Short Description
This creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Made with tender potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a luscious, cheesy broth, this dish is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own or served as a starter, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture – Thanks to a perfect blend of potatoes, butter, and cream, this soup delivers a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Full of Flavor – Seasoned with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs, each spoonful is loaded with comforting, savory goodness.
- Easy to Make – Requires simple pantry staples and can be prepared in one pot for minimal cleanup.
- Customizable – Adaptable to dietary preferences with options for dairy-free, gluten-free, and meat-free variations.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal-prep option.
Ingredients
potatoes
butter
onion
garlic
chicken or vegetable broth
heavy cream
milk
flour
cheddar cheese
bacon (optional)
green onions
salt
pepper
thyme
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Potatoes – Pour in the broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Make the Roux – In a separate pan, melt additional butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Slowly add milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
- Blend the Soup – Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash some of the potatoes with a fork instead.
- Incorporate the Dairy – Stir in the roux, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is fully combined and the soup thickens.
- Season to Perfection – Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace butter with olive oil, use coconut milk instead of cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free Version – Skip the flour and thicken the soup with cornstarch or mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon topping.
- Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style – Stir in sour cream and top with chives for a loaded baked potato flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
FAQs
How can I make my potato soup extra thick?
Use more potatoes or mash some of them before blending. Adding extra cheese or a flour-based roux can also help thicken the soup.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! Russet potatoes create a smooth texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor. Red potatoes work well for a chunkier soup.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and butter can be used as substitutes. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew milk.
How do I prevent my soup from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-blending, as potatoes release starch when blended too much, leading to a gummy texture.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then blend and stir in the cream and cheese at the end.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or even shrimp can be added for a heartier dish.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Not in its traditional form, but you can make it keto-friendly by using cauliflower instead of potatoes and skipping the flour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats well and even develops a richer flavor the next day.
Why did my cheese clump up in the soup?
Adding cheese too quickly or at too high a temperature can cause it to clump. Stir it in gradually over low heat.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and leeks add extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This creamy potato soup is the perfect balance of rich, hearty, and satisfying flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy meal on a winter evening or serve it as a starter for a special gathering, its smooth texture and comforting taste will leave everyone asking for more. Try it today and experience the ultimate homemade comfort food!
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The Best Creamy Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This ultra-creamy potato soup is rich, comforting, and easy to make in just one pot! Packed with tender potatoes, cheese, and flavorful herbs, it’s the perfect cozy meal for any season.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even-sized cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Potatoes – Pour in the broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Make the Roux – In a separate pan, melt additional butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Slowly add milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps.
- Blend the Soup – Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, mash some of the potatoes with a fork instead.
- Incorporate the Dairy – Stir in the roux, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined and the soup thickens.
- Season to Perfection – Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace butter with olive oil, use coconut milk instead of cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free Version – Skip the flour and thicken the soup with cornstarch or mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon topping.
- Spicy Twist – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Loaded Baked Potato Style – Stir in sour cream and top with chives for a loaded baked potato flavor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy potato soup best potato soup recipe homemade potato soup easy potato soup recipe one-pot potato soup
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