There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of potato soup, hugging your senses with its creamy richness and inviting aroma. With each spoonful, you’re greeted by tender bits of perfectly cooked potatoes, crispy bacon pieces, and a delightful melty hug of cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort on the coziest of evenings or rainy afternoons. In my home, it’s a staple I whip up when I want to indulge or share some love with friends and family.
This Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a little something warm and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a family dinner, or just soaking in a quiet evening at home, this soup fits right in. Plus, it’s an absolute treat to have leftovers. They only get better as the flavors meld and mingle in the fridge!
WHY I LOVE ABSOLUTELY ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP
What can I say? This potato soup hits that sweet spot between comfort and indulgence. It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, a true winner at my table! The flavor profile is rich yet balanced, and it’s versatile enough to work as a main dish or a side. Trust me, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
ABSOLUTELY ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP INGREDIENTS
The magic of this potato soup truly lies in the harmony of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 6 SLICES OF BACON, DICED: These little gems pack a mighty punch, infusing the soup with that smoky, crispy flavor we all crave!
- 1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED: This adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the soup beautifully.
- 3 STALKS OF CELERY, CHOPPED: Give this dish a fresh crunch and an aromatic depth that elevates everything else.
- 3 CLOVES OF GARLIC, MINCED: Garlic lends a warm, aromatic backbone, making each bite irresistible.
- 2 POUNDS OF POTATOES, PEELED AND DICED: The stars of the show! These create that luscious, creamy texture we’re after.
- 1/2 CUP OF ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: This helps to thicken the soup and give it that comforting mouthfeel.
- 2 CUPS OF CHICKEN BROTH: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything to life.
- 1 CUP OF MILK: Adds creaminess without being too heavy, creating a balanced flavor.
- 1/2 CUP OF HEAVY CREAM: For those moments when you just want to indulge – this is pure bliss!
- 1 TEASPOON OF DRIED THYME: A fragrant seasoning that whispers notes of earthiness.
- 1/2 TEASPOON OF SALT: This enhances all the flavors, ensuring each bite is seasoned just right.
- 1/4 TEASPOON OF BLACK PEPPER: A little kick to the taste buds that rounds out the soup perfectly.
- 1 CUP OF SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE: Melting into the soup, this adds a glorious cheesy richness that’s simply divine.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas:
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version (though it won’t be quite as rich).
- Swap out bacon for smoked sausage if you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile.
- Yukon gold potatoes are fantastic if you want a bit of sweetness, while red potatoes can add a lovely texture.
- To lighten things up, you could substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Just keep in mind that different potatoes will alter the texture, so pick what suits your fancy!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large pot or Dutch oven (5-6 quart)
- Slotted spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
HOW TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP
Let’s dive into creating this wonderfully cozy Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, and trust me, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. We’re aiming for a creamy, satisfying soup that warms the soul!
Crisp the Bacon to Start
Cook the diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes; just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once golden brown, remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving that heavenly bacon grease behind.
Sauté Aromatics for Flavor Base
Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. This step is key—you want those aromatic flavors to bloom beautifully!
Build the Creamy Base
Now, add the diced potatoes, flour, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir until well combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. You want to see some gentle bubbles; this helps develop depth in flavor!
Blend to Silky Perfection
Once your potatoes are tender, it’s time to blend! Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth or a bit chunky. If you prefer, feel free to transfer some of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then carefully return it to the pot.
Stir in Cheesy Heaven
Stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and well combined. Oh, that gooey texture! You want to make sure every bite oozes with cheesy goodness.
Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with additional bacon and cheese if desired! Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and I guarantee you won’t be able to resist diving right in.
HOW TO STORE ABSOLUTELY ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP
Fear not about leftovers—this soup keeps its quality surprisingly well. If you have any, cool it to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk for creaminess.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor; it truly makes a difference.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy; the texture adds a wonderful crunch against the creamy soup.
- Adjust the thickness by controlling the amount of flour and broth used; for a thicker soup, add a bit more flour.
- Don’t skip the blending step; it transforms the soup into that dreamy creamy delight we all love.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair with warm butter bread or crusty rolls for a full meal experience.
- Add a side salad for freshness and balance on the plate.
- A sprinkle of fresh chives on top brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color.
- Enjoy a glass of chilled white wine for an elegant touch.
- Top with extra shredded cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who crave a spicy kick.
I hope you find the same comfort and warmth in this Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup as I do. It’s guaranteed to fill your belly and warm your heart!
