There’s a reason creamy potato soup has earned a permanent spot on my list of favorite comfort foods. Picture this: it’s a chilly day, the kind where you just want to curl up with something warm and satisfying, and suddenly a pot of bubbling potato soup comes to the rescue. The aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen, the potatoes soften into silky perfection, and the creamy broth wraps you up like a cozy blanket. It’s not just food, it’s a hug in a bowl.
Potato soup is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to serve for company but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. It’s budget friendly, uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and yet it tastes like something that’s been simmering all day in grandma’s kitchen. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. You can go classic with bacon and cheese, keep it light with fresh herbs, or spice it up with a pinch of cayenne. Every spoonful is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, and I can honestly say it’s one of those dishes I never get tired of making.
So if you’re ready to warm hearts and tummies, let’s dive into everything you need to know about creating the perfect bowl of creamy potato soup.
Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes give the creamiest texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor. You can also mix the two.
- Don’t skip the aromatics: Onion, garlic, and celery create a rich base flavor. Sautéing them in butter makes all the difference.
- Add depth with broth: Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian version.
- Thicken smartly: You can blend part of the soup for creaminess while leaving chunks for texture. Adding a little flour or cornstarch also helps.
- Cream is optional: For a lighter version, use milk or half and half. For indulgence, heavy cream is unbeatable.
- Season in layers: Add salt early, pepper after blending, and finish with fresh herbs like thyme or chives.
- Toppings matter: Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions take potato soup from simple to sensational.
Ingredients
6 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
1 cup milk or half and half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a fork.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Sprinkle the flour over the potatoes and stir well to avoid lumps. This will give your soup a nice body. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flour blend in.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender, blend part of the soup directly in the pot until creamy while leaving some potato chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a blender and puree before adding it back.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasonings
Stir in the milk or cream, then add thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes on low heat to marry all the flavors.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh green onions.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a small handful of shredded cheese directly into the soup before serving.
- If you prefer a chunky soup, skip blending and just lightly mash the potatoes with a spoon.
- This soup reheats beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing if you use cream, as it may separate.
Nutrition (Per Serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Creamy potato soup is comfort food at its best, hearty, easy, and endlessly adaptable. I encourage you to try this recipe at home, play with toppings, and make it your own. And if you love it as much as I do, share it with friends and family, because good soup is always better when it’s shared.