This Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) is your ticket to a warm, satisfying meal that brings comfort to any occasion. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers, this soup offers a creamy texture and rich flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you’ll find this easy recipe becomes a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of potato soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of potatoes and a rich white sauce creates a velvety smoothness that delights the palate.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this soup pairs well with bread, salads, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Customizable Toppings: Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, or fresh parsley to add an extra burst of flavor.
- Comforting Meal: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to chase away the chill of winter evenings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather all necessary tools to make the process seamless. Having everything on hand will help you whip up this delicious potato soup without any hiccups.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot or 3-quart pot
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: Essential for boiling the vegetables evenly and allowing ample space for stirring.
- Potato masher or immersion blender: Helps achieve your desired soup texture, whether chunky or smooth.
- Whisk: Vital for creating the perfect consistency in the white sauce without lumps.
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!
- 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
- 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)
- 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 about a half-inch size. Place them in your stock pot.
- Peel and dice the carrots to match the potato size and add them to the pot.
- Smash and mince one clove of garlic and mix it into the pot.
- Pour in three cups of water so that it just covers the veggies.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
- Stir in one heaping tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base for rich flavor.
- Add roughly chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley according to your preference.
- Sprinkle in one teaspoon of kosher salt.
Step 3: Cook until Tender
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat; then reduce to medium heat once boiling.
- Allow it to simmer for about twenty minutes until all veggies are very tender.
Step 4: Mash Your Veggies
- Use a potato masher to mash the mixture to your desired texture—smooth or chunky.
Step 5: Make the White Sauce
- In another pot, melt half a cup of butter over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in half a cup of flour until it’s well combined into a paste.
- Season with half a teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper; cook while stirring constantly for one to three minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Milk
- Slowly pour in four cups of milk—one cup at a time—while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- Once all milk is added, keep stirring until it boils; then let it boil for one minute before removing from heat.
- Pour this white sauce into your mashed vegetable mixture; stir thoroughly until combined.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm with garnishes like extra chopped parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions on top.
Now you have an easy yet delightful potato soup recipe that’s sure to please! Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
This Easy Potato Soup is not just a meal but an experience. It’s creamy and flavorful, making it perfect for various serving options that elevate its deliciousness.
With Toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a rich, melty finish.
- Chopped Green Onions: Add fresh green onions for a crunch and a pop of color.
- Extra Parsley: Garnish with more fresh parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.
As a Main Dish
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread pairs perfectly for those who love bold flavors.
Pairing with Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and crispness to your meal.
- Garden Salad: Light and refreshing, a garden salad balances the richness of the soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.
How to Perfect Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
To take your Easy Potato Soup to the next level, consider these helpful tips. They will help you create an even more delightful dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and vegetables yield better flavor and texture in your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add less water or milk when cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding spices like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender after mashing.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup during preparation to adjust seasoning as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo; dip it into the soup for extra gooey goodness.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer alongside the soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the richness of the potato soup perfectly.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
- Potato Wedges: For potato lovers, crispy potato wedges are always a hit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or flavorings can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you cook.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking potatoes and carrots too long will make them mushy. Aim for tender but not falling apart.
- Rushing the roux: When making the white sauce, don’t skip the cooking time for the flour and butter. This step is crucial for a smooth texture.
- Neglecting texture preferences: Some like their potato soup chunky while others prefer it smooth. Be sure to mash or blend according to your desired consistency.
- Forgetting storage guidelines: Improper storage can ruin soup quality. Always store in airtight containers and remember not to freeze this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Do not freeze this potato soup! The potatoes absorb moisture, leading to a grainy texture upon reheating.
Reheating Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often until warmed, adding a splash of milk if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Easy Potato Soup recipe:
Can I make this Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they create a creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like celery or corn, or proteins like bacon or ham for added flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of my soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply mash more of the potatoes or reduce the amount of milk added.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Potato Soup recipe is comforting and versatile, perfect for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Try it today for a warm meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!
Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Warm up your evenings with this Easy Potato Soup Recipe, a comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes with rich flavors for a satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly filling. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds. Customizable toppings allow you to elevate the dish with your favorite flavors, making it both versatile and delightful for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil diced potatoes and carrots with garlic in water until tender.
- Mash the veggies to your desired consistency.
- Make a white sauce by cooking butter and flour, then whisk in milk until smooth.
- Combine the white sauce with the mashed veggies and season to taste.
- Serve warm with optional garnishes like cheddar cheese or green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
