Ingredients
- 6 medium Russet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp minced parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp flour (or cornstarch as a substitute)
- 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Over medium heat, add the onion, celery, and carrots to the pot.
- Stir and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
- Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes begin to soften.
- Thicken the Soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth.
- Slowly add the mixture to the pot while stirring continuously.
- Cook for another 5 minutes to thicken.
- Blend for Creaminess:
- Carefully remove ¼ to ½ of the soup and blend until smooth using a blender or food processor.
- Slowly return the blended soup to the pot, stirring carefully to avoid splashes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with parsley, additional bacon, and grated cheese.
This hearty and creamy potato soup is perfect for cozy nights and will quickly become a family favorite!
Variations and Tips for Best Homemade Potato Soup
Variations:
- Protein Additions:
- Swap bacon for ham, sausage, or shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian version. Add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Cheese Choices:
- Experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
- Spicy Twist:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations:
- Enhance the soup with fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a more aromatic taste.
- Loaded Potato Style:
- Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese to mimic a loaded baked potato.
- Healthier Alternative:
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter version.
- Chunky or Smooth:
- Leave all the soup chunky for a rustic feel or blend the entire batch for a silky texture.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Potatoes:
- Russet potatoes work best as they break down well and create a creamy texture. For a firmer bite, use Yukon Gold.
- Consistency Matters:
- Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or blending more of the soup for a thicker result.
- Season Gradually:
- Add salt and pepper in small increments and taste frequently to avoid over-seasoning.
- Don’t Skip the Garnishes:
- Parsley, extra bacon, and cheese enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
- Work with Hot Liquids Carefully:
- When blending hot soup, work in small batches to avoid spills and burns.
- Cook Potatoes Evenly:
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- Make Ahead:
- Prepare the soup in advance without adding the cream. Add cream during reheating for the freshest taste.
This customizable potato soup allows you to adapt it to your taste while keeping the comforting, creamy essence that makes it a beloved classic!