Oh, my culinary comrades, gather ‘round because today we’re diving into something delectably cozy and irresistible: The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe. This velvety soup is your new cool-weather companion. It’s packed with layers of rich flavors, creamy textures, and the heartwarming essence of home-cooked goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Heaven: This potato soup envelops you in a warm hug of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Crafted from pantry staples, it’s the epitome of culinary simplicity.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Achieves that ideal thickness and creaminess with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Easy to adjust for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the essentials! This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work together to create magic in a bowl. Each plays a part in perfecting the dish’s lusciousness and flavor profile.
- Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor and a delightful crunch—don’t skip it!
- Butter: Essential for a creamy texture—use either salted or unsalted based on your taste.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and mellow base flavor for the soup.
- Garlic: Subtle aromatics that enhance the overall depth.
- Flour: Key thickening agent for that perfect soup consistency.
- Gold Potatoes: The star of the show—creamy and smooth when cooked.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses richness and a touch more flavor into the pot.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious and rich finish.
- Ancho Chili Powder: Adds a subtle kick; start light and adjust to taste.
- Sour Cream: Offers tanginess and an extra layer of creaminess to the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese, Chives: Perfect toppings for that final flavorful touch.
Variations
The beauty of The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe lies in its adaptability. Adjusting it to suit various preferences or dietary restrictions is effortless and fun!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a wholesome vegetarian option.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or add more ancho chili for those who love some heat.
- Bacon Lover’s Delight: Double the bacon for an extra level of smoky flavor and crispy texture.
How to Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat, add the bacon pieces, and fry them until they’re beautifully crisp. The flavorful fat rendered from the bacon will be the delicious base for our soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
With bacon done, introduce some butter and chopped onion to the pot. Sauté until the onions are tender, then add garlic and stir until aromatic—this forms the backbone of our rich flavor profile.
Step 3: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously until smooth and bubbly. Slowly but confidently, this mixture thickens our soup to creamy perfection.
Step 4: Simmer the Potatoes
Bring the diced potatoes into the fold with a splash of chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and ancho chili. Let everything bubble away until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Blend to Perfection
Purée half the soup to maintain glorious potato chunks, then return it to the pot. Stir in the reserved bacon, sour cream, allow to simmer, and meld beautifully over the next 15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
- Bacon Crispy Secret: Start bacon in a cold pan and cook slowly for evenly browned, crisp bits.
- Flavor Booster: Deglaze with a touch of broth after onions for a deeper flavor profile.
- Chunky Style: Only purée half to keep those delightful country-style potato chunks intact.
- Creamy Liaisons: Temper sour cream to prevent curdling when adding it to hot soup.
How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing ups the game quite like the toppings! Garnish with freshly chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, a swirl of sour cream, or crumbled bacon for a fusion of flavors and textures in every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup is perfectly complemented by a crispy side salad or a slice of rustic bread. Buttered rolls or soft pretzels also make excellent companions for soaking up that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in bread bowls for a rustic, comforting flair, or ladle it into mugs for a casual, comforting supper on the go. Add a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant finish that also teases the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will develop further, creating an even tastier soup the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave room for expansion and avoid adding garnishes until heated and ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid separating the cream. Stir frequently and, if needed, adjust the consistency with a bit of broth or milk for a refreshed creamy texture.
FAQs
-
Can I make this potato soup spicy?
Absolutely! Simply increase the amount of ancho chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it that extra kick of heat.
-
What can I use as a vegetarian alternative to bacon?
Consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to lend a similar smoky essence, or try a plant-based bacon substitute.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the milk and cream with coconut milk or plant-based alternatives, and use vegan butter for the same creamy effect.
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What type of potatoes work best for potato soup?
Gold potatoes are ideal as they offer a creamy texture and buttery flavor, but russet potatoes can also work for a more hearty base.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and dive deep into this culinary warmth with The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort and simplicity for you and your loved ones to savor. Enjoy every delightful spoonful!
Print
The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 3.5 quarts of soup) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This ultimate potato soup combines creamy textures with a smoky bacon flavor and a hint of chili spice, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender potatoes, rich heavy cream, and topped with cheese, chives, and crispy bacon, it offers a hearty and satisfying experience in every bowl.
Ingredients
Meats
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted)
- 2 cups milk (475ml)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (155ml)
- 2/3 cup sour cream (160g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Additional sour cream (for topping)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1.5 cups or 200g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 large potatoes / 1.15kg)
- Chives (for garnish)
Broth & Spices
- 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
Other
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (42g)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and cook until crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the pot and stirring well, add chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until onions are tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously until smooth, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids & Potatoes: Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook Soup: Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 10 minutes.
- Puree Half of Soup: Carefully transfer about half of the hot soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Puree until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Add Sour Cream & Bacon: Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon pieces. Mix well and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, additional sour cream, and crispy bacon as desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Start with less salt and add more according to taste, as broth brands vary in salt content.
- Adjust the chili powder amount based on your spice preference; start with ¼ teaspoon and increase if needed.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, puree all of it using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
- You can customize toppings with additional cheese, chives, or extra bacon for added flavor.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
