Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a nicer texture in the soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, but do not let them brown to keep the sweetness intact.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are very tender, typically around 15-20 minutes.
- Blend and Cream: Use a handheld blender or carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puréeing until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream or half and half, warming gently without boiling.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using cheese, stir it in now until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust consistency by adding more broth or cream as needed.
- Finish with Toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness!
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for a naturally thick and fluffy soup base.
- Do not over-blend; leaving some potato chunks adds texture and satisfaction.
- Simmer the soup gently to meld flavors without breaking down potatoes too much.
- Use fresh garlic, onions, and broth for the best flavor profile.
- Adjust cream content according to desired richness and dietary needs.
- Season gradually and taste often to maintain balanced flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Freeze soup without cream for up to 2 months; add cream fresh when reheating.
- Reheat gently on stove, stirring often; add broth or milk if soup thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food, winter soup, potato soup recipe, easy soup, vegetarian soup option