Hello, dear friends! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: the Best Homemade Potato Soup. This dish is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for bringing families together around the table. I fondly remember my grandmother preparing this soup on chilly evenings, filling the house with its savory aroma. Now, I continue the tradition by serving it to my family, especially during those cozy weekends when we gather for some quality time. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Comfort Food Delight: This potato soup is the epitome of comfort food – creamy, rich, and soul-satisfying. It’s like a warm blanket on a cold day. Imagine wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl, feeling the warmth radiate through your fingertips while the aroma tantalizes your senses, promising a taste of nostalgia and contentment.
Family-Friendly: It’s a dish everyone can enjoy, from the youngest to the oldest family member. Add your favorite toppings and let everyone create their perfect bowl. Whether it’s an extra sprinkle of cheese for the kids or a dash of hot sauce for the spice lovers, this soup caters to all tastes, making it a communal experience everyone will remember.
Simple Ingredients: With accessible ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and onions, you won’t need to make a special trip to the store. These pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s not only comforting but also convenient, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most profound flavors.
Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. After a hectic day, there’s nothing more satisfying than preparing a meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen yet delivers a taste that feels like a labor of love.
Versatile: Customize it to your family’s liking by adjusting the spices or toppings. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Perhaps you might want to add a handful of kale or spinach for a nutritional boost, or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. The possibilities are endless and exciting, allowing you to innovate while keeping the essence intact.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 521 kcal
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chives, additional sour cream and bacon
Instructions
Cook Bacon: Place bacon pieces in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until crisp and browned. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. Utilizing the rendered bacon fat not only infuses the soup with a smoky depth but also reduces waste, making it both flavorful and efficient.
Sauté Vegetables: Add butter and chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat until onions are tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The combination of onion and garlic serves as the aromatic foundation, creating a robust base that will permeate the entire dish.
Make the Base: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring until smooth. Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. Stir well. This step is crucial for developing the soup’s body and thickness, transforming it into a luscious creaminess that coats the potatoes beautifully.
Cook Potatoes: Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. The gentle boil softens the potatoes just right, allowing them to absorb the flavors without turning mushy.
Blend: Reduce heat to simmer. Carefully remove about half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return pureed soup to the pot. This method creates a perfect balance of textures, with some potatoes blended for creaminess and others left chunky for substance.
Final Touches: Add sour cream and reserved bacon. Stir well and allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes. The sour cream adds a tangy richness that complements the smoky bacon, elevating the overall taste profile.
Serve: Top with additional sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, or chives. Enjoy! These toppings not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly. Its heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, preventing scorching and allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: To puree part of the soup and create that creamy texture. An immersion blender offers the convenience of blending directly in the pot, reducing cleanup time.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions and potatoes. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, preserving the integrity of the ingredients and enhancing the overall presentation.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements. Precision in measurement can significantly impact the balance of flavors, especially in a dish as nuanced as this soup.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor that enhances the soup’s richness. Its crispiness provides a textural contrast to the creamy soup, making it a sensory delight.
- Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture is perfect for soups, providing thickness without a lot of cream. They break down beautifully, adding a natural silkiness that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Onions and Garlic: These aromatics create a flavorful base. Their natural sweetness is coaxed out during the sautéing process, infusing the soup with depth and complexity.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the soup. It enriches the overall flavor profile, binding all other elements together into a cohesive dish.
- Milk and Heavy Cream: Contribute to the soup’s creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel. Together, they create a luxurious base that is indulgent yet balanced.
- Ancho Chili Powder: Introduces a subtle heat and smokiness, elevating the soup’s flavor profile. Its gentle warmth complements the richness, adding an unexpected yet welcome twist.
What to Serve With This Soup
Pair this potato soup with a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh green salad to balance the creaminess. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich would also be delightful. The contrast of textures and flavors from these sides enhances the overall meal experience. For a complete meal, you might enjoy it alongside my Homemade Garlic Bread or Classic Caesar Salad, both of which add layers of flavor and satisfaction to your dining experience.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick. This method helps maintain the soup’s original texture and flavor.
- Freezing: Although the texture might change slightly, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Consider freezing in single portions for quick, easy meals.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This gradual process ensures that the soup heats evenly, preserving its creamy consistency.
In conclusion, I hope this Best Homemade Potato Soup brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. It’s a dish that turns ordinary moments into cherished memories. Remember, cooking is all about sharing love through food, and nothing says “I care” like a homemade meal. Enjoy every spoonful, and happy cooking!