Indulge in the Best Homemade Potato Soup, a hearty and creamy delight loaded with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days, made with wholesome ingredients and a rich broth that offers the ideal balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this delightful recipe that’s not only easy to prepare but also a family favorite!
Ingredients:
6 medium Russet potatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, diced
6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon minced parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch)
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works great)
Directions:
Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for added flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot and sauté them in the bacon fat until they are tender and fragrant.
Add the Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Thicken the Soup: After boiling, cook the soup for about 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch) with the milk, then add this mixture to the soup to thicken it.
Simmer and Blend: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Then, blend a portion of the soup until smooth and return it to the pot. This step helps to achieve a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks of potato for heartiness.
Finish It Off: Stir in the crumbled bacon and garnish the soup with parsley and grated cheese before serving.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Enhance the presentation by garnishing each bowl with additional crumbled bacon, grated cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread, warm rolls, or homemade garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth. A fresh garden salad can also complement the meal nicely.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a little extra broth or milk when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Personalize It: Offer toppings like chives, green onions, or crispy fried onions so guests can customize their bowls according to their tastes.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the soup watery.
Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch or save leftovers, you can freeze the potato soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to eat the frozen soup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I make this potato soup in advance?
Yes! This potato soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before storing it, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What types of potatoes work best for potato soup?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they become creamy when cooked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option, as they have a buttery flavor and smooth texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t break down as well in soups.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring all vegetables are tender before blending.
How can I make the soup healthier?
To make the soup lighter, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or substitute some of the bacon with turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more carrots, celery, or other veggies.
Conclusion:
There you have it—the Best Homemade Potato Soup that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl today and embrace the comforting goodness of homemade soup!
📖 Recipe:
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Best Homemade Potato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
When the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade potato soup to soothe the soul. This Best Homemade Potato Soup recipe combines wholesome ingredients, creamy textures, and savory flavors, making it the perfect dish for chilly days. Loaded with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
6 medium Russet potatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, diced
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp minced parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp flour (or cornstarch)
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar works well)
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in the remaining bacon fat.
- Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and broth; bring to a boil.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then whisk flour with milk, and add to the soup.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then blend a portion of the soup until smooth.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the bacon.
- Garnish with parsley, bacon, and cheese before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk.
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn or peas, for extra nutrition.
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
