This hearty red potato soup is a delectable blend of comfort and indulgence. With a base of red potatoes, it's thickened with a roux of flour and butter, supplemented with celery, carrots, onion, and a touch of garlic for depth of flavor. Smoked bacon adds a hint of smokiness while sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream bring a velvety richness to the soup. It's the perfect dish to warm up on a cold day.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in a pantry, such as red potatoes, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and flour. Do pay attention to sourcing the smoked bacon, which adds a crucial depth of flavor to the soup. The sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream are other key ingredients that provide the soup's distinct creamy texture and tangy taste. You might also need to pick up some chicken bouillon cubes if they're not already in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Hearty Red Potato Soup
Smoked bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and some texture to the soup.
Onion: Provides a base flavor.
Celery: Adds a refreshing and crunchy texture.
Carrot: Brings sweetness and color to the soup.
Minced garlic: Contributes to the aroma and flavor.
Red potatoes: The star ingredient of the soup, it gives the soup body and thickness.
Chicken bouillon cubes: Amplifies the soup's savory taste.
Unsalted butter: Used to create a roux to thicken the soup.
White flour: Works with the butter to make the roux.
Whole milk: Adds a creamy richness to the soup.
Sour cream: Enhances the soup's tanginess and creaminess.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the soup a cheesy depth and creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Season the soup to taste.
Chives: Used as garnish and adds a mild oniony flavor.
One reader, Holly Schaeffer says:
This hearty red potato soup recipe is a game-changer! The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and tender potatoes creates a rich and satisfying soup. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it's so comforting on a chilly day. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a winner!
Techniques Required
How to prep: Wash the red potatoes and cut into small cubes. Peel if desired (I like to leave the peel on). Dice the onion, dice the celery, dice the carrot.
How to cook bacon: In a very large pot, over medium heat, cook all of the bacon to desired doneness. Remove onto a paper towel-lined plate and dab off the excess grease. Coarsely chop the bacon.
How to sauté vegetables: Drain all of the bacon fat except for 3 tablespoons. Add in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until the onion is translucent over medium heat, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds.
How to cook potatoes: Add in the potatoes and toss everything to coat. Cover everything with 6 cups water and 6 regular-sized chicken bouillon cubes or 6 cups chicken stock. Heat to boiling and then reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
How to make roux: In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for one minute over medium heat.
How to make cream mixture: Very slowly add in 2 cups of room temperature milk. Whisk until thickened. Add in a generous amount of salt and pepper.
How to combine ingredients: To the potatoes, add in the cream mixture, additional 2 cups of milk, sour cream, a generous amount of chives or green onions, 2 cups of the cheese, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir and cook until heated and cheese is melted.
How to serve: Top individual bowls with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon, and remaining chives/green onions.
How To Make Red Potato Soup
Enjoy a lusciously creamy and savory red potato soup, loaded with bacon, carrots, and gooey cheddar cheese, for your next side dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozsmoked bacon
- 1small onion
- 2celery stalks
- 1large carrot
- 2tspgarlic,minced
- 2lbsred potatoes,cubed
- 6chicken bouillon cubes
- ⅔cupunsalted butter
- ¾cupwhite flour
- 4cupswhole milk,room temperature
- 8ozsour cream
- 2½cupssharp cheddar cheese,separated
- salt and pepper
- chives,or green onions
Instructions
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In a very large pot, over medium heat, cook all of the bacon to desired doneness.
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Remove onto a paper towel lined plate and dab off the excess grease. Coarsely chop the bacon. Drain all of the bacon fat except for 3 tablespoons.
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Add in the onion, celery, and carrot and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion is translucent over medium heat. Add the garlic in the last 30 seconds. Add in the potatoes and toss everything to coat.
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Cover everything with 6 cups of water and 6 regular sized chicken bouillon cubes.
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Heat to boiling, then reduce the heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Using a potato masher, mash down some of the tender potatoes, leaving some chunks.
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In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat.
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Very slowly add in 2 cups of room temperature milk. Whisk until thickened. Add in a generous amount of salt and pepper.
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To the potatoes, add in the cream mixture, additional 2 cups of milk, sour cream, generous amount of chives or green onions, 2 cups of the cheese, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir and cook until heated and cheese is melted.
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Top individual bowls with remaining ½ cup of cheese, remaining bacon, and remaining chives.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 612.31kcal
- Fat: 46.13g
- Saturated Fat: 23.88g
- Trans Fat: 0.93g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.72g
- Carbohydrates: 31.05g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 8.14g
- Protein: 19.46g
- Cholesterol: 113.53mg
- Sodium: 1214.35mg
- Calcium: 398.14mg
- Potassium: 768.06mg
- Iron: 1.26mg
- Vitamin A: 350.99µg
- Vitamin C: 9.45mg
Technique Tip for Making Hearty Red Potato Soup
When preparing your red potatoes, it's important to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, they may not be fully cooked when the smaller pieces are done, resulting in an inconsistent texture throughout your soup. Also, while mashing the potatoes, remember to leave some chunks. This will give your soup a hearty and satisfying texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Hearty Soup
Prep Work: Prep all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the cream mixture and toppings.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon instead of cooking it from scratch.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Potato Soup Recipe
smoked bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey or tempeh bacon: Smoked turkey or tempeh bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture while being a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.
chicken boullion cubes - Substitute with vegetable boullion cubes: Vegetable boullion cubes can provide a similar savory flavor without the use of chicken, making it suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil or coconut oil: Olive oil or coconut oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a different flavor profile while still adding richness to the soup.
whole milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk: Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture without the use of cow's milk.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream: Greek yogurt or dairy-free sour cream can provide a similar tangy creaminess, making it suitable for those looking for a lighter or dairy-free option.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda or vegan cheddar cheese: Smoked gouda or vegan cheddar cheese can offer a similar sharpness and depth of flavor, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
chives - Substitute with green onions or parsley: Green onions or parsley can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish for the soup.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Red Potato Soup
Elevate the soup bowl: Present the hearty red potato soup in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The bowl should be elegant and refined, enhancing the visual appeal of the soup.
Garnish with crispy bacon: Place a delicate arrangement of crispy bacon on top of the soup, adding a touch of texture and smoky flavor to each serving. The bacon should be carefully positioned to create a visually appealing presentation.
Sprinkle with chives: Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The vibrant green chives will provide a beautiful contrast against the rich, creamy soup.
Serve with artisan bread: Accompany the soup with slices of freshly baked artisan bread, elegantly arranged on the side of the bowl. The bread should be carefully selected to complement the flavors of the soup and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Use elegant serving utensils: Choose high-quality, polished serving utensils to ladle the soup into the bowls, ensuring a refined and professional presentation. The utensils should reflect the attention to detail and precision in the culinary execution.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the presentation with a subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil, adding a luxurious sheen to the surface of the soup. The drizzle should be expertly applied to enhance the visual appeal and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Hearty Red Potato Soup
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring there is enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
- Paper towels: These are used for draining excess grease from the cooked bacon.
- Potato masher: This tool is used to mash some of the tender potatoes, creating a thicker consistency in the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Whisk: A whisk is used for mixing and incorporating ingredients smoothly, particularly when making the cream mixture and ensuring it is free of lumps.
- Knife: A knife is needed for chopping the vegetables and cutting the bacon into smaller pieces.
- Cutting board: This is used as a surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and bacon.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring out ingredients such as flour, milk, and spices.
- Large spoon: A large spoon is used for stirring the soup and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined during the cooking process.
- Grater: A grater is used for grating the sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is used for melting the butter and gradually adding in the flour and milk to create the cream mixture.
- Cooking thermometer: This is used to ensure the soup reaches the appropriate temperature when cooking and melting the cheese.
- Soup bowls: These are used for serving the hearty red potato soup once it is ready to be enjoyed.
How To Store and Freeze Hearty Red Potato Soup
- Allow the potato soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Freeze the soup without the sour cream and cheese. These dairy products can change texture and separate when frozen and thawed. You can add them fresh when reheating the soup.
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen potato soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, transfer it to a pot and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen soup, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen soup in a pot and warm it over low heat, stirring frequently, until it's completely thawed and heated through.
- If you didn't add the sour cream and cheese before freezing, stir them in during the reheating process once the soup is warm.
- Adjust the consistency of the reheated soup by adding a little chicken broth or milk if it seems too thick.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving the reheated soup.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover potato soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out and improve the consistency. Heat until the soup is warmed through and steaming, but not boiling.
Microwave method: Pour the desired amount of leftover potato soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: If you have a large batch of leftover potato soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let the soup warm through for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, such as during a party or gathering.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover potato soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is warmed through. Stir the soup halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Garnish and serve: Once the potato soup is reheated, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives or green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Random Fact About Hearty Red Potato Soup
The recipe contains red potato soup which is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for a comforting meal.
Is This Hearty Soup Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this hearty red potato soup recipe is quite high. The use of affordable ingredients like red potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese makes it budget-friendly for a household. The recipe yields a large batch, providing several servings, which adds to its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an economical choice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Hearty Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This hearty red potato soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are:
- High saturated fat content from the bacon, butter, whole milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese
- Significant amount of sodium from the bacon, chicken bouillon cubes, and added salt
- Refined carbohydrates from the white flour used as a thickener
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Red potatoes, which are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber
- Vegetables like onion, celery, and carrot that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Garlic, which has been linked to various health benefits
To make this soup healthier without sacrificing too much flavor, consider the following modifications:
- Swap the bacon for a leaner protein like chicken or turkey, or use a smaller amount of bacon for flavor
- Replace some or all of the butter with heart-healthy olive oil
- Use low-fat milk and sour cream instead of whole milk and regular sour cream
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like chickpea flour for added nutrition
- Reduce the number of chicken bouillon cubes or replace them with low-sodium chicken stock
- Increase the amount and variety of vegetables in the soup, such as adding diced bell peppers or leafy greens like spinach or kale
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this comforting soup while still enjoying its rich, satisfying flavors.
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Red Potato Soup Recipe
The recipe for hearty red potato soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon with the creamy texture of potatoes and cheese. The use of fresh vegetables and herbs adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the addition of sour cream provides a luscious creaminess. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Overall, this soup is a hearty and satisfying option for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends.
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Why trust this Red Potato Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a comforting and flavorful potato soup that is perfect for a hearty meal. The combination of smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The use of red potatoes adds a rustic and wholesome element to the dish. With step-by-step instructions and a thoughtful balance of ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and delicious outcome. Trust in the expertise of this culinary creation to elevate your dining experience.
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