Potato Soup (Beginner Friendly)

Imagine coming home on a chilly fall evening, the smell of warm spices and mashed potatoes filling the air as you step through the front door. The sizzling of crispy bacon in the skillet gives way to the sound of potatoes simmering in a flavorful broth, teasing your taste buds and making your stomach growl with anticipation. This is what a warm and comforting bowl of Potato Soup is all about – a dish that wraps you in a cozy hug and leaves you feeling satisfied and content. With my beginner-friendly Potato Soup recipe, you can create this same experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

While this Potato Soup recipe is a staple in many households, I still have a similar love affair with creamy Tomato Soup from my childhood. It’s a delicious match made in heaven – so See Related Recipe for how we make it.

🛒 Quick Shopping List

    4 large potatoes

    1 medium onion

    4 slices of bacon

    2 cloves of garlic

    2 cups of chicken broth

    1/2 cup of sour cream

    2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

    1 tsp of dried thyme

    Salt and pepper to taste

Why This Recipe Works

  • The slow-cooking of the potatoes in the flavorful broth helps to break down their cell walls, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.
  • The addition of sour cream and shredded cheese adds a rich, creamy element to the soup without making it too heavy or overpowering.
  • The balance of savory and sweet flavors in this recipe creates a comforting and satisfying taste experience that will leave you wanting more.

Key Ingredients

There are a few key ingredients in this Potato Soup recipe that are worth noting. First, the quality of the potatoes you use will greatly impact the texture and flavor of the finished soup. I recommend using high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho, as they will yield a lighter, fluffier texture. Second, the type of cheese you use is also important. A combination of sharp cheddar and sour cream will provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the best results, be sure to choose high-quality ingredients for this recipe. Look for potatoes that are heavy for their size and have a smooth, even texture. For the bacon, you can use a thicker-cut bacon like applewood-smoked or peppered, which will add a richer flavor to the soup. Avoid using a pre-shredded cheese, as it may contain additives or preservatives that will affect the flavor of the soup.

Potato Soup (Beginner Friendly)

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Potato Soup (Beginner Friendly)

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy
Prep:
15 min
Cook:
25 min
Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

1 medium onion, diced

4 slices of bacon, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 cups of chicken broth

1/2 cup of sour cream

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp of dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it is translucent and starting to caramelize. This should take about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

4
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

5
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup is hot and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat the soup over low heat, whisking occasionally, until it is hot and steaming.