Nothing says comfort like a hot bowl of potato soup on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and filling, homemade potato soup is the perfect choice. It’s rich, creamy, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to make at home.
In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make potato soup with simple ingredients and minimal effort. This is one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why Potato Soup is So Popular
Potato soup is a classic comfort food made with soft potatoes, a creamy broth, and often a few tasty extras like cheese, bacon, or green onions. It’s one of the most affordable and filling meals you can make, and it stores well for leftovers too.
Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot, the base of this easy potato soup recipe remains the same, potatoes, onion, broth, and a creamy element.
Ingredients for Homemade Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic, delicious creamy potato soup:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for cheesy potato soup)
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
- Cooked bacon bits, for garnish (optional but tasty!)
How to Make Potato Soup Step-by-Step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (about 4–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. You can also remove half the soup, blend it in a blender, and stir it back in. This gives the soup a creamy feel while keeping some chunks.
Step 4: Stir in the Dairy
Add milk (or cream) and sour cream to the soup. Stir gently over low heat until everything is combined and warmed through. Don’t let it boil at this point, just keep it hot.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want a cheesy potato soup, stir in the shredded cheddar now. Let it melt into the soup for a rich, comforting flavor.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with green onions, bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Variations to Try
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives – just like a loaded baked potato.
- Vegetarian Potato Soup: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Chunky Style: Skip the blending and leave all the potato chunks for a heartier texture.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze potato soup, but note that dairy-based soups may separate a bit when thawed. Reheat gently and stir well.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make potato soup, you’ll have a go-to comfort dish that never fails. It’s simple, hearty, and full of cozy flavors. Whether you enjoy it plain, cheesy, or fully loaded, this easy potato soup recipe will definitely become a family favorite.
So grab some potatoes, fire up the stove, and enjoy the delicious warmth of homemade potato soup today!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes! Whole milk works well, but cream will give a richer texture. You can also use a non-dairy alternative like oat milk for a lighter version.
2. What type of potatoes are best for soup?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are great choices. Yukon Gold gives a creamier texture, while Russet breaks down more easily.
3. How do I thicken potato soup?
Blend part of the soup, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. Adding cheese also thickens the soup naturally.
4. Can I make potato soup in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients (except dairy) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in the dairy near the end before serving.
5. Is potato soup healthy?
It can be! Stick to lighter dairy options, skip the bacon, and load up on veggies if you want a healthier version.