Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy potato soup stands as a comforting classic that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend together to create a delightful meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Potatoes play the starring role in this velvety concoction, promising rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying, this soup brings memories of cozy home-cooked meals.

Fragrant herbs and tender potato chunks guarantee a delectable experience that will make you want to grab a spoon and dive right in.

Each spoonful promises pure comfort and deliciousness that beckons you to savor every moment.

Storage Guidelines for The Best Potato Soup

  • Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Avoid freezing soup with cream, as it may separate and become grainy when thawed.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop by warming over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.

FAQs

  • What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they break down easily and create a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon for a vegetarian version.

  • How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Use an immersion blender or mash some potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch and naturally thicken the soup.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, but add cream after reheating to prevent separation and maintain a smooth consistency.

Top Qualities of The Best Potato Soup

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a warm, hearty soup that hugs your soul with its rich, creamy goodness and satisfying flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Craft this delightful potato soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress family and friends with a versatile dish that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the soup with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, or fresh chives, turning a classic recipe into your signature creation.

Ingredients for The Best Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the hearty base of the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's flavors.
Garnish and Toppings:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Chives: Optional toppings that add extra flavor, crunch, and visual appeal to the soup.
  • Butter: Helps to soften aromatics and creates a rich initial flavor base.

How to Cook The Best Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma.

The kitchen will start to smell absolutely delicious.

Step 2: Launch Potato Cooking

Toss in diced potatoes and pour chicken broth into the pot.

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is where the magic begins to happen for your soup.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Reduce the heat to low, allowing the potatoes to gently simmer. Cover the pot and let the potatoes become wonderfully tender.

You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily slides through them with minimal resistance.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender.

Pulse until you achieve a partially smooth consistency, leaving some potato chunks for delightful texture. This technique transforms the soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 5: Enrich and Season

Stir in luxurious heavy cream, creating a silky smooth finish. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

The soup will now have a rich, velvety appearance.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

For those who love extra flavor, top with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Freshly chopped chives

Serve immediately while piping hot, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting classic.

Tips for The Best Potato Soup

  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this comforting soup.
  • Use an immersion blender for easier and smoother blending directly in the pot.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting the amount of liquid or using cornstarch as a thickener.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to make cooking faster and more convenient.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.

Flavor Variations for The Best Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon for a plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream for lactose-sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly soup option.

Serving Suggestions for The Best Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this creamy soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, homey dining experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
  • Loaded Potato Soup Bar: Set up a toppings station with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped chives, and sour cream, letting everyone customize their perfect bowl.
  • Winter Dinner Companion: Pair the soup with crusty sourdough bread or golden cornbread for a satisfying meal that fills both stomach and soul. Drizzle extra olive oil on top for richness.
  • Lunch Sidekick: Pack in a thermos for a delicious work or school lunch, keeping it warm and comforting throughout the day. Add a small container of extra toppings on the side.
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Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Perfect Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy potato soup from Ireland delights palates with rich, comforting flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons chives

Instructions

  1. Gently melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, increasing heat to high and bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed.
  4. Use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender, carefully pureeing until smooth and creamy while leaving some potato chunks for texture.
  5. Return the blended soup to the pot, stirring in heavy cream and creating a velvety consistency.
  6. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, topping with crispy crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped chives for a classic garnish.
  8. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering additional toppings on the side for personalized enjoyment.

Notes

  • Swap out regular dairy for lactose-free cream and milk to make this soup friendly for sensitive stomachs.
  • Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits as healthier protein alternatives that still deliver amazing crunch and flavor.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Enhance soup’s richness by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering process for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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