Description
This Creamy Homemade Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying. Made with tender potatoes, savory onions, garlic, and a luscious creamy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly days. Whether served as a main dish or alongside your favorite bread, this hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite. Top it with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Optional Toppings:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Croutons
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- For a chunkier soup, leave it as is.
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while leaving some potato chunks for texture.
Add Cream & Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
- Let the cheese melt into the soup, stirring until smooth.
Taste & Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions, or croutons for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with more milk.
- For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or sausage.
- For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
- Freezing Tip: If freezing, leave out the dairy and add it when reheating to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 10g