Potato Soup

Nothing warms the soul like a creamy bowl of potato soup on a chilly evening. This potato soup is smooth, hearty, and easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or cold nights when you want comfort in a bowl. I often let the potatoes simmer gently while prepping other ingredients, keeping everything stress-free and full of flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This potato soup is rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s cozy and weeknight-friendly, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a warm, satisfying meal. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it again later. The recipe is flexible—you can add cheese, bacon, or herbs for extra flavor. Pinterest users will love saving this for its creamy texture, simple method, and comforting results. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and crowd-pleasing, making it a go-to soup for cold nights or casual family meals.

Ingredients

Tip: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for a creamy, smooth texture.

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
  • Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Peel and dice the potatoes into even pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients nearby so cooking is smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

See also  Gnocchi Soup

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the diced potatoes and broth. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Mash some of the potatoes in the pot for a thicker, creamy texture. Stir in milk or cream and optional cheese. Heat gently, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with garnish if desired.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This potato soup is quick to prep and cooks in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can cook once and enjoy multiple meals. It’s forgiving, flexible, and comforting, making it a stress-free option for Pinterest users planning ahead.

Tips & Tricks

  • Potato Type Matters: Starchy potatoes like Russets break down well, creating a naturally creamy soup. Avoid waxy potatoes—they won’t give the same texture.
  • Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip softening the onions and garlic; it builds depth. Raw aromatics can taste harsh in the final soup.
  • Mash Gently: Mash a portion of the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup naturally. Avoid over-mashing to keep some chunks for texture.
  • Adjust Creaminess: Stir in milk slowly and taste as you go. Adding too much at once can make soup too thin or dilute the flavor.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken. Stir in toward the end for a hearty, protein-packed soup perfect for family dinners.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon. Enhance flavor with sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for richness.
  • Ingredient Swap: Swap milk for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free creamy texture. Adjust seasoning to balance flavors.
  • Herb Boost: Add fresh rosemary, parsley, or dill during the last few minutes. Herbs elevate the aroma and taste without extra effort.
See also  Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Bowl: Serve hot with shredded cheese and chives for a simple, cozy meal.
  • Bread Pairing: Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft rolls for dipping and a family-friendly dinner.
  • Hearty Additions: Top with crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or roasted vegetables for a filling lunch or dinner.
  • Comfort Plate: Serve alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, Pinterest-worthy cozy meal.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container. Keeps 3–4 days and flavors deepen overnight.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the base up to a day in advance. Refrigerate and finish with milk, cream, or cheese before serving.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–220 per serving
Protein: 4–6 g
Key Nutrients: Potassium from potatoes, calcium from milk
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients or portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, you can prep the base or fully cook it. Reheat gently and stir in milk or cream before serving.

Use starchy potatoes and mash some for thickness. Avoid over-broth-heavy ratios.

Milk can be replaced with cream, coconut milk, or non-dairy alternatives. Broth can be swapped with any stock.

Refrigerated soup lasts 3–4 days. Frozen soup is good up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This potato soup is a warm, comforting bowl perfect for cozy nights, busy weeknights, or family meals. It’s simple to make, flexible to customize, and keeps well for leftovers. Whether you enjoy it plain, creamy, or with added toppings, this potato soup brings comfort and flavor to every spoonful. Keep it in your rotation for easy, satisfying meals anytime.

Potato Soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Creamy, hearty, and easy to make, this potato soup is perfect for cozy dinners, quick lunches, or cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk or cream

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

  • 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

  • Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Peel and dice potatoes. Chop onion and mince garlic. Gather all ingredients.
  • Heat oil or butter in a pot. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 1 minute.
  • Add potatoes and broth. Season with salt, pepper, thyme. Simmer until potatoes are tender, 15–20 minutes.
  • Mash some potatoes for thicker texture. Stir in milk or cream, optional cheese. Heat gently and serve hot with garnish.

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