Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

The Potato Soup Recipe (Easy) is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This creamy, thick soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. With its rich flavor and straightforward preparation, you’ll find it’s an ideal go-to recipe for any occasion. Plus, this homemade soup is ready in just about 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This easy potato soup can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and chicken base creates a deliciously satisfying taste.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding extra veggies or spices as desired.
• Comforting Texture: With the option to mash some potatoes or use an immersion blender, you can achieve your preferred consistency.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This potato soup keeps well in the fridge for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this easy potato soup even simpler. Gather these essential kitchen items before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• stock pot or 3-quart pot
• potato masher
• whisk
• spatula
• 2-quart pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Stock Pot: Ideal for boiling vegetables and combining ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
• Potato Masher: Helps create the desired texture in your soup by mashing potatoes easily.
• Whisk: Essential for making a smooth white sauce without lumps when adding milk.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Easy Potato Soup:

For the Soup Base

• 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 (chicken or turkey flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the White Sauce

• 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)

Optional Garnishes

• cheddar cheese
• chopped green onions
• chopped parsley

How to Make Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

Step 1: Boil the Veggies

• Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, about 1/2 inch.
• Place them in a stock pot along with diced carrots.
• Smash and mince the garlic and add it to the pot.
• Pour in 3 cups of water until just covering the vegetables.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

• Stir in a heaping tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base.
• Add fresh or dried parsley and sprinkle with kosher salt.
• Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

• Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer with a vented lid for about 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Mash to Desired Texture

• Use a potato masher to partially mash the mixture according to your preference, leaving some chunks if desired.

Step 5: Make the White Sauce (Bechamel)

• In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour until combined into a paste; add salt and pepper.
• Gradually pour in milk one cup at a time while whisking continuously until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

• Once your white sauce has thickened after boiling for one minute, pour it into the vegetable mixture.
• Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 7: Serve Your Soup

• Serve warm with optional garnishes like cheddar cheese, green onions, or parsley. Enjoy this comforting bowl of deliciousness!

How to Serve Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

Serving your potato soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to serve this creamy, comforting dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: A handful of green onions on top adds a mild onion taste that pairs beautifully with the soup.

Add Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheese on top creates a rich, indulgent experience.
• Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Serve with Bread

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Pair your soup with warm bread rolls for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The garlic flavor complements the soup wonderfully.

Create a Soup Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up a variety of toppings like diced bacon (turkey substitute), jalapeños, and sour cream for guests to customize their bowls.

How to Perfect Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

Perfecting your potato soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to ensure your soup is always a hit.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor significantly; opt for fresh potatoes and carrots instead of frozen ones.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Control the Heat: Cook the roux gently; too high heat can scorch it, ruining the smooth texture.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning in increments to avoid over-salting.

Best Side Dishes for Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

Complementing your potato soup with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Warm and buttery, these breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while enhancing overall flavor.
4. Cheese Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas stuffed with cheese offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soft soup.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make for an elegant side dish.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins pair wonderfully with potato soup, adding a delightful texture contrast.
7. Veggie Chips – Crunchy chips made from kale or sweet potatoes can provide an interesting texture variation.
8. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of your potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect potato soup requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Too Much Water: Adding excess water can dilute the flavor of your potato soup. Ensure the water just covers the vegetables for a richer taste.
• Not Mashing Enough: Failing to mash the potatoes adequately can leave your soup too chunky. Aim for a velvety texture by mashing or using an immersion blender.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Forgetting to season during cooking can lead to bland soup. Always add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking potatoes and carrots too long can make them mushy. Simmer until tender but not falling apart for the best texture.
• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Not following proper storage methods can affect soup quality. Keep it in airtight containers and consume within five days.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

• This potato soup is not suitable for freezing due to its creamy texture.
• The potatoes may absorb moisture, leading to separation.

Reheating Potato Soup Recipe (Easy)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this easy potato soup recipe:

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! While Russet potatoes work best, you can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for added depth in your potato soup recipe.

Can I make this potato soup recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve. Just remember not to freeze it.

Is this potato soup vegetarian?

The base of this recipe is vegetarian if you substitute vegetable broth for chicken base and omit any meat garnishes.

How do I thicken my potato soup?

If your soup is too thin, simmer it longer without a lid or add a little more flour during the white sauce preparation for thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Potato Soup recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with friends. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!