Creamy Homemade Potato Soup

Creamy Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Nothing warms the heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup. This comforting dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious homemade potato soup in no time.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this creamy potato soup at home has many advantages. First, it uses fresh ingredients, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with flavor. Second, it offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust seasonings and add your favorite toppings. Finally, it’s the perfect meal for chilly days, as it’s flavorful, hearty, and sure to please the whole family.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 whole carrots, diced
• 6 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or fat-free half and half
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups freshly grated cheddar or white cheddar cheese
• Optional garnishes: cooked and crumbled bacon or bacon bits, fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, cracked black pepper, extra cheddar or parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, combine diced onions, chopped celery, diced carrots, minced garlic, and butter. Stir occasionally, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the butter is fully melted.
2. Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper, then cook for 5 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start softening.
3. Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes begin to become tender.
4. In a separate bowl, stir the flour into the milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup along with the heavy cream or half and half. Stir well to combine.
5. Continue cooking the soup for another 5 minutes or so until the potatoes are fork-tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Carefully transfer the soup in batches into a blender, blending until smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid burns. Return the pureed soup back to the pot.
7. Stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of cooked and crumbled bacon, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, cracked black pepper, and extra cheese if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Homemade Potato Soup

Serve your creamy potato soup hot in bowls. For an extra touch, you can add garnishes like crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or extra cheese on top. Pair it with some crusty bread for a truly hearty meal.

How to Store Creamy Homemade Potato Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as soup expands when frozen.

Tips to Make Creamy Homemade Potato Soup

• For a thicker soup, blend more of the potato mixture.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
• Use an immersion blender if you have one, making it easier to blend the soup directly in the pot.

Variation

You can change things up by adding different vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach. You can also switch the cheese to your favorite type or use less cheese for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
   Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind the texture may vary.

2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   Yes! You can replace the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. How do I make it vegetarian?
   To make it vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same.

With this easy recipe, you’ll have a delightful bowl of creamy potato soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking!