Best Homemade Potato Soup

Easy Homemade Potato Soup: Warm, Creamy, & Comforting! This simple recipe features tender potatoes, savory bacon, and veggies simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights!

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp minced parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp flour (corn starch can be substituted)
• 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by cutting the bacon into small pieces and cooking until crispy in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving behind a portion of the bacon fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: To the same pot with the remaining bacon fat, add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about two minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
4. Pour Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a low boil. Allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.
5. Thicken Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and milk until well combined. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot while stirring continuously. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
6. Blend Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, carefully scoop out about a quarter to half of the soup and process it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Be cautious to avoid splashing hot soup.
7. Return Mixture: Pour the blended soup back into the pot, stirring gently to incorporate it with the rest of the soup.
8. Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
9. Final Touches: Serve the homemade potato soup in bowls, garnished with minced parsley, additional crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Making the best homemade potato soup is simple yet incredibly rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to warm both body and soul.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
   Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are commonly used for their fluffy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for varying flavors and textures.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the bacon. You can also add extra vegetables or substitute bacon with vegetarian bacon alternatives.
3. How long does homemade potato soup last in the refrigerator?
   Homemade potato soup can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze homemade potato soup?
   Yes, you can freeze potato soup for future meals. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. What are some creative toppings for potato soup?
   In addition to bacon, cheese, and parsley, you can also top your potato soup with sour cream, chives, croutons, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.