Why Make This Recipe

Creamy potato soup is one of those dishes that wraps you up in warmth and comfort. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy bowl of joy that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up potatoes that you might have lying around!

How to Make The Best Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the most common choice due to their high starch content, which adds creaminess when blended. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, as they have a naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth and complexity, infusing the soup with a rich, savory base.
Butter and Flour: Used to make a roux, which acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its rich, smooth consistency.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth to the flavor, balancing the richness of the potatoes and cream.
Milk or Cream: Essential for that lush, creamy texture. Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream are all great options, depending on how rich you want the soup to be.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional additions like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to enhance the overall taste.
Toppings: Cheese, chives, bacon bits, or sour cream can elevate the flavor and presentation of the soup.

Directions:

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all the ingredients on your countertop to make the cooking process smooth.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, melt some butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
Make the Roux: Stir in flour and cook for a minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are cooked, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Add Milk or Cream: Stir in the milk or cream and heat gently. Season with salt and pepper, and any herbs you like.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

How to Serve The Best Creamy Potato Soup

Serve this creamy potato soup hot, topped with your choice of cheese, chives, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a satisfying meal.

How to Store The Best Creamy Potato Soup

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra milk or broth if necessary to thin it out.

Tips to Make The Best Creamy Potato Soup

Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresher potatoes will give you the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Roux: The roux is essential for a thick, creamy soup, so don’t rush that step.
Adjust Consistency: If you want your soup thinner, add more broth or milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Variation

Feel free to throw in some vegetables, like carrots or celery, for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also add cooked sausage or ham for a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze creamy potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! However, the texture may change slightly when thawed. It’s best to freeze before adding cream or milk.

2. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches to achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Creamy Potato Soup