Best Homemade Potato Soup

by

Looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm you up on chilly evenings? Look no further than this Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe! Loaded with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy broth, this hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this delicious homemade soup will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling nourished and content. Follow along to discover how to make this comforting potato soup from scratch and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp minced parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp flour (corn starch can be substituted)
  • 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice

Directions:

  1. Cook Bacon: In a soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but leave some in the pan for added flavor.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Return the pan to medium heat and add in the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about two minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Allow the vegetables to cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Pour Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a low boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.
  5. Thicken Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or corn starch) and milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup pot, stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the soup.
  6. Blend Soup (Optional): Carefully scoop out about a quarter to half of the soup and process it in a blender or food processor until smooth. This step is optional but helps create a creamier texture.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Return the blended soup back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. Be cautious to prevent splashing.
  8. Add Bacon and Garnishes: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with minced parsley, additional bacon, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve the Best Homemade Potato Soup with slices of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping and sopping up every last bit of creamy goodness.
  2. Side Salad: Pair the potato soup with a fresh side salad tossed with your favorite dressing for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
  3. Garnish Bar: Set up a garnish bar with a variety of toppings such as extra bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, or croutons. Allow guests to customize their bowls of soup for a fun and interactive dining experience.
  4. Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle the potato soup into the bread bowl for a rustic presentation. The bread absorbs the soup, adding extra flavor and texture.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
  2. Freezing: To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations:

1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

  • Add Toppings: Load up the potato soup with classic baked potato toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and chopped chives for a decadent twist.

2. Vegetarian Potato Soup:

  • Omit Bacon: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Add extra vegetables such as corn, peas, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Spicy Potato Soup:

  • Add Heat: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. Serve with a dollop of spicy salsa or hot sauce for extra spice.

4. Cheesy Potato Soup:

  • Extra Cheese: Increase the cheesy goodness by stirring in additional shredded cheese into the soup until melted and creamy. Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a rich and flavorful soup.

5. Creamy Potato Leek Soup:

  • Add Leeks: Sauté chopped leeks along with the onions for a subtle onion flavor with a hint of sweetness. Finish with a swirl of heavy cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess.

6. Loaded Potato Soup with Ham:

  • Add Ham: Stir in diced cooked ham along with the bacon for a heartier and protein-packed soup. Garnish with extra ham cubes and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a colorful presentation.

7. Potato Corn Chowder:

  • Add Corn: Add drained canned corn or thawed frozen corn kernels to the soup for a sweet and crunchy addition. Finish with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.

8. Smoky Potato Soup with Sausage:

  • Smoked Sausage: Use smoked sausage instead of bacon for a smoky flavor profile. Slice the sausage into rounds and brown them before adding them to the soup.

9. Herb-infused Potato Soup:

  • Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill for added fragrance and flavor. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.

10. Potato Soup with Roasted Garlic:

  • Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic cloves to the soup for a mellow and sweet garlic flavor. Roast whole garlic bulbs in the oven until soft and caramelized, then squeeze out the cloves and stir them into the soup.

Experiment with these delicious variations to customize your potato soup and create new flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences!

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

  • Yes, you can use different varieties of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different types of potatoes may result in slightly different textures, but they will all work well in this soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can make this potato soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

3. Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?

  • Yes, you can omit the bacon to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

  • Yes, you can freeze this potato soup for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. How can I make this soup thicker?

  • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a slurry of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot to thicken it.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

  • Yes, you can customize this soup by adding other vegetables such as corn, peas, or broccoli. Simply add them to the pot along with the potatoes and cook until tender.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

  • Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of this soup. However, keep in mind that the soup may not be as creamy.

8. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

  • Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by omitting the milk and heavy cream. Simply use additional broth to achieve the desired consistency.

9. Can I add cheese directly to the soup?

  • Yes, you can stir shredded cheese directly into the soup for a cheesy potato soup variation. Add the cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.

10. Can I use an immersion blender to blend the soup?

  • Yes, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend a portion of the soup until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture in the soup.

With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and hearty potatoes, this Best Homemade Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a side salad, this homemade soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch of flavorful potato soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds.