Description
This hearty and creamy potato soup recipe is the perfect comfort food, loaded with tender potatoes, savory vegetables, rich cheese, and crispy bacon. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a delightful dish to warm you up on any chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra cheddar cheese for garnish
Thickening & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Toppings & Garnish
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and form a light roux.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes along with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken Soup: Lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup while leaving chunks for texture.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheddar cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon toppings.
- You can prepare the soup ahead of time and gently reheat it over low heat before serving.
- If you prefer an extra thick and creamy texture, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
