Okay, friends, let me tell you about a recent kitchen victory. It all started on a particularly dreary Tuesday. The kind where the sky is the color of old dishwater and everyone is dragging their feet. Dinner inspiration? Non-existent. My usual “wing it” approach felt, well, completely uninspiring. I needed something comforting, something satisfying, something that wouldn’t take all night to prepare.
That’s when I remembered an old, scribbled-on recipe card tucked away in my recipe box. It simply read “Potato Soup (The BEST)”. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. Little did I know, I was about to create a monster. A delicious, creamy, everyone-devours-it-in-minutes monster! Now, it’s evolved, upgraded and frankly, it makes enough to feed a small army. This one million potato soup recipe has become an absolute staple in our house.
Seriously, the first time I made it, it vanished. Gone. Vanished. My husband, who usually picks at leftovers for lunch, practically licked the bowl clean. The kids, notorious for their picky eating habits, asked for seconds (and thirds!). This one million potato soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. And trust me, you’ll want to experience it. I’m already planning to double the recipe next time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Budget-friendly – utilizes pantry staples.
- Incredibly comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable – easily adapt to your family’s preferences.
- Kid-approved – even the picky eaters will love it!
- Makes a TON – perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for the Ultimate One Million Potato Soup
- 5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed. (Yukon Golds work well too, for a creamier texture!)
- 1 large Yellow Onion, diced.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced.
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (vegetable broth also works beautifully for a vegetarian option).
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version).
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened. (This is the secret weapon for ultimate creaminess!)
- 1 lb Cooked Bacon, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!). Reserve some for garnish.
- 4 tbsp Butter.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour.
- Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Optional Garnishes: Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Chives, Hot Sauce.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip softening the cream cheese! It ensures a smooth, lump-free soup. Also, using good quality bacon makes a huge difference in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Potato Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the cubed potatoes and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids! Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
6. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
7. Add Bacon (Optional): Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
8. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon crumbles, or your favorite toppings.
Presentation Ideas for Your One Million Potato Soup
- Serve in rustic bowls for a comforting feel.
- Garnish generously with your favorite toppings.
- Add a swirl of sour cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Presentation can elevate even the simplest meals.
Pro Tips and FAQs About Making One Million Potato Soup
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Blend and stir in the cream and cheese before serving.
- What if my soup is too thick? Add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- What if my soup is too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and add it to the soup to thicken it.
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Carrots, celery, and leeks would be delicious additions. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
So, What Do We Think?
This one million potato soup recipe has truly transformed our weeknight dinners. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a dish that your family will rave about. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe and what toppings you used! Did you have to double the ingredients like I am already planning to? What creative twists did you put on this one million potato soup? Share your experience – happy cooking!