Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe – Creamy & Cozy

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe delivers a creamy, cozy experience that’s unbelievably easy to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!.

What is Potato Soup?

Potato soup is a comforting, hearty dish made primarily with potatoes, broth (chicken or vegetable), and dairy (cream, milk, or a combination). Often, it includes other vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots for added flavor and texture.

Depending on personal preferences and regional variations, potato soup can be thick and creamy or lighter and broth-based. Common additions often include cheese, beef, chives, sour cream, or hot sauce for a flavorful twist. It is a recipe that is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences allowing for customization and variations to suit any taste.

Key Ingredients for Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe:

• 6 medium Russet potatoes: Peeled and cubed. Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content contributes to a naturally creamy texture when cooked. If you are choosing another kind of potato Yukon golds are also a good option.
• 1 large yellow onion: Chopped. Yellow onions have a balanced, savory flavor that deepens when cooked, providing a base for the soup’s taste.
• 2 stalks celery: Diced. Celery adds a subtle, fresh, and slightly peppery note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and a creamy texture foundation for the soup.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to create a roux, which thickens the soup and gives it a smooth consistency.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Adds a savory, umami flavor that complements the potatoes and other vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and body to the soup. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream if you prefer a richer texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of spice. Adjust to taste.
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, cooked beef bits, sour cream, chopped chives, green onions, or a swirl of hot sauce for added flavor and texture.

How to Make Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe:

This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish. It all starts with a simple roux, layering in aromatic vegetables, and simmering until the potatoes are perfectly tender. The magic lies in the creamy texture achieved through a little bit of flour and milk, creating a comforting bowl you’ll crave all season long. Ready to experience potato soup perfection?

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux. This helps to thicken the soup.
3. Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Ensure the flour is fully incorporated.
4. Add the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Introduce Creaminess: Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the milk. Season with salt and pepper. Heat through gently, but do NOT boil. Boiling the soup after adding milk can cause it to curdle.
7. Optional: Partially Mash: For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternately, you can remove about 1-2 cups of the soup and blend it in a regular blender until smooth, then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; do it in batches and ensure the blender lid is secured.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, crispy beef bits, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chives.

Why You’ll Love This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe:

This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food. The incredibly creamy and satisfying texture is a major highlight, making it a dish you’ll crave on chilly days. Making it at home is a cost-effective alternative to buying pre-made soups, and the customizable toppings like crispy beef, sharp cheddar, or fresh chives add a burst of flavor and texture. It’s richer taste with the addition of milk and butter when compared to a simple basic potato soup recipe that sometimes misses that layer of richness.

Ready to elevate your soup game? Make this Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe at home tonight!

What to Serve Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe With:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the flavorful broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese works just as well with potato soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light contrast to the rich and creamy soup.
• Ham or Turkey Sandwich: Adds protein and complements the flavors of the potato soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus, offer a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe:

• Potato Selection is Key: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which helps create a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute if you prefer a slightly less starchy option. Avoid waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, as they don’t break down as easily.
• Don’t Overcook the Roux: When making the roux (butter and flour mixture), cook it for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Overcooking the roux can result in a burnt flavor and prevent it from thickening the soup properly.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil, After Adding Milk: After adding the milk, heat the soup gently over low heat, but DO NOT boil it. Boiling can cause the milk to curdle and create an undesirable texture.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth or milk.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Salt and pepper bring all the flavors together. Taste the soup at the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach the desired taste.

5 Facts about Potato Soup:

1. Ancient Origins: Potato soup has a long history, with variations found in many cultures around the world. It was often a staple dish for those who needed a hearty and affordable meal.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients make potato soup a nutritious and satisfying dish.
3. Adaptable Recipe: Potato soup is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. It can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and plant-based milk.
4. Regional Variations: Different regions have their own unique twists on potato soup. For example, in Ireland, potato soup often includes leeks and cabbage, while in Germany, it may include beefg and sausage.
5. Comfort Food Classic: Potato soup is widely recognized as a classic comfort food, offering warmth and nostalgia, making it a perfect choice for chilly days.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Potato soup can be frozen for longer storage. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated soup, pour it into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. To reheat frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it in a saucepan as described above.

Final Thoughts:

This Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is a winner for its simplicity, rich flavor, and customizable toppings. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a budget-friendly option for a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s time to experience the joy of homemade potato soup and savor every creamy, cozy spoonful!

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

Best Homemade Potato Soup Recipe FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Yes, while Russet potatoes are ideal, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Q: Why did my soup curdle when I added the milk?
A: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the milk. Boiling can cause it to curdle. Heat gently over low heat instead.

Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I add cheese directly into the soup?
A: You can, but it’s best to add it gradually and stir until melted to prevent clumping. Alternatively, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each serving.