The Best Creamy Potato Soup: A Guide to Cozy Comfort Recipe
Introduction
This creamy potato soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. With tender potatoes, a savory broth, and a rich, velvety texture, it’s both satisfying and easy to make. Customize it with your favorite toppings for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste while whisking constantly.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to combine and prevent lumps.
- Step 4: Add the diced potatoes and fresh herbs if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the herbs, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a blender.
- Step 6: Stir in the milk or cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat gently until warmed through, avoiding boiling.
- Step 7: Serve hot, topped with cheese, chives, bacon bits, or sour cream as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Yukon Gold potatoes can be used instead of russets for a naturally buttery flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or shredded cheese directly into the soup for a heartier version.
- For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and a plant-based milk such as oat or cashew.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes great when made a day in advance as the flavors meld nicely. Just reheat gently before serving.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, cook the soup a little longer uncovered to reduce liquid or add more flour when making the roux. To thin, simply stir in more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
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The Best Creamy Potato Soup: A Guide to Cozy Comfort Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy potato soup recipe offers a comforting and rich bowl of warmth, perfect for chilly days. Using russet potatoes for their creamy texture combined with a flavorful blend of onions, garlic, and a smooth roux made from butter and flour, this soup is thickened to perfection. Enriched with chicken or vegetable broth and finished with milk or cream, it delivers a velvety consistency balanced with savory depth. Optional herbs like thyme or rosemary add an aromatic herbal note, while toppings such as cheese, chives, bacon bits, or sour cream provide delightful garnish and extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for an herbal note
- Cheese, for topping
- Chives, chopped, for topping
- Bacon bits, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to infuse flavor evenly through the soup.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture forms a roux and turns slightly golden, which will thicken the soup and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer some of the soup to a blender carefully and puree before returning to the pot.
- Finish with Dairy: Stir in the whole milk or heavy cream and heat the soup gently until warmed through, but not boiling, to keep the cream from curdling.
- Season and Add Herbs: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Add fresh thyme or rosemary at this stage for an herbal note if desired. Let the herbs infuse for a few minutes, then remove any sprigs before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnish such as shredded cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their high starch content, giving the soup a creamy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a buttery taste.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The soup can be blended partially for a chunky texture or fully for an ultra-smooth finish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding toppings like bacon bits makes the soup non-vegetarian; omit if serving vegetarian guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy potato soup, potato soup recipe, comforting soup, easy potato soup, creamy soup
