The Best Potato Soup Recipe Ever: A Must Try

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the wholesome goodness of a warm bowl of creamy potato soup. It's the kind of dish that soothes the soul on a chilly day, reminding us of cherished memories and bringing us comfort like a cozy blanket. 

Today, we want to share one of our favorite recipes for an easy potato soup. So grab your aprons, put on your chef hats, and get ready to join us on a culinary adventure!

The Beauty of Potato Soup

Potato soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer a loaded baked potato soup or you’d rather keep it simple, potato soup can warm you up from the inside out. 

Its simplicity allows for endless variations, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights. Plus, the main ingredient — the humble potato — is affordable and readily available, and packs a nutritious punch. So, let's dive into our recipe and create a bowl of comfort that will leave you craving more.

The Best Potato Soup Recipe Ever

Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1” pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, crispy and crumbled; or bacon bits
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (regular or sharp)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
• Sour cream (optional for garnishing)

Tools We Used

• GIR Silicone Ladle: This ladle features a precision pouring edge designed so you don’t waste a drop of your delicious potato soup.
• GIR Whisk: The sturdy construction won't bend or break during those vigorous whisking sessions. 
• GIR Ultimate Quad Chopper: This quad chopper is a great addition to your potato soup routine, perfect for giving your potatoes a slight mash.

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, whisking constantly with your GIR Whisk for about a minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
3. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking continuously. This forms the base of the soup and ensures the roux is well incorporated.
4. Add the diced potatoes and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially blend or puree the soup to create a creamy base with some chunks of potato remaining. This step adds texture to your soup.
6. Pour in the whole milk and whisk gently. If you desire a richer flavor, slowly whisk in the heavy cream.
7. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start conservatively and adjust as needed. It's always easier to add more than to take away!
8. Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for an additional five minutes to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls with your GIR Ladle, and top each serving with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and freshly chopped chives or green onions. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese! Not only does this add an enticing visual appeal, but it also enhances the flavors and brings a lovely contrast to the creamy soup.

 Now that you’ve prepared your steaming bowl of potato soup, indulge even further by pairing it with a crusty piece of bread or some cheesy garlic croutons — the perfect meal for a chilly night!

Additional Tips

If you’re looking for additional ways to make the most of your yummy potato soup, here are some of our best tips.

Use a Slow Cooker

Though our recipe is stovetop, you can also cook this soup in a slow cooker or crockpot. If you cook on high, this will take about three to four hours or until the potatoes are soft. Crockpot potato soup can be just as delicious as standard stovetop cooking!

Cooking time may be less if you opt for a kitchen gadget like an instant pot. Your best bet is to check on your soup frequently to test if your potatoes have softened to your liking.

Mix It Up

You can vary the ingredients as you’d like! Switch out the Russets for Yukon gold potatoes, or use half and half instead of a generic heavy cream. You can also add any additional veggies that you’d like to get some extra potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C in your soup.

If you are gluten-free, there are plenty of gluten-free flour options on the market. You can also opt for a low-sodium chicken broth if you are limiting your sodium intake.

Store Properly

We recommend using an airtight container to store your soup. This will keep it fresh longer, allowing you to reheat it from the fridge for up to five days. Consider putting your soup in the freezer to store it for up to six months.

Check out our stretch cover set to turn any bowl into an airtight container.

Ever Wonder Why We Love Comfort Food?

There's something undeniably perfect about comfort food. We think it has something to do with finding warmth and nourishment. It can transport us back to cherished memories, evoke a sense of home, and provide solace on even the hardest days. 

As we gather around the dinner table, a bowl of steaming potato soup in hand, let's explore why comfort food holds a special place in our hearts and tummies:

• Comfort in Familiarity: Comfort food is often the food our parents or grandparents lovingly prepared, nurturing us through childhood and beyond. The taste and aroma of these dishes remind us of simpler times and the people who cared for us.
• Emotional Bonding: A familiar and satisfying dish can be the ultimate comfort in times of stress, sadness, or celebration. It's a way to connect with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over a shared plate of goodness.
• Soothing the Soul: Comfort food remarkably soothes our spirits. Indulging in a bowl of creamy potato soup provides a sense of security and warmth, a respite from the chaos of daily life. 
• Feeding the Body and Mind: Whether it's the creamy texture of potato soup or the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a homemade pie, comfort food is a reminder that life's greatest pleasures can come from the simplest ingredients.

So, as you gather your ingredients and start simmering that pot of potato soup, remember that comfort food is not just about the flavors and textures but also the memories, emotions, and connections it brings. 

The GIR Difference

At GIR, we understand the importance of using reliable and durable kitchen tools when preparing your favorite recipes. That's why we strive to create innovative products that make your cooking experience convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. We recommend using our GIR Silicone Soup Ladle Spoon and GIR Whisk for this potato soup recipe.

Want an equally comforting dessert to top off this delicious meal? Check out our no-fuss Quick and Easy Confetti Sugar Cookies! These soft, chewy cookies have a buttery texture your family will love!

Sources:

Potatoes | Agricultural Marketing Resource Center 
Why Every Home Cook Needs a Dutch Oven | Consumer Reports 
The 14 Best Gluten-Free Flours | Healthline 
Comfort Food | Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre