Creamy Potato Soup

The first time I made Creamy Potato Soup, I was trying to warm up on a chilly evening after a long day. As the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled my kitchen, I felt a cozy sense of nostalgia wash over me. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, reminding me of family dinners gathered around the table. The creamy texture, paired with the herby compound butter, elevates this simple dish into something special. Whether you’re having a quiet night in or hosting friends, this Creamy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles and warmth to every gathering.

Creamy Potato Soup Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Creamy Potato Soup. Each component plays a role in creating that rich, comforting flavor that we all crave. The main players include hearty potatoes, creamy half & half, and flavorful seasonings that truly bring the dish to life.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is the base for the soup, adding richness and a smooth texture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to sauté the onions and garlic without burning.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
• 12 large garlic cloves, minced – Infuses the soup with aromatic goodness.
• 8 cups low sodium chicken stock – The soup’s liquid base, providing essential flavor.
• 3 pounds red or gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” pieces – The heart of the soup, creating that creamy texture when blended.
• 1 cup half & half – Adds creaminess without being overly heavy.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances flavor and adds a touch of savory richness.
• ½ teaspoon cumin – Brings warmth and earthiness to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a layer of garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – A hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste – Essential for bringing out flavors in the soup.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a kick of flavor.
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream – Creamy richness and a touch of tang.
• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature – Used in the herby compound butter for added flavor.
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary – Provides a fragrant herbal note.
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme – Complements the rosemary and adds depth.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – For seasoning the herby compound butter.

How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup

Cooking Creamy Potato Soup is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas. As you follow these steps, you’ll see how simple it can be to create a comforting meal. Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious soup!

1. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts completely and sizzles just a bit. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when it combines into a smooth mixture.

2. Next, add in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 12 large garlic cloves, minced. Stir them together, allowing the flavors to meld. You want the onions to become translucent and soft, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to let them brown; a gentle sauté is the key to avoid bitterness.

3. Once the onions are soft, it’s time to add the main components. Pour in 8 cups of low sodium chicken stock along with 3 pounds of peeled and cut red or gold potatoes. Stir everything together to ensure the potatoes are submerged in the broth.

4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial as it softens the potatoes quickly. Once boiling, reduce the heat back to medium and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. After the potatoes are tender, you can blend the mixture. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend until all the chunks are broken down. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Once blended, return the mixture to the pot.

6. Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in 1 cup of half & half, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through.

7. Let the soup warm back up for another 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, prepare your herby compound butter by mixing ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature with 2 teaspoons of minced fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh thyme, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend it all together until well incorporated.

8. To serve, ladle the Creamy Potato Soup into bowls and add a dollop of your prepared herby compound butter. Watch as it melts and swirls into the soup, enriching the flavor. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary and thyme if desired.

9. Enjoy your delicious creation! This Creamy Potato Soup pairs beautifully with bread or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal.

Substitutions and Tips

Making the perfect Creamy Potato Soup comes with its own set of tips to ensure you get the best results. Here are some helpful hints:

• Storage: After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to leave out the sour cream and add it upon reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a crisp green salad or a loaf of crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or dill in the compound butter for a different flavor profile.
• Potato Alternatives: Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative and will give the soup a buttery flavor.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.

Perfect Matches for Creamy Potato Soup

When serving Creamy Potato Soup, consider these delightful pairings:

• Fresh Salad: A light, crunchy salad with vinaigrette complements the creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: For a classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect side.
• Seasonal Occasions: It’s a great choice for winter dinners or cozy gatherings.
• Leftovers for Lunch: Enjoy the soup the next day at work for a warm, hearty lunch.
• Garnish Options: Top with crispy fried onions or croutons for added texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich flavors and creamy textures that satisfy any craving. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and richness it brings to your table!

Creamy Potato Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and filled with flavors that will warm you from the inside out. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is a bowl of warm goodness. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 12 large garlic cloves minced
• 8 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 3 pounds red or gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1” pieces
• 1 cup half & half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Blender
• Skillet
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts completely and sizzles just a bit. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when it combines into a smooth mixture.
2. Next, add in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 12 large garlic cloves, minced. Stir them together, allowing the flavors to meld. You want the onions to become translucent and soft, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to let them brown; a gentle sauté is the key to avoid bitterness.
3. Once the onions are soft, it’s time to add the main components. Pour in 8 cups of low sodium chicken stock along with 3 pounds of peeled and cut red or gold potatoes. Stir everything together to ensure the potatoes are submerged in the broth.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial as it softens the potatoes quickly. Once boiling, reduce the heat back to medium and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. After the potatoes are tender, you can blend the mixture. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend until all the chunks are broken down. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Once blended, return the mixture to the pot.
6. Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in 1 cup of half & half, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through.
7. Let the soup warm back up for another 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, prepare your herby compound butter by mixing ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature with 2 teaspoons of minced fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh thyme, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend it all together until well incorporated.
8. To serve, ladle the Creamy Potato Soup into bowls and add a dollop of your prepared herby compound butter. Watch as it melts and swirls into the soup, enriching the flavor. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary and thyme if desired.
9. Enjoy your delicious creation! This Creamy Potato Soup pairs beautifully with bread or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal.

Notes

• Tip 1: After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: This soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to leave out the sour cream and add it upon reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve with a crisp green salad or a loaf of crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or dill in the compound butter for a different flavor profile.
• Tip 5: Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative and will give the soup a buttery flavor.
• Tip 6: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.