Potato soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick and easy dinner idea. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you have lying around in the pantry. While there are many variations of this classic recipe, making potato soup from scratch is a straightforward process that anyone can master with a few simple steps.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients such as potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and some milk or cream for added richness. One of the great things about potato soup is that you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add in additional ingredients such as bacon, cheese, or herbs to give your soup some extra depth and flavor. In this article, we’ll go through a step-by-step guide on how to make potato soup and focus on a few key tips that will help you create a delicious and comforting bowl every time.

The next step in making a delicious potato soup is to prepare the ingredients. After washing and peeling your potatoes, cut them into small cubes. You will also need diced onion, chopped garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning of your choice.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before beginning, make sure you have all the ingredients you will need to make this tasty recipe. Here is a list of what you will need:

Potatoes

When making potato soup, it’s important to choose the right potatoes. Look for potatoes that have a high starch content such as russet or Yukon gold potatoes. These types of potatoes will break down and thicken the soup in a way that creates a creamy texture.

Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic are staples in any soup recipe. They provide a depth of flavor that enhances the taste of the potatoes and creates a savory base for the soup.

Broth

To create a rich and flavorful soup, you will need to use either chicken or vegetable broth. You can use store-bought or homemade broth, depending on your preference.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is what gives the soup its creaminess. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will not be as thick.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are the most basic spices you will need to season and bring out the flavors of the soup. Be careful not to over-season as it can easily ruin the taste of the dish.

Additional Seasoning

You can add additional seasoning such as thyme, bay leaves, or paprika to enhance the flavors of the soup.

Cooking the Soup

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large soup pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent.

Add the Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes and stir well. Cook for a few minutes until the potatoes have softened a bit.

Add the Broth

Pour the broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender and blend in small batches.

Add the Heavy Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until it has thickened.

Seasoning

Add salt and pepper to taste, and any additional seasoning of your choice. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Serve Hot

Your delicious potato soup is now ready to be served. Ladle into bowls, garnish with some fresh herbs or croutons, and enjoy a comforting bowl of warm soup.

Ingredients and equipment needed for making potato soup

Making potato soup is a pretty easy task. However, you need to have all the necessary ingredients and equipment to make the soup complete and perfect. Below are some of the ingredients and equipment you will need to make the perfect potato soup:

Potatoes

The most important ingredient when it comes to potato soup is potatoes. You can use any type of potatoes that you prefer, but russet potatoes work best. They have a high starch content that results in a creamy and hearty soup.

Onions

Onions are a common ingredient in many dishes, and potato soup is not an exception. They add a savory and sweet flavor to the soup.

Celery

Celery is also an essential ingredient that adds flavor and a pleasant crunch to the soup. In addition, it adds nutrients to the soup. Make sure you chop the celery finely to ensure it cooks through and doesn’t remain stiff.

Garlic

Garlic adds flavor and aroma to your potato soup. You can use fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder depending on your preference.

Chicken or vegetable broth

To get that authentic soup taste, you will need soup broth. Vegetable broth would be the perfect choice for vegetarians, and chicken broth would be the go-to for non-vegetarians. Make sure to choose a low-sodium broth to prevent the soup from being too salty.

Milk

Milk adds creaminess and a velvety texture to the potato soup. You can use either heavy cream or half-and-half to make your soup creamy.

Butter or oil

You will need cooking fat, such as butter or oil, to sauté the onions and celery before adding them to the soup pot. You can use butter for a richer flavor, while oil is healthier.

Salt and Pepper

Seasonings are essential to making good potato soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add herbs of your choice like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for added flavor.

A large soup pot or Dutch oven

A pot that can hold 5-6 quarts will be sufficient to make a good size batch of potato soup.

An immersion blender or a potato masher

An immersion blender allows you to blend the soup in the pot while still hot, creating a smooth and creamy soup. A potato masher can be used to mash the potatoes down to get a chunkier texture. Either gadget can be used depending on your personal preference.

With the ingredients and equipment all set, you are now ready to make the creamiest and delicious potato soup ever.

Ingredients for Potato Soup

Making a delicious potato soup requires the use of high-quality and fresh ingredients. Here are the necessary ingredients you will need to make a tasty pot of potato soup:

Ingredients Amounts
Potatoes 4-5 medium-sized
Onion 1 large
Celery 2-3 stalks
Carrot 1 large
Garlic 4-5 cloves
Butter 2-3 tablespoons
Flour 2 tablespoons
Whole milk 2 cups
Chicken broth 2 cups
Bacon 4-5 strips
Cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

Preparing the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Cut them into small cubes or chunks, whichever you prefer. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Preparing the Vegetables

Peel and chop the onion, celery, and carrot. Mince the garlic cloves. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are soft, about 8-10 minutes.

Making the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir until it is fully incorporated. Allow the flour to cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

Adding the Potatoes and Finishing the Soup

Drain the potatoes and add them to the soup base. Cook the soup uncovered over low heat until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, remove from the pan and chop into small pieces. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon to the soup, stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade potato soup!

Enjoy Your Tasty Potato Soup!

Now that you have learned how to make a delicious bowl of potato soup, it’s time to get cooking! Play around with the ingredients to create a flavor that you love, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Thanks for taking the time to read through our recipe, and we hope this has inspired you to try your hand at cooking more often. Feel free to visit again soon for more fun and easy recipes that you can enjoy with your friends and family! Happy cooking!