Best Homemade Potato Soup

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover them with chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Cook the Onion: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Soup Base

1. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Thicken the Broth: Gradually stir in 1 cup of the potato cooking liquid (broth) into the skillet with the onion mixture, whisking until smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the Thickened Mixture: Pour the thickened onion mixture back into the pot with the potatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
2. Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Season the Soup: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
2. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the soup, leaving chunks of potato if desired.
3. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, crispy bacon, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup

• Use Russet Potatoes: These potatoes have a high starch content, which makes the soup creamy. Yukon golds can be used for a buttery texture, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
• Control the Thickness: Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or let it simmer longer to thicken.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes just until tender to avoid them turning mushy.
• Blend for Extra Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based toppings for a vegetarian version.

Variations to Try

1. Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
2. Loaded Potato Soup: Add cooked bacon, sour cream, and chives to each bowl for a loaded baked potato vibe.
3. Potato Leek Soup: Replace the onion with leeks for a milder flavor, and garnish with chopped parsley.
4. Add Protein: Incorporate diced ham, sausage, or shredded chicken to make it heartier.

Perfect Pairings for Potato Soup

• Warm Bread or Rolls: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad complements the rich soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Make it a meal by pairing with a classic grilled cheese for a delicious combo.

Conclusion

The Best Homemade Potato Soup is a classic recipe that’s comforting, versatile, and easy to make. With a creamy broth, tender potatoes, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out. Customize it with your favorite toppings, enjoy it with crusty bread, and savor the simplicity of this comforting homemade soup. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy lunch, this potato soup recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.