Nothing warms you up on a chilly day quite like a hearty, creamy soup. This ultimate potato soup recipe hits all the right notes with its rich, comforting goodness. Teeming with chunky potatoes, crisp veggies, and topped with the salty crunch of bacon, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and can be found in most home kitchens. However, if you're missing anything, you may need to pick up some russet potatoes, yellow onions, carrots, celery, low-sodium chicken broth, all-purpose flour, milk and sour cream. Don’t forget the toppings – a good quality bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions can make a world of difference in taste.
Ingredients for The Ultimate Potato Soup
russet potatoes: This variety of potato is starchy and perfect for soup because they break down well when cooked, yielding a creamy texture.
yellow onion: Known for their sweet flavor, they add a depth of flavor to the soup.
carrots: Adds a hint of sweetness and color to the soup.
celery: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as the base of the soup, contributing to the overall flavor.
butter: Adds richness to the soup.
all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup.
milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.
sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the soup.
bacon: Gives a crispy, salty topping that contrasts the creamy soup.
cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy, creamy touch.
green onions: Garnish and add a pop of color and freshness.
One reader, Britt Grubbs says:
This potato soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the texture is creamy perfection. The addition of bacon, cheddar, and green onions takes it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious soup.
Essential Techniques for Making the Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and peel the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Dice the potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
How to thicken the soup: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add the flour, and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly. Slowly add the milk while whisking, and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and lightly bubbles.
How to serve the soup: Ladle the potato soup into serving bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon or ham, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
How To Make The Best Potato Soup
Savor the creamy goodness of this potato soup filled with soft potatoes, cheese, and bacon – an awesome recipe giving a wide array of flavors in one bowl!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6cupsrusset potatoes,peeled and ¾-inch diced
- 1½cupsyellow onion,chopped
- 1¼cupscarrots,peeled and diced
- 1cupdiced celery
- 14½ozlow-sodium chicken broth,(2 cans)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- ⅓cupbutter
- ⅓cupall-purpose flour
- 2½cupsmilk
- ½cupsour cream
Serving:
- Crumbled bacon,or chopped cooked ham
- Sheddar cheese,shredded
- Green onions,or chives, chopped
Instructions
-
In a large stockpot, combine diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions with chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are very soft when pierced with a fork.
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Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly. While whisking, slowly add milk and cook, stirring constantly until mixture begins lightly bubble and thicken.
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Once potatoes are soft, add thickened milk mixture to potato soup mixture and stir; potatoes should start breaking down into soup, if not cook a few minutes longer. Add sour cream and mix well.
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Ladle soup into serving bowls, top each serving with bacon or ham, cheddar cheese and green onions.
Recipe Notes
The soup will thicken as it rests so if there are left overs, thin with a little water or milk.
Nutrition
- Calories: 451.93kcal
- Fat: 21.70g
- Saturated Fat: 12.96g
- Trans Fat: 0.50g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.18g
- Carbohydrates: 55.42g
- Fiber: 4.96g
- Sugar: 11.84g
- Protein: 11.92g
- Cholesterol: 56.70mg
- Sodium: 1234.76mg
- Calcium: 231.63mg
- Potassium: 1268.86mg
- Iron: 2.58mg
- Vitamin A: 459.66µg
- Vitamin C: 16.44mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting the Ultimate Potato Soup
When preparing your potato soup, it's important to cut your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that they all cook evenly and at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, they may not cook through completely, resulting in a soup with uneven texture. Additionally, when adding the milk mixture to the soup, make sure to do so slowly while continuously stirring. This will prevent the soup from curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Potato Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of soup and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Utilize kitchen tools: Use a food processor to quickly chop vegetables or an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot.
Time-saving ingredients: Consider using pre-cut vegetables or canned potatoes to cut down on prep time.
Efficient multitasking: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the toppings or clean up the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For The Best Potato Soup Recipe
russet potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a great substitute for potato soup.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, and they work well in soups.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar earthy sweetness to carrots and can be used as a substitute in potato soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor that can add depth to the soup.
low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative and still provide a rich base for the soup.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for sautéing the vegetables.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour for a gluten-free option.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative in the soup.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy tanginess to the soup as sour cream.
crumbled bacon - Substitute with crispy prosciutto: Crispy prosciutto can add a similar salty and savory flavor to the soup as bacon.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a rich and nutty flavor that can complement the soup well.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish for the soup.
Presentation Tips for Serving Potato Soup
Elevate the soup bowl: Use a beautiful, wide-rimmed soup bowl to showcase the creamy potato soup. The wider rim provides a larger canvas for garnishing and adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Carefully sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the soup in a visually appealing pattern. Use a fine grater to grate the cheddar cheese over the soup, creating a delicate and luxurious finish.
Incorporate color contrast: Add a pop of color to the dish by finely chopping the green onions and scattering them over the soup. The vibrant green hues will create a visually striking contrast against the creamy soup and the rich, golden bacon.
Consider the placement of elements: Place the soup bowl on a sleek, white plate to create a clean and sophisticated backdrop for the dish. Position the bowl slightly off-center to create a visually dynamic presentation.
Emphasize elegance with minimalism: Keep the plating minimalistic to highlight the richness of the soup. A simple, clean presentation will allow the flavors and textures to take center stage, appealing to the refined palates of Michelin-starred professionals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making the Ultimate Potato Soup
- Large stockpot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for cooking soups, stews, and stocks.
- Saucepan: A small, deep pan with a long handle, used for making sauces, heating liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, especially in sauces and soups.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups and stews.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a recipe.
- Knife: A sharp utensil used for cutting and chopping vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving and enjoying soups.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Potato Soup
- Let the potato soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, here's what you should do:
- Portion the cooled 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 amount of soup.
- Place them in the freezer, laying the bags flat for easier storage.
- The frozen potato soup will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Give the reheated soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed before serving it hot with your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
How to Reheat Leftover Potato Soup
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 achieve the desired consistency. Heat until the soup is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave method: pour the leftover potato soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through and steaming. This should take about 3-5 minutes total, depending on the amount of soup and the power of your microwave.
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 on low heat. Cover and let the soup warm through for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period, such as for a party or gathering.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover potato soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and bubbly. Stir the soup once halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the potato soup and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You may find that the flavors have mellowed or intensified during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or other seasonings can help revive the taste. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a small amount of chicken broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Potato Soup
Potato soup is a comfort food that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed that the first potato soup recipe was created in the 18th century by a French chef named Antoine-Augustin Parmentier. He popularized the use of potatoes in French cuisine, and his recipe for potato soup became a staple in many households. Today, potato soup is enjoyed all over the world and is often customized with various toppings and seasonings to suit different tastes and preferences.
Is Making Potato Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This potato soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery are affordable staples, and the addition of chicken broth, milk, and sour cream doesn't significantly increase the cost. The use of bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions for serving may slightly raise the overall cost, but these are optional and can be adjusted based on budget. Considering the simplicity and affordability of the ingredients, this recipe is a great choice for a budget-friendly meal. I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its cost-effectiveness and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15.
Is the Ultimate Potato Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ultimate potato soup recipe, while comforting and delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to several factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-calorie ingredients such as butter, milk, and sour cream, which can contribute to excessive saturated fat and calorie intake.
- The use of all-purpose flour as a thickener may add refined carbohydrates to the dish, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
- The toppings, such as bacon and cheddar cheese, further increase the saturated fat and sodium content of the soup.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this potato soup healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the butter with olive oil, which is a healthier source of fat.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the glycemic impact of the soup.
- Opt for low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative, such as almond milk, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Reduce the amount of bacon and cheddar cheese used as toppings, or opt for healthier alternatives like turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the soup, such as adding more carrots, celery, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient density of the dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the soup, and season with herbs and spices instead of relying heavily on salt for flavor.
Editor's Opinion on the Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
The ultimate potato soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the creamy texture of potatoes with the savory flavors of bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. The combination of ingredients creates a rich and satisfying soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. The addition of sour cream adds a delightful tanginess, while the thickened milk mixture provides a velvety smoothness to the soup. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and versatile option for any occasion, and the flavors can be easily customized to suit individual preferences.
Enhance Your The Best Potato Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for the Ultimate Potato Soup
Why trust this The Best Potato Soup Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a comforting and hearty potato soup that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of russet potatoes, carrots, and celery creates a rich and flavorful base, while the addition of sour cream adds a creamy and indulgent texture. The use of low-sodium chicken broth ensures a healthier option without compromising on taste. With the final touch of crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, this soup promises a delightful and satisfying experience for all soup lovers.
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