Creamy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, rich cream, and savory seasonings into a warm, velvety dish. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make, offering a delicious way to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes:
In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Make the Roux:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
3. Combine and Season:
Add the cream mixture to the pot with the potatoes and broth. Stir to combine. Add the dried thyme and dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to reach the desired consistency.
4. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup or use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes.
5. Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh chopped chives, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture. Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds will hold their shape better but won’t be as creamy.
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more milk or broth if it’s too thick, or by blending less if you prefer a chunkier soup.
- Flavor Boost: For added depth of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of butter before adding them to the pot with the potatoes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup for a cheesy variation.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top the soup with additional toppings like sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese for a loaded potato soup experience.
Conclusion
Creamy Potato Soup is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich and velvety texture, savory flavors, and customizable toppings, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the ease of preparing a delicious and satisfying dish that will delight your family and friends, and savor each creamy, comforting bite!
