There’s something so soul-soothing about a piping bowl of creamy potato soup that wraps you up like a favorite blanket on a crisp evening. Warm up with this rich and creamy potato soup, perfect for chilly days and satisfying cravings! Savory russet potatoes mingle with fragrant garlic and onion, creating a comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, it’s a hug in a bowl that greets you with warm, buttery notes and a subtle herbal whisper from thyme. Every spoonful is a celebration of textures—the velvety soup coexists with bursts of cheddar, the gentle bite of green onions, and the smoky crunch of bacon that dances on your tongue.
When I first tried this recipe, I was nervous about blending a pot of hot liquid, but thanks to an immersion blender, I felt like a pro in minutes! This beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone who wants hearty homemade soup without fuss. It’s both a comforting lunch and a satisfying dinner, taking just 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook. At about 400 calories per serving, it strikes the ideal balance of indulgence and nourishment. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a good book or hosting friends for a casual weeknight meal, this creamy soup will become your go-to feel-good dish.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY POTATO SOUP
To make this soup truly extraordinary, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and richness. From starchy potatoes that thicken the broth to tangy toppings that cut through the creaminess, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Russet potatoes
Starchy and hearty, russet potatoes break down beautifully during cooking to create a naturally thick and silky base without extra thickeners.
- Onion
Finely chopped onion sweats down to sweet, translucent pieces that lend a gentle aromatic backbone and depth to the soup.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the broth with a warm, pungent bite and an unmistakable savory character.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
This flavorful liquid foundation carries all the ingredients, adding umami richness and ensuring a perfectly balanced, comforting soup.
- Heavy cream
A splash of heavy cream introduces luxurious richness and a smooth mouthfeel that makes each spoonful irresistibly velvety.
- Milk
Combined with cream, milk lightens the texture just enough to keep the soup creamy without feeling too heavy.
- Butter
A pat of butter melts into the sauté, enhancing the soup’s richness and giving it a silky finish.
- Olive oil
Used alongside butter for sautéing, olive oil provides a fruity nuance and prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that brighten flavors, enhance sweetness, and balance all the creamy elements.
- Dried thyme
This earthy herb adds subtle woodsy notes that complement the potatoes and cut through the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp and tangy, cheddar melts into creamy pockets of flavor, giving the soup a playful twist that cheese lovers adore.
- Sour cream
A dollop of tangy sour cream on top introduces a refreshing counterpoint to the smooth, warm soup.
- Bacon (optional)
Crispy, smoky bacon crumbles add texture contrast and a savory punch that takes the soup to the next level.
- Green onions
Thinly sliced green onions bring a bright, oniony crunch and a pop of color for the perfect finishing touch.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY POTATO SOUP
Let’s dive into the heart of this recipe and transform humble ingredients into a luscious, soul-warming soup. From sautéing aromatics to blending the perfect consistency, each step builds on the last, guiding you toward a bowl of cozy comfort.
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Season generously with salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried thyme to coat every potato cube.
3. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and falling apart at the edges.
5. Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly until perfectly smooth. Alternatively, transfer the hot soup in batches to a countertop blender, blend until creamy, then return it to the pot.
6. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, allowing the soup to warm through for about 5 minutes—just enough to meld flavors without scalding the dairy.
7. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup achieves a rich, cheesy swirl.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, making sure every flavor note sings.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions for color and texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY POTATO SOUP
Once your soup is ready, the fun part begins—customizing and presenting it in ways that delight every palate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy solo dinner, these serving ideas will elevate your bowl to an unforgettable experience.
- Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread or toasted baguette to soak up every last drop of creamy goodness. The crunchy exterior and tender crumb make a perfect pairing.
- Top with an array of fresh garnishes—extra shredded cheddar, a swirl of sour cream, chopped crispy bacon, and vibrant green onions—to create a stunning contrast of textures and flavors.
- Offer a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The bright acidity and crisp greens refresh the palate between creamy spoonfuls, balancing out the rich soup.
- Set up a topping bar with ingredients like diced avocado, chopped chives, chili flakes, or pickle slices, allowing guests to personalize their bowls for a fun, interactive meal.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY POTATO SOUP
Storing your leftover soup properly ensures you can enjoy that comforting flavor days later without loss of quality. Whether you plan to refrigerate or freeze, these tips will keep your soup tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container once the soup has cooled to room temperature. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps the flavors vibrant. Use within 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the perfect consistency.
- Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace for expansion, label each container with the date, and store for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, reheat from frozen on the stove over low heat, breaking up ice chunks with a spoon and stirring until smooth.
CONCLUSION
This Creamy Potato Soup recipe is your ticket to an incredibly satisfying, soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. From the first sauté of onions and garlic to the final swirl of cheddar and sour cream, every step is designed to bring out the comforting flavors of russet potatoes, aromatic thyme, and rich dairy. With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, even a kitchen newbie can whip up a restaurant-quality soup perfect for lunch or dinner. Keep the recipe close at hand—you can print this article and save it for later use, whether you tuck it into a recipe binder or bookmark it on your device. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to answer any lingering questions about ingredients, techniques, or substitutions.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment with your favorite garnish, any tweaks you made, or questions about the steps. Your feedback not only helps me refine this article but also inspires fellow home cooks to dive into their kitchens with confidence. Whether you’re looking for comfort, convenience, or just a creamy bowl of joy, this soup delivers on all fronts—so go ahead, give it a whirl, and let me know what you think!
Creamy Potato Soup
Description
Savory russet potatoes mingle with fragrant garlic and onion, creating a comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Topped with cheddar and crispy bacon, it’s a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
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Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
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Remove the pot from heat and, using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy, then return to the pot.
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Place the pot back on the stove over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Allow the soup to warm through for about 5 minutes.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.
Note
- You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly different texture.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the cream-based soup.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
