Hey there, fellow flavor adventurers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip. Get ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of pure comfort – we’re talking about the ultimate Potato Soup experience! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a creamy, dreamy, soul-warming hug in a bowl. I’m beyond excited to share my spin on this classic, turning every spoonful into something truly special.
I’ve always believed that comfort food should never be boring. That’s why I’m constantly experimenting in the kitchen, looking for ways to inject bold flavors and unexpected twists into familiar favorites. This Potato Soup is no exception. Think creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of something extra that will make your taste buds sing!
I remember one late night, craving something warm and comforting. I decided to whip up a Potato Soup, but I wanted to make it different. I started throwing in some unexpected spices, a little extra garlic, and a secret ingredient that totally transformed the whole dish. It was a happy accident turned obsession, and now I can’t wait to share the magic with you! Come along with me, food lovers, because this Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Potato Soup ingredient list is all about building layers of flavor! Don’t be intimidated – you can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip. This is one of the reasons why I love this **Potato Soup**, because it is easy to put together with simple ingredients!
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor to the base of the soup. No worries if you’re vegan – you can use olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter!
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a savory foundation for the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Forms the liquid base of the soup.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: Yukon Golds create the best creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my Potato Soup secret that takes it from good to incredible!
- 1 cup heavy cream: For ultimate creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheesy Potato Soup is the best Potato Soup.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, bacon bits, chopped green onions, extra cheese.
Here’s my **Potato Soup** secret that takes it from good to *amazing*: the smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smokiness that complements the creamy potatoes and cheese perfectly. Trust me on this one – don’t skip it!
For those busy weeknights, peel and cube your potatoes ahead of time and store them in water to prevent browning. You can also chop the onion and garlic in advance. Prep shortcuts are essential, am I right?!
I love adding a little extra garlic to my **Potato Soup** for that extra kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. Taste as you go, fellow food lovers!
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Potato Soup – watch the magic happen! I’m so excited to walk you through each step and help you create a bowl of pure comfort. Let’s get cooking!
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This is where the deliciousness begins. The butter will infuse everything with a rich, nutty flavor.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We are creating a base layer of flavor, so make sure not to skip any steps.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Oh, that amazing garlic aroma! Your **Potato Soup** should smell absolutely incredible right now.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a simmer. This is where the magic starts happening! Get ready for some incredible aromas.
- Add the cubed potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. This is where we start building the true depth of flavor that sets this **Potato Soup** apart.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. In my kitchen, this **Potato Soup** usually takes about 18 minutes to get the potatoes to the perfect tenderness.
- Remove from heat and carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, but be very careful when blending hot liquids. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork for a chunkier texture. Don’t worry if your **Potato Soup** looks a little lumpy at this stage – we’ll fix that in the next step.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The cream and cheese will transform the soup into a decadent, comforting masterpiece.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking. Remember, taste testing is crucial! You are the flavor architect.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, bacon bits, chopped green onions, and extra cheese are all fantastic choices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Prepare for happy dances! This is the best **easy potato soup recipe** you’ll ever try.
While your **Potato Soup** is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and creamy potatoes is simply irresistible.
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years for getting the perfect creamy texture. First, make sure your potatoes are cooked until they’re very tender. Second, don’t be afraid to blend the soup thoroughly. A smooth, creamy texture is key!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this **Potato Soup** hits the table with a generous dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors!
This **creamy potato soup** 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 your friends and family with a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my cheddar garlic herb potato soup, which has a similar flavor profile.
I love serving this **Potato Soup** with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up all the delicious broth and adds a satisfying textural contrast.
For a fun twist, try serving this **Potato Soup** in bread bowls! It’s a unique and delicious way to elevate your presentation.
Leftover **Potato Soup** can be transformed into amazing baked potato toppings! Just reheat the soup and spoon it over baked potatoes with your favorite toppings.
I’ve also experimented with adding different types of cheese to this **Potato Soup**. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are all fantastic options. Get creative and find your favorite combination!
If you are craving some heat, this recipe would be amazing with some jalapenos. I personally like the spice and have found myself experimenting with different types of peppers. For a creamy, cheesy soup, you could also try my cheesy potato soup recipe.
Looking for something similar but a bit different? My cheddar garlic herb potato soup might be right up your alley!
FAQs:
I’ve gotten so many questions about this **Potato Soup**, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here. Don’t be shy – if you have a question, just ask!
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this creamy potato soup?
Absolutely! This **Potato Soup** recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. I’ve designed it to be foolproof, even for those who are new to cooking. This **Potato Soup** reminds me of another family favorite recipe you’ll find here!
What if I mess up my Potato Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up! Even if you overcook the potatoes or add too much salt, it will still be delicious. Just adjust the seasonings to your liking, and you’ll be good to go.
How can I prep this easy potato soup recipe for busy weeknights?
You can chop the onions, garlic, and potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. You can also make the entire soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make this Potato Soup vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter, and omit the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. You can add a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Looking for a vegan potato soup recipe? Check out The BEST Vegan Potato Soup | Cozy + Creamy – From My Bowl or Vegan Baked Potato Soup Recipe – Vegan Huggs for some tasty variations.
Can I freeze this cheesy potato soup?
While you can freeze this **Potato Soup**, the texture may change slightly when thawed. The cream and cheese can sometimes separate, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
What other toppings can I add to this homemade potato soup?
The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorite toppings include crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, chives, hot sauce, and croutons.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture of the soup may vary slightly depending on the type of potato you use. For some tips, see Easy Vegan Potato Soup – Nora Cooks.
CONCLUSION:
This **Potato Soup** brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. It can be bold, flavorful, and totally satisfying! It is also something I can change up each and every time!
My Potato Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Smoked Paprika is Key: Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It adds a depth of flavor that takes this soup to the next level.
- Taste as You Go: Seasoning is everything! Taste the soup at each stage and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite flavors and toppings.
I’ve tested so many delicious **Potato Soup** variations over the years, from a spicy jalapeño cheddar version to a creamy roasted garlic and parmesan version. My favorite is a **cheesy potato soup** version!
For a cozy winter night, I love making a classic **creamy potato soup** with all the traditional toppings. For a summer barbecue, I might add some grilled corn and a drizzle of hot sauce.
I’m so excited for you to try this **Potato Soup** recipe and make it your own! Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. And if you’re looking for another soup with some heat, I recommend my spicy black bean soup. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out all my recipes here!
Remember, fellow food lovers, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can share with the people you love. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this **Potato Soup**, and get ready to experience a flavor adventure!
Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food! Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a chilly evening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, chives
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add potatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Carefully transfer soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
- Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and leave the rest chunky. Top with crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor!