Description

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Combine Ingredients: Return the blended soup back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. Be cautious to prevent splashing.
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.

Notes

Serving Tips:

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.
Side Salad: Pair the potato soup with a fresh side salad tossed with your favorite dressing for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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.
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:

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.
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.