There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of homemade potato soup on a chilly day. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—just like the kind grandma used to make. Whether you serve it as a starter, side, or main dish, this soup is the perfect way to cozy up and enjoy a satisfying meal.
What I love about this recipe is how simple yet incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of tender potatoes, a creamy broth, and savory seasonings makes every spoonful pure comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make with basic pantry ingredients and totally customizable to your taste.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious homemade potato soup in just a few easy steps!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super creamy and comforting – A rich and velvety texture makes this soup irresistible.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – Everything you need is pantry-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Easily customizable – Add bacon, cheese, or extra veggies to make it your own.
- Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Homemade Potato Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of the hot broth to create a slurry. Stir it into the soup to help thicken it.
4. Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or milk). If you want a smoother texture, use an immersion blenderto blend part of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Add Cheese (Optional)
For an extra creamy soup, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
My Best Tips for Perfect Potato Soup
- Use starchy potatoes – Russet potatoes break down well, making the soup extra creamy.
- For a chunky soup – Skip blending and just mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture.
- For a thinner soup – Add extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make it even heartier – Add cooked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken for a protein boost.
What to Serve with Potato Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread – Perfect for dipping.
- A fresh side salad – A crisp green salad balances out the richness.
- Grilled cheese sandwich – The classic combo!
- Roasted vegetables – A side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast.
FAQs
Can I make this potato soup ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth or milk if needed.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Potato soup doesn’t freeze well because dairy-based soups can separate when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and add it when reheating.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients (except the flour, cream, and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the thickener, cream, and cheese at the end before serving.
This homemade potato soup is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, making it perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or serving a hungry family.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out!
Best Homemade Potato Soup: Creamy, Cozy, and Absolutely Delicious
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash or blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or chives if desired.
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