Comforting Potato Soup: Simple, Delicious, and Quick!

I remember the first time I made Potato Soup like it was yesterday. The wind was howling outside, the kids were cooped up, and I was desperate for a comforting meal that wouldn’t take all day. I stumbled upon a recipe, and the rest is history! I never knew my family would love Potato Soup as much as they do! It’s become a staple in our household.

This Potato Soup is memorable because it’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. It fits perfectly into our busy family life because it’s quick to throw together, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and warms us up on chilly evenings. If you’re a fellow kitchen warrior looking for a sanity-saving meal, keep reading!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth: I usually have chicken broth on hand, but vegetable broth works great for a lighter Potato Soup!
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a little richness, but you can skip it if you’re watching your fat intake.
• 1 cup chopped onion: Yellow or white onions are perfect for this Potato Soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a lovely earthy flavor, but Italian seasoning works in a pinch too.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste, of course.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• 5 cups peeled and cubed potatoes: Russet potatoes are my go-to for creamy Potato Soup.
• 1 cup milk or cream: Milk makes it lighter, cream makes it decadent!
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: This adds a tangy creaminess that’s just divine.
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream

Trust me, this Potato Soup ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! Here’s a Potato Soup mom hack that saved my sanity: I pre-chop the veggies on Sunday and store them in the fridge so they are ready to go during the week!

No worries if you don’t have thyme – I use Italian seasoning all the time in my Potato Soup. This Potato Soup doesn’t have to break the bank; frozen veggies are just as nutritious and can be used to reduce the cost.

You can grab potatoes at Target while doing your regular grocery run! My family loves when I add extra cheese on top of the Potato Soup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your Potato Soup should smell amazing already!
2. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This Potato Soup is a breeze to make!
3. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. If you like a chunky Potato Soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks. If you prefer a completely smooth and Creamy potato soup, blend it all the way. Don’t panic if your Potato Soup looks a little thin at this point, we’ll fix it!
4. Stir in the milk or cream and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Heat gently over low heat until warmed through, but do not boil. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
5. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Enjoy your well-deserved Potato Soup!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Potato Soup – I’d boil it after adding the dairy. Don’t make my mistake! While your Potato Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Potato Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a Potato Soup time-saver: Use pre-chopped veggies from the store!

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Potato Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. I love a big bowl of Potato Soup and a side salad for a light lunch. This Potato Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners!

For a fun presentation, I serve the Potato Soup in bread bowls. We love to eat it outside during the cooler months. For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted sweet potatoes in the fall for a little added sweetness.

My guests always rave about my Potato Soup when I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top. I always make extra Potato Soup, because I can keep it in the refrigerator to eat for lunch the next day.

This flavorful Potato Soup reminds me of another family favorite: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Can my picky eater handle this Potato Soup?

Absolutely! You can customize it to their liking. Maybe skip the onions or blend it completely smooth. Start with a small portion and let them add their own toppings.

What if I burn my Potato Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t worry, it happens! If it’s just a little scorching, carefully transfer the unburned soup to a clean pot. If it’s badly burned, it’s probably best to start over, but don’t beat yourself up about it! We’ve all been there.

Can I make this Potato Soup ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Potato Soup is great for meal prep. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this Potato Soup?

It’s best to freeze it before adding the milk and sour cream, as dairy can sometimes get a weird texture when frozen. Thaw it completely and then add the dairy when reheating.

How can I make this Potato Soup vegan?

Easy peasy! Use vegetable broth, plant-based milk, and vegan sour cream.

Here’s a great vegan option to try, too: Vegan Baked Potato Soup Recipe – Vegan Huggs. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this cheesy potato soup.

What toppings go best with Potato Soup?

The possibilities are endless! Shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, hot sauce, croutons… let everyone customize their own bowl!

Here’s another vegan option to try out: Creamy Loaded Potato Soup | Jessica in the Kitchen. You can also visit: Loaded Vegan Baked Potato Soup – My Darling Vegan.

How can I make this Potato Soup thicker?

If your Potato Soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk into the soup while it simmers). You can also blend some of the soup to make it creamier.

Final Thoughts:

This Potato Soup is special to my family because it’s a comforting and reliable meal that brings us together around the table. It’s a blank canvas that we can customize to our individual tastes, and it always makes everyone feel warm and satisfied. I hope it becomes a staple in your household, too!

My Potato Soup Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop veggies: Do this on the weekend to save time during the week.
• Use frozen veggies: They’re just as nutritious and can save money.
• Don’t boil after adding dairy: It can cause the soup to curdle.

Here are a few family-tested Potato Soup variations:

• Loaded Potato Soup: Add bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli and cheddar cheese.
• Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

My husband loves the Loaded Potato Soup, the kids prefer the Broccoli Cheddar version, and I’m a sucker for the classic creamy Potato Soup. I encourage you to make this recipe your own, add your favorite ingredients, and experiment until you find the perfect Potato Soup for your family.

I hope you enjoy making this Easy potato soup recipe as much as we do! Remember, cooking is about having fun and creating memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes along the way. Your family will appreciate the effort, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you created a delicious and comforting meal.

Happy cooking, fellow kitchen warriors! I know you can do it! This creamy Potato Soup is well worth it!

 

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