There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade potato soup to comfort and satisfy on a cold day. This potato soup recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavorful ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you're a soup lover or just looking for something hearty to serve your family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Keep reading to learn how to make the best potato soup ever, along with some pro tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will elevate your dish to the next level!
What is Potato Soup?
Potato soup is a classic, creamy soup that is typically made with potatoes, broth, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings. It is beloved for its thick and velvety texture, as well as its mild, comforting flavor. Potato soup can be customized in many ways, with various ingredients like bacon, cheese, cream, and herbs added to enhance its richness and complexity. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be served as a main course or alongside other dishes like bread or salad.
Ingredients List for the Best Potato Soup
Here’s everything you need to create the perfect bowl of potato soup:
- 1 large onion, diced – The onion adds a rich, savory depth to the soup that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- ½ cup thinly sliced carrots – Carrots provide a hint of sweetness and texture.
- 1 lb bacon, chopped – Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the potatoes.
- 2 stalks celery, diced – Celery introduces a subtle crunch and an earthy flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the soup’s savory notes.
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed – The star of the soup! Potatoes provide the base, and when cooked, they give the soup its creamy texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the potatoes) – Chicken broth is essential for a flavorful, savory base.
- 3 Tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps form the base for the roux.
- 3 Tablespoons flour – Thickens the soup to create that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) – Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture and flavor, making the soup velvety smooth.
- 1 Teaspoon dried tarragon – Tarragon imparts a subtle, herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- ⅓ cup kale (can use frozen, thawed kale as well, stems removed and chopped fine) – Kale provides color, nutrients, and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season the soup to perfection.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about potato soup is its versatility. Whether you want to adjust the recipe for dietary needs or simply prefer a different flavor profile, there are several easy substitutions and variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add a bit of smoked paprika to replicate that smoky flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream, and use a vegan butter substitute.
- Add Cheese: For an extra layer of richness, consider adding shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese to the soup.
- Spicy Variation: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Extra Veggies: You can bulk up the soup by adding additional vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers.
- Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have tarragon, thyme or rosemary work well as alternatives.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook the Best Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Bacon: Start by placing the chopped bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth: Next, stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure there is enough liquid to fully cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Make the Roux: In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden.
- Thicken the Soup: Slowly whisk the roux into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens.
- Add the Cream and Kale: Stir in the heavy cream and the finely chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Season and Serve: Finally, season the soup with salt, pepper, and the dried tarragon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making potato soup is generally straightforward, a few common mistakes can prevent it from turning out perfectly:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If the potatoes cook for too long, they may become mushy, resulting in a gritty texture. Keep an eye on them and remove the soup from heat as soon as the potatoes are tender.
- Not Thickening Properly: Be sure to cook the roux long enough to remove the raw flour taste before adding it to the soup. Additionally, slowly add the roux to avoid lumps.
- Under-seasoning: Potatoes tend to absorb a lot of salt, so make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning multiple times throughout the cooking process.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The presentation of your potato soup can take it from an everyday dish to a show-stopping meal. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:
How to Serve the Best Potato Soup
- In Bread Bowls: Serve your potato soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, hearty presentation. Not only does it look great, but the bread absorbs the flavors of the soup and adds a wonderful texture.
- With Crusty Bread: Pair your potato soup with a slice of toasted, buttered crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or dill to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle the top with croutons, crushed tortilla chips, or even crispy onions for a bit of crunch.
Presentation Ideas for Potato Soup
- Drizzle with Cream: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a swirl of heavy cream or sour cream over the top of each bowl just before serving.
- Cheese and Bacon Garnish: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and crispy bacon on top to give your guests a preview of the delicious flavors inside.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad can balance the richness of the soup and make for a well-rounded meal.
Potato Soup Recipe Tips
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: If you want a creamier texture without adding too much cream, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice as they naturally become buttery and soft when cooked.
- Blending Options: For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup. Leave some chunks if you prefer a more textured soup.
- Storing Leftovers: Potato soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to revive the soup’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add some extra cream or broth to restore the texture.
How Can I Make Potato Soup Thicker?
If your soup is too thin, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stirring it into the soup. Alternatively, you can blend part of the soup to thicken it naturally.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter version of this soup.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the ins and outs of making the best potato soup, it’s time to get cooking! This creamy, hearty soup is sure to become a favorite with your family and friends. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make some of the suggested variations, you’re in for a treat. Be sure to serve it with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy!
PrintThe Best Potato Soup Recipe
This rich potato soup recipe combines creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and hearty kale for a delicious, comforting meal. Serve it for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Keywords: potato soup recipe, creamy potato soup, best potato soup, bacon potato soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- ½ cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover potatoes)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- ⅓ cup kale, stems removed and chopped fine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat until soft.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a boil. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add the heavy cream or half and half.
- Stir the cream mixture into the soup and cook until thickened.
- Add tarragon, kale, salt, pepper, and cooked bacon. Simmer for a few more minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the broth to ensure the potatoes are fully covered during cooking.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream mixture.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
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