Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

This creamy potato soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, filling meal. Packed with tender potatoes, savory broth, cream, and topped with crispy bacon, chives, and cheese, this soup is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser. from selecting ingredients to variations and tips for extra creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: Silky texture with a thick, satisfying consistency.
• Quick and Easy: Simple steps and easy ingredients make this a go-to recipe for any night.
• Customizable: Adaptable to different tastes with various toppings and add-ins.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel and Dice Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
2. Dice Onion and Mince Garlic: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. This will add a savory depth to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Oil in Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add Onion: Sauté the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add Diced Potatoes: Stir the diced potatoes into the pot, coating them with the oil and aromatics.
2. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water.
3. Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

1. Prepare Flour and Milk Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with about 1/4 cup of milk until smooth. This will help thicken the soup without creating lumps.
2. Add to Soup: Pour the flour mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes as it starts to thicken.
3. Add Remaining Milk and Cream: Stir in the rest of the milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Adjust Texture

1. Blend the Soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend some or all of the potatoes until you achieve your desired texture. Alternatively, you can remove a portion of the soup, blend it in a blender, and return it to the pot.
2. Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

1. Season as Needed: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Simmer to Desired Consistency: Continue to simmer until the soup reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle into Bowls: Once the soup is creamy and hot, ladle it into serving bowls.
2. Add Toppings: Garnish with sour cream, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions or chives.
3. Serve Hot: Enjoy your creamy potato soup with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for the Creamiest Potato Soup

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy, while Russets break down easily and create a thicker texture.
2. Add Cream Gradually: Adding the cream slowly helps to prevent curdling and maintains the soup’s smoothness.
3. Blend Half of the Soup: Blending half or even a third of the soup gives a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of potatoes for a rustic feel.
4. Use Quality Broth: A flavorful broth enhances the depth of the soup; homemade chicken or vegetable broth works great.
5. Simmer Low and Slow: Cooking over a low simmer allows flavors to meld and prevents the dairy from curdling.

Variations

1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add diced ham, extra cheese, and a dash of sour cream to replicate a loaded baked potato.
2. Spicy Potato Soup: Stir in diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
3. Vegan Potato Soup: Substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Broccoli Potato Soup: Add chopped broccoli florets for a boost of veggies and extra texture.
5. Cheesy Potato Soup: Incorporate different cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or even Velveeta, for extra creamy and cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Crusty Bread or Rolls: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
2. Side Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Crackers or Breadsticks: These add a crunchy texture alongside the soft, creamy soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with extra milk or use a non-dairy option like coconut milk or almond milk.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and leeks all make great additions. Simply chop and sauté them with the onions before adding the potatoes.

3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Skip the flour and use a gluten-free thickening option, such as cornstarch or potato starch. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the soup in place of the flour mixture.

4. What’s the best way to make it extra thick?
For a thicker soup, use less broth or add a small amount of mashed potatoes. You can also add more flour in the milk mixture if desired.

5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but keep in mind that the soup may be a bit less creamy. Whole milk is the best alternative if heavy cream isn’t available.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Soup recipe is a timeless, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a hearty, warming dish on a chilly evening or a make-ahead meal that reheats well, this potato soup is the answer. With a few simple ingredients and the option to customize with your favorite toppings, you’ll be enjoying the best creamy potato soup in no time.

Yield: 6

Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

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This creamy potato soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, filling meal. Packed with tender potatoes, savory broth, cream, and topped with crispy bacon, chives, and cheese, this soup is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser. from selecting ingredients to variations and tips for extra creaminess.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra shredded cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
   
4. Blend for Creaminess:
   Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency (partially blended for a chunkier texture, or fully blended for smoothness). Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, blend, and return to the pot.
   
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
   Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, chopped chives or green onions, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon, use vegetable broth, and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Texture Tip: For extra creaminess, add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.