Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
This Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) is a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends, this creamy soup boasts rich flavors and a velvety texture. With roots in Idaho’s potato farming tradition, you’ll find this recipe to be both authentic and incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy delicious homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of mashed potatoes and a white sauce creates a wonderfully creamy consistency that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite toppings or add-ins like bacon or different herbs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual gathering, this potato soup is always a hit!
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing this potato soup even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stock pot or 3-quart pot
- 2-quart pot
- Potato masher
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Stock pot or 3-quart pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes and carrots evenly while allowing room for the ingredients to simmer.
- Potato masher: Helps achieve your desired soup texture, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.
- Whisk: Ensures a lump-free white sauce by easily incorporating milk into the roux.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
- shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped green onions
- chopped parsley
How to Make Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Step 1: Boil the Veggies
Begin by preparing your vegetables:
1. Peel the potatoes and dice them into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in your stock pot.
2. Peel the carrots and dice them similarly. Add them to the pot.
3. Smash and mince the garlic, then add it to the mixture.
Step 2: Add Water and Seasonings
- Pour in enough water (about 3 cups) to just cover the vegetables.
- Stir in a heaping tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base for flavor.
- Add chopped parsley and kosher salt, then bring everything to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
- Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender enough to smash with a fork.
Step 4: Mash Your Soup
- Use a potato masher to achieve your preferred consistency—smooth or chunky!
Step 5: Make the White Sauce
- In another pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour until combined into a paste; cook for about 1–3 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Slowly add milk, one cup at a time, whisking continuously until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Everything Together
- Bring the white sauce mixture to a boil, stirring frequently for about one minute before removing from heat.
- Pour the white sauce into your vegetable mixture and stir well.
Step 7: Serve Warm
- Serve your potato soup warm, garnished with extra parsley, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days—just remember not to freeze it! Enjoy making this delightful Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) as you gather around with loved ones!
How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Serving your Easy Potato Soup is just as important as making it. The right toppings can elevate the dish and make it even more delicious. Here are some great ideas to enhance your soup experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Chives – Offers a mild onion taste that complements the soup beautifully.
Add Some Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese – A classic choice; sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top for a creamy texture.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles – For a bolder flavor, add a few crumbles of blue cheese.
Serve with Crunchy Toppings
- Croutons – Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a delightful crunch.
- Bacon Bits – Crispy bacon adds a savory touch and richness to each bite.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping, garlic bread enhances the meal’s overall flavor.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft rolls are great for scooping up the last bits of soup.
How to Perfect Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
To achieve the best version of this Easy Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh potatoes and vegetables yield better flavor and texture.
- Adjust Consistency – If your soup is too thick, add more milk gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Season Gradually – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to fit your palate.
- Experiment with Broth Flavors – Try different variations of bouillon or broth for unique flavors that suit your taste preferences.
- Blend for Smoothness – If you prefer a silky texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds freshness.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with warm soups; use your favorite cheese!
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection provide nutrition and flavor contrast.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with grains or meats add richness alongside the potato soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side that balances the meal.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory potato soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making potato soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Boldly skipping the seasoning: Failing to add enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Season incrementally and taste as you go.
- Boldly overcooking the vegetables: If you boil potatoes and carrots too long, they may become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling apart.
- Boldly using low-fat milk: Skipping whole milk can make your soup less creamy. Opt for whole milk or a plant-based alternative for richness.
- Boldly blending too much: Over-blending can turn your soup into a puree rather than keeping some texture. Blend just enough to achieve your desired consistency.
- Boldly ignoring leftovers: Forgetting about leftover soup can lead to waste. Store it properly and enjoy it within a few days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- It is not recommended to freeze this soup as it may change texture after thawing.
- If you must, store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy potato soup recipe.
How do I make the Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) thicker?
You can thicken it by mashing more of the potatoes or adding a bit more flour when making the white sauce.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! While Russet potatoes are ideal for creaminess, Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well and provide different flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
What toppings work best with this potato soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Potato Soup recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with toppings or additional ingredients like bacon or veggies. Perfect for chilly days, give it a try!
Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth of this Easy Potato Soup Recipe, a creamy and hearty dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. In just 30 minutes, you’ll create a velvety soup that seamlessly blends tender potatoes and carrots with a rich white sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this delightful meal invites customization with your favorite toppings, from crispy bacon bits to fresh herbs. It’s not only kid-friendly but also a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Gather your loved ones and savor every spoonful of this classic recipe that celebrates the humble potato.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil diced potatoes and carrots in water until tender.
- Mash the vegetables to your desired consistency.
- Prepare a white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk.
- Combine the white sauce with the vegetable mixture and stir well.
- Serve warm, garnished with toppings of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
