There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly day. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Rich and creamy, yet simple to make, creamy potato soup is perfect for family dinners or a cozy evening at home.
Why make this recipe
Making creamy potato soup is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about creating a dish that brings people together. This recipe is straightforward, using common ingredients you might already have on hand. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste! If you love comforting meals that make you feel warm inside, this soup is a must-try.
How to prepare Creamy Potato Soup
Making creamy potato soup is simple and enjoyable. Follow the steps below to create a delightful dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the most common choice due to their high starch content, which adds creaminess when blended. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, as they have a naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- Onion and Garlic: These add depth and complexity, infusing the soup with a rich, savory base.
- Butter and Flour: Used to make a roux, which acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its rich, smooth consistency.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth to the flavor, balancing the richness of the potatoes and cream.
- Milk or Cream: Essential for that lush, creamy texture. Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream are all great options, depending on how rich you want the soup to be.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional additions like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to enhance the overall taste.
- Toppings: Cheese, chives, bacon bits, or sour cream can elevate the flavor and presentation of the soup.
Steps:
- Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all the ingredients listed above. This ensures you have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop the potatoes, onion, and garlic into small pieces for even cooking.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for a couple of minutes until it’s golden brown.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
- Combine Broth and Potatoes: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Mixture: Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash some of the potatoes instead.
- Stir in Milk or Cream: Add your choice of milk or cream to the soup, mixing well to combine. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or broth if needed.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Stir well and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings like cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
How to serve Creamy Potato Soup
Serve the creamy potato soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. A side of crusty bread or a fresh salad complements this dish beautifully. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to store Creamy Potato Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of milk to restore its creaminess if needed.
Tips to make Creamy Potato Soup perfectly
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the roux; cooking it until golden will add depth to the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as you go; everyone’s preference is different!
Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. For a smoky taste, add some diced ham or bacon to the mix. If you like a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper!
FAQ
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegetable broth and replace milk or cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Potato Soup?
A: Yes, but the texture may change. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you want a thicker soup, continue to simmer it until some of the liquid evaporates, or add a little more flour to the roux before adding the broth.
Now that you have this recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Embrace the cozy comfort of creamy potato soup and enjoy every bowl.
Creamy Potato Soup
A warm and comforting bowl of creamy potato soup perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves
- Toppings: cheese, chives, bacon bits, sour cream
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling and chopping the potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the flour, stirring until golden brown.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Gradually add the broth and potatoes, bring to a simmer and cook until tender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in milk or cream until well combined, adjusting thickness with more liquid if needed.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs, simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and adjust seasonings to personal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food, cozy recipe, vegetarian soup