Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
This Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or wanting to impress guests with a homemade classic, this recipe delivers. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout option in your soup repertoire. Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner cooks, yet delicious enough to wow everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This potato soup takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: Rich in taste, even without cheese, this soup is incredibly creamy thanks to the careful blending of ingredients.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it adaptable for any preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of potatoes and carrots creates a hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy potato soup, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will not only simplify the cooking process but also enhance your overall experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- stock pot
- potato masher
- whisk
- measuring cups
- cutting board
- knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Stock Pot: This large pot is essential for boiling the vegetables evenly, ensuring they cook thoroughly without overcrowding.
- Potato Masher: A handy tool to achieve your desired soup texture; whether chunky or smooth, it makes mashing easy and effective.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the roux smoothly with milk, preventing lumps that could spoil your creamy soup.
Ingredients
This Easy Potato Soup recipe is the real deal. Shared with me from the granddaughter of an Idaho potato farmer, this homemade soup is creamy, thick, and luxurious, even without the optional cheesy garnish. It is truly the best potato soup I’ve ever had. And it only takes about 30 minutes to make!
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes (2 large potatoes, about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 large)
- 1 clove garlic (mashed and diced)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (chicken or turkey flavor is great)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the White Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter (one stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups milk (whole milk is best)
For Garnish
- cheddar cheese
- chopped green onions
- chopped parsley
How to Make Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Step 1: Boil the Veggies
- Peel the potatoes and dice them into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in a stock pot.
- Peel and chop the carrots to match the size of the potatoes. Add these to the pot as well.
- Smash and mince 1 clove of garlic before adding it to the pot.
- Pour in 3 cups of water until the vegetables are just covered. Adjust as needed; you want them barely submerged.
- Stir in a heaping tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base.
- Chop about 1/4 cup fresh parsley or use dried parsley if preferred; add to the pot along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
- Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium for a steady simmer while venting the lid slightly for steam escape.
- Let simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender enough to smash easily with a fork.
Step 3: Mash Your Veggies
- Remove from heat once cooked through.
- Use a potato masher to mash everything together until you reach your desired texture.
Step 4: Prepare The White Sauce (Béchamel)
- In another pot over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter until fully melted.
- Gradually stir in 1/2 cup flour using a whisk until you form a paste-like roux.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper; cook while stirring continuously for 1-3 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Milk
- Slowly add in 4 cups of milk one cup at a time while whisking vigorously after each addition until smooth.
- Continue stirring frequently until mixture comes to a boil; allow it to boil for one minute before removing from heat.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Pour your white sauce into the mashed vegetable pot using a spatula to scrape out every bit of goodness.
- Mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish each bowl with extra chopped parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions before serving warm.
Now you have an easy potato soup recipe that’s sure to become a favorite! Enjoy!
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
This Easy Potato Soup recipe is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a bowl on a chilly day, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.
Top with Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a burst of color and a slight crunch.
- Fresh Parsley: Enhances flavor and adds freshness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Ideal for dipping, the tangy flavor complements the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds an aromatic kick that matches well with creamy soup.
Serve in Unique Bowls
- Bread Bowls: A fun and edible way to serve your soup.
- Rustic Mugs: Perfect for casual gatherings, offering warmth and comfort.
Add a Protein Boost
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Strips: For a heartier meal, serve alongside or mixed in.
How to Perfect Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
To make your Easy Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They’ll ensure you achieve the perfect creamy consistency every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add extra milk; if too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or cayenne pepper for additional depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead of Time: Flavors meld beautifully when left to rest for a few hours or overnight.
Best Side Dishes for Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Complement your Easy Potato Soup with these delicious side dishes. Each one enhances the meal while keeping it simple and comforting.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing pair wonderfully.
- Garlic Parmesan Knots: Soft bread knots brushed with garlic butter add a delightful touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring extra nutrition and flavor.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing side that contrasts the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory bites filled with cheese and herbs are great finger food alongside soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweetness meets savory in these fluffy muffins that soak up the soup nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade potato soup can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking potatoes: Overcooking can make the potatoes mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer until just tender.
- Neglecting the seasoning: Seasoning is key for flavor. Don’t skip the salt or broth base; taste as you go!
- Skipping the roux: The roux adds creaminess and thickness to your soup. Don’t rush this step—mix flour and butter well before adding milk.
- Using cold milk: Adding cold milk can cause lumps in your soup. Always warm it up a bit before incorporating into the roux.
- Ignoring texture preferences: Everyone has different texture preferences! Adjust how much you mash the potatoes based on what you enjoy most.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- It’s best not to freeze this soup due to potential texture changes.
- If you must, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
Reheating Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, pour soup into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Easy Potato Soup recipe that might help enhance your cooking experience.
What makes this Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) so creamy?
The combination of mashed potatoes and a homemade white sauce creates a rich and creamy texture that elevates every spoonful.
Can I add meat to this potato soup?
Yes! For added protein, consider including cooked bacon or shredded chicken. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Easy Potato Soup recipe, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are preferred for their creaminess, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.
How do I know when my soup is done cooking?
The vegetables should be tender enough that they can be easily mashed with a fork. This usually takes about 20 minutes of simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Potato Soup recipe is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. You can customize it with your favorite herbs, proteins, or toppings. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Easy Potato Soup Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this creamy soup is a delightful blend of tender potatoes, carrots, and aromatic garlic, all simmered to perfection. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this heartwarming dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this homemade potato soup will quickly become a favorite. Customize it with your choice of garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits for an added touch of richness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups milk
Instructions
- Boil diced potatoes, carrots, and garlic in a stock pot with water and chicken base until tender (approx. 20 minutes).
- Mash the cooked vegetables to your desired consistency.
- In another pot, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add warmed milk to the roux until smooth, then combine with the mashed vegetables.
- Serve warm with your favorite garnishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
