There are few things more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade potato soup. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of home, all with the simplicity of its ingredients. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering of loved ones, this potato soup stands as a testament to the magic that happens when basic ingredients are lovingly combined to create something extraordinary.
I still remember the first time I made this potato soup. It was a brisk autumn day, and my family was gathered at our cozy cabin for the weekend. With a crackling fire and the scent of falling leaves outside, I wanted to prepare something that would make us feel snug and satisfied. After some browsing through old recipe cards and cookbooks, I stumbled upon a potato soup recipe that promised both comfort and richness. I set to work, chopping, stirring, and simmering. The kitchen soon filled with the mouthwatering aroma of bacon, fresh vegetables, and hearty potatoes. As we sat down to enjoy the soup, each spoonful was a delightful reminder of the joys of simple, home-cooked meals. It was a hit, and since then, this recipe has become a cherished part of our family gatherings.
This potato soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich and creamy, with a depth of flavor from the bacon, fresh vegetables, and a hint of cheese that makes every bite irresistible. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how you can bring this comforting dish to your table.
Ingredients
6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 stalks celery, diced
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon minced parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons flour (cornstarch can be substituted)
1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Start with the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large soup pot and cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and has rendered its fat. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess fat and keep the bacon crispy.
Drain the Fat: Carefully pour off most of the bacon fat from the pot, leaving just a thin layer at the bottom. Don’t clean the pot, as the leftover bacon bits will add flavor to the soup.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Cook the Aromatics: With the pot still on medium heat, add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 2 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the bite-sized pieces of Russet potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add any other seasonings you prefer (such as a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs). Stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated with the aromatic vegetables and seasonings.
3. Simmer the Soup
Pour in the Broth: Add 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, stirring to mix everything together. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a low boil.
Cook the Potatoes: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start to soften. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to cook through.
4. Thicken the Soup
Prepare the Thickener: While the soup is simmering, whisk together 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 cup of milk in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture.
Incorporate the Thickener: Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously. This will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld further.
5. Blend Part of the Soup
Blend for Texture: Carefully scoop out ¼ to ½ of the soup and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. This step adds a creamy texture to the soup while still keeping some chunks of potatoes for a satisfying bite.
Return to the Pot: Slowly and carefully pour the blended soup back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. This technique creates a lovely, creamy texture without fully pureeing the soup.
6. Final Touches
Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish. The bacon adds a crispy, savory element that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in 1 cup of finely grated cheese of your choice (cheddar, Gruyère, or even a combination works well). Add ½ cup of heavy cream to enrich the soup’s flavor and texture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the cream is fully incorporated.
7. Serve
Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of minced parsley for color, and an extra bit of grated cheese if desired.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup while it’s hot, paired with crusty bread or a side salad if you like.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as corn, green beans, or peas, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Meat Alternatives: If you prefer a meat-free version, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. For added depth, consider sautéing some mushrooms or using smoked paprika.
Dairy-Free Option: To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Thickening Alternatives: Instead of flour, you can use cornstarch mixed with cold water as a thickening agent. Just make a slurry and add it to the soup, stirring until thickened.
Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.
Summary
Best Homemade Potato Soup is a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. The blend of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and rich cheese makes this soup a hearty and delightful meal. Its versatility allows for numerous variations, ensuring that you can cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
The process of making this soup is not only straightforward but also deeply rewarding. The aroma of cooking bacon, sautéed vegetables, and simmering potatoes fills the kitchen with a homely scent that invites everyone to the table. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or sharing a meal with friends and family, this potato soup is sure to be a hit. Its creamy texture, combined with the crispness of bacon and the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, makes each bowl a comforting experience. Enjoy making and savoring this classic dish—it’s a heartwarming reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
