The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect creamy comfort food for any occasion. This dish combines the rich flavors of bacon with the hearty texture of potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this potato soup is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With minimal steps and ingredients, making this soup is straightforward and quick.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of bacon, cream, and spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Customizable Toppings: You can personalize each bowl with toppings like cheese, chives, or extra bacon for added flavor.
• Perfectly Creamy Texture: Blending part of the soup gives it a smooth consistency while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
• Versatile Meal: This soup works well as a main dish or a side, making it suitable for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Blender or Immersion Blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch Oven: Perfect for making soups as it distributes heat evenly and has enough space to cook all ingredients together.
• Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup smoothly.

Ingredients

An easy and delicious creamy potato soup recipe that can be made in just one pot! Loaded with bacon and creamy potato goodness, this is a favorite comfort food in my household.

Ingredients:
– 6 strips (uncooked) bacon (cut into small pieces)
– 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted will work)
– 1 medium yellow onion (chopped (about 1.5 cup/200g))
– 3 large garlic cloves (minced)
– ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42g)
– 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes (peeled and diced into pieces no larger than 1” (this was about 6 Large potatoes for me/1.15kg))
– 4 cups chicken broth (945ml)
– 2 cups milk (475ml)
– ⅔ cup heavy cream (155ml)
– 1 ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground pepper
– ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
– ⅔ cup sour cream (160g)
– Shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and additional sour cream and bacon for topping (optional)

How to Make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch Oven or soup pot over medium heat and cook until bacon is crisp and browned. Remove bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat until onions are tender, about 3–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle flour over the cooked ingredients in the pot. Stir until smooth; use a whisk if needed to eliminate lumps.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Add diced potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Boil Until Tender

Bring mixture to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork; this should take about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Blend Half of the Soup

Reduce heat to simmer. Carefully remove approximately half of the soup into a blender—be cautious as it will be hot! Puree until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 7: Combine Back Together

Return pureed soup back into the pot. Add sour cream and reserved bacon pieces; stir well to incorporate everything.

Step 8: Simmer Before Serving

Allow soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 15 minutes before serving.

Step 9: Serve with Toppings

Top each bowl with additional sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or chives as desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade potato soup!

How to Serve The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Serving The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe can turn a simple meal into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this creamy dish with various toppings and accompaniments.

Classic Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor that complements the soup’s richness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for a deliciously cheesy finish.
• Crispy Bacon Bits: Add some of the reserved bacon pieces for extra crunch and savory goodness.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chives: Chopped chives provide a fresh, onion-like flavor that brightens the soup.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness to your bowl.

Accompanying Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Salad: A light green salad can balance the creamy texture of the soup.

With Additional Spices

• Ancho Chili Powder: For those who like a kick, sprinkle more ancho chili powder on top to enhance the flavor profile.

How to Perfect The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best version of The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your soup and make it even more enjoyable.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality broth will significantly enhance the flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth. For a thinner version, increase the broth gradually.
• Blend Wisely: When pureeing, blend only half to maintain some chunkiness, giving the soup texture.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper at different stages for balanced seasoning.
• Add Extras After Cooking: Consider adding cooked vegetables or leftover cooked chicken after blending for additional nutrition and variety.

Best Side Dishes for The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your bowl of potato soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors wonderfully.

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlic-infused bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with parmesan cheese and croutons provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your meal; they are easy to prepare alongside the soup.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic combo! The melty cheese in between crispy bread pairs nicely with hot potato soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be prepared ahead of time and offer a hearty addition to your meal.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful texture that complements the creamy soup well.
7. Pickle Platter: A selection of pickles adds tanginess and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of potato soup.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with feta and vegetables brings freshness while being filling enough as a side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe can be easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and check for tenderness after about 10 minutes.
• Skipping the bacon fat: The bacon fat adds essential flavor to the soup. Don’t drain it out! Use it to sauté the onions for a richer taste.
• Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in flavor and texture. Always measure your ingredients, especially flour and liquids.
• Ignoring seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to bring out all the flavors in your soup.
• Forgetting about toppings: Toppings enhance both the flavor and presentation of your soup. Don’t skip adding cheese, chives, or extra bacon!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months when frozen properly.

Reheating The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir frequently until heated through, typically around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe that may help you make this dish even better.

How can I make The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat milk instead of whole milk. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrients.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While gold potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, russets or red potatoes will also work well. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.

How do I thicken The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe?

If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding more flour during cooking or blend more of the soup before serving to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Customize The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe by adding vegetables such as corn or broccoli. You can also experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe is not only easy to make but also full of creamy goodness that warms the heart. This versatile dish allows plenty of room for customization, so feel free to add your favorite toppings or ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl today!