
- Black Pepper: Offers a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth.
- Dried Thyme: Gives an earthy, comforting herbaceous note that brightens every spoonful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup for a cheesy finish you won’t want to skip.
- Cooked Bacon: Crumbled on top for an irresistible smoky, salty contrast.
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives: Finish it off with a fresh pop of color and sharpness.
How to Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, letting it sizzle and turn translucent—about five minutes. When your kitchen smells irresistible, stir in the minced garlic and let it mingle for just a minute more, taking care not to let it burn. This simple step builds a deep, aromatic foundation for your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over your buttery onions and stir constantly. You’re creating a roux, which thickens the soup. Give it a minute or two until the flour loses its rawness, forming a golden, fragrant paste that’s the backbone of every excellent creamy soup.
Step 3: Build the Brothy Base
Gradually whisk in the broth, pouring slowly to avoid lumps. Stir until smooth. Now, bring in the main stars—your peeled and diced russet potatoes. Crank up the heat to get everything simmering, then reduce to low and let those potatoes become wonderfully tender over 15 to 20 minutes. This stage infuses every bite with homestyle flavor.
Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection
With the potatoes soft and yielding, grab a potato masher or an immersion blender. Blend part of the soup for that creamy body, but leave some chunky pieces intact for great texture. This creamy-chunky balance is the secret to a perfect Creamy Potato Soup Recipe—it feels homemade and satisfying.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasonings
Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream, along with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let it all simmer gently for about five minutes, and watch the soup turn silkier by the second. Every ingredient you add at this stage heightens that dreamy, luxurious quality—making this soup truly special.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and let it melt completely into the hot soup. Stir until you see that gorgeous velvety sheen, then ladle into bowls while piping hot. Top generously with crumbled bacon and plenty of snipped green onions or chives for a burst of color and flavor—your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Layer on the toppings! This soup is practically begging for a shower of cheddar, a sprinkle of crispy bacon, and a scattering of chives or green onions. The salty, cheesy, herby finish adds flavor, color, and just a touch of drama to every bowl of your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.
Side Dishes
A hearty bread, like a crusty baguette or a pillowy-soft dinner roll, is perfect for dipping and catching every last drop. Pair it with a fresh green salad with bright vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness, or add roasted vegetables for extra comfort and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe in warm bread bowls for a bakery-style touch. For entertaining, pour small servings into espresso cups or shot glasses, topped with all the fixings, for a fun appetizer. You can also swirl in a little hot sauce, pesto, or a dollop of herbed sour cream for a delightful (and Instagram-worthy) twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making lunch and weeknight dinners a breeze.
Freezing
Soups with dairy can sometimes separate after freezing, but this recipe handles it like a champ. To freeze, let the soup cool and store in freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and give it a good stir when reheating.
Reheating
Warm your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to keep it smooth. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s thicker than you’d like. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate—gentle heat is key to keeping things silky and luscious.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and leave off the bacon garnish. For extra depth, toss in a handful of sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a similar savory kick.
Is it possible to make this soup lighter?
Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or just use more whole milk. Greek yogurt works perfectly in place of sour cream without sacrificing creaminess, and you can cut back on cheese and bacon if you wish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to throw in diced carrots, celery, or even a handful of corn when you add the potato. These extras add color and subtle sweetness for a little flavor twist.
What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their starches create a naturally creamy, thick soup. Yukon Golds are another good choice for a buttery flavor, but stay away from waxy varieties—they won’t break down as well.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe turns out a little thinner than you’d like, mash more potatoes directly into the pot or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. A slurry of cornstarch and water will do the trick in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to discover the cozy, creamy magic that is this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving, no matter the season. Whether you’re serving a hungry crew or just need a little comfort in a bowl, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your spoon and dig in—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this creamy potato soup recipe, perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. With a velvety texture and savory toppings, it’s a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings:
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the broth until smooth, then add the diced potatoes.
- Cook Soup: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. Mash some of the soup for texture.
- Finish Soup: Stir in milk, cream, sour cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with bacon, and green onions or chives.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Add chopped carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
