Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share my absolute FAVORITE comfort food with a twist. Get ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness with my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe.
This isn’t just ANY soup, friends. This is a flavor adventure that turns every meal into something special. I’m so excited to welcome you into my kitchen as we whip up this bold flavor winner.
My quest to make the perfect potato soup was intense. I wanted something creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor – but not boring! I needed that restaurant-quality experience without the restaurant price tag. Enter my obsession with the Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe.
What inspired me to get creative? I wanted that Panera potato soup taste, but with a Nyla twist, of course! I’m all about bold flavors, so I started experimenting with different spices and textures. The goal? To create a homemade potato soup that would knock your socks off.
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe became a total flavor winner. The addition of certain spices and the way we layer in the flavors makes it taste like it came straight from Panera bread soup, but even BETTER. I’m talking restaurant-quality soup, right in your own kitchen.
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is more than just food; it’s an experience. It’s that warm hug on a cold day, that comforting bowl after a long week. I wanted to recreate that, but with my signature touch of boldness.
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is my ultimate kitchen creation! I’m beyond thrilled to share my passion with you. Get ready to create some delicious magic together.
Ready to ditch the bland and dive into flavor town? Let’s do this!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: These are your base for a creamy, dreamy soup.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Adds depth and sweetness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds a savory richness. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious creaminess we all crave.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy twist.
- 4 tablespoons butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: To thicken things up perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe secret that takes it from good to incredible!
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a little heat. I love adding extra to my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe for that extra kick!
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because bacon!
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I use half-and-half all the time in my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe. It still comes out wonderfully creamy!
Storage Tip: Make sure your potatoes are stored in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh until you’re ready to cook!
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe gets its amazing taste from the combination of smoky paprika, creamy texture, and that touch of tang from the sour cream. These ingredients sing together, creating a symphony of flavor!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe in no time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. In my kitchen, this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe usually takes about 2 minutes for the roux to form.
- Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is my favorite part of making Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe – watch the magic happen!
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. I like to leave some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Don’t worry if your Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe looks a little chunky at first; the blending will smooth it out perfectly!
- Stir in the Cream and Sour Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Heat through, but don’t boil. While your Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Add Bacon: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon. This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Shortcut Alert: For a super quick version, use pre-cooked bacon bits!
I remember one time I accidentally added a little too much smoked paprika, but it turned out to be a delicious happy accident! That smoky flavor really elevated the Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe hits the table with a side of crusty bread for dipping! This soup is all about cozy comfort, but with a touch of flair.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe:
- Classic Pairing: Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a loaf of bread and fill it with the soup for a restaurant-style experience. Serving it in a Panera bread soup style is always a win!
- Garnish Galore: Top it with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and extra bacon for a loaded potato soup experience.
- Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a crowd-pleaser for game nights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress.
Creative Leftovers: Turn leftover soup into potato pancakes! Just mix it with some flour, egg, and seasonings, then fry until golden brown.
Fusion Variation: Try adding roasted corn and black beans for a Southwestern twist. This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe reminds me of another bold flavor favorite: Copycat Outback Potato Soup Recipe!
When I serve this soup, I always get rave reviews. Everyone loves the creamy texture and the bold, smoky flavor. The Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is a guaranteed hit!
FAQs:
I’m here to answer all your burning questions about making this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. Just follow the steps and you’ll be golden. I promise!
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the bacon. It will still be incredibly delicious.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
A: Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but the smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor that really makes this soup special. I highly recommend using it if you can!
Q: How can I prep this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe for busy weeknights?
A: You can chop the vegetables and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely and then reheat it gently.
Q: What if I mess up my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! But even if you do, a little extra cheese or bacon can fix almost anything. 😉
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative to Russets. They have a naturally creamy texture that works well in this soup.
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out cheddar garlic herb potato soup!
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe has been taste-tested by my family and friends, and it always gets a thumbs-up. I’m confident you’ll love it too!
CONCLUSION:
This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that comfort food can be both delicious and easy to make. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings people together. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for cheesy potato soup!
My Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe Flavor Secrets:
- Smoked Paprika is Key: Don’t skip it! It adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get with regular paprika.
- Don’t Over-Blend: Leave some chunks for texture. It makes the soup more interesting and satisfying.
- Taste and Adjust: Season to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if needed.
Here are some delicious Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Chorizo Potato Soup: Add cooked chorizo for a smoky, spicy kick. Perfect for a chilly evening!
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Top with all your favorite baked potato toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. This version is amazing for game night.
- Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets for a healthier twist. This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe your own.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious magic! Get ready for a flavor adventure that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures with my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe!
You can find the Panera potato soup taste at Panera’s Cream Cheese Potato Soup Recipe – Food.com, Copycat Panera Rustic Baked Potato Soup and Panera Bread Baked Potato Soup Copycat
Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe
Craving Panera’s creamy potato soup? This copycat recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of the original, made right in your own kitchen. Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of potato perfection!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the pot.
- Add onion to the pot and cook in bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with cooked bacon, chives, and shredded cheddar cheese (optional). Serve hot.
Notes
For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream and sour cream. Serve with a crusty bread for dipping.