Oh, potato soup. Is there anything more comforting on a chilly day? Seriously, just the thought of a warm bowl makes me all cozy inside. And let me tell you, this perfect potato soup recipe? It’s a game-changer. It’s so easy, even on a busy weeknight, and totally customizable, so you can make it *exactly* how you like it. My grandma used to make potato soup every time someone was feeling under the weather. I swear, it had magical healing powers! This recipe is my take on her classic, and I think it’s pretty darn close to perfect. It’s definitely the perfect potato soup recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!

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Why You’ll Love This Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Okay, so why should you even bother making this soup? Trust me, you’re gonna *love* it. Here’s the deal:

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. You can whip up this perfect potato soup recipe in under an hour! I’m talking from-scratch deliciousness without the fuss.

Creamy and Flavorful

Forget those watery, bland soups. This one’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The bacon, the spices…it all just *works*.

Customizable to Your Liking

Want more cheese? Go for it! Prefer a different spice? No problem! This perfect potato soup recipe is totally adaptable to your taste. Make it your own!

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Let’s be real, sometimes you just need a hug in a bowl. And this perfect potato soup recipe? It’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and just makes you feel good.

Ingredients for the Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* on hand; it’s pretty flexible. But, trust me, these are the basics for a truly perfect potato soup recipe:

6 slices thin TURKEY bacon, cut into 1-in. pieces (I like turkey bacon, but regular bacon is great too!)
1 whole medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 whole carrots, scrubbed clean and diced (about 1 cup)
3 stalks celery, diced (about 3/4 cup)
6 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups – Yukon Golds work too!)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste (sea salt is fine too!)
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp. Cajun spice mix (this adds a *kick*! Adjust to your liking.)
8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (I usually use chicken, but veggie broth is great for a vegetarian version)
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (any kind works, but whole milk makes it extra creamy)
1/2 cup heavy cream (this is optional, but SO worth it!)
1 tsp. minced fresh parsley
1 cup grated cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little Parmesan are all yummy!)

How to Make the Perfect Potato Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking. This recipe is super straightforward, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of creamy, dreamy potato soup in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up a little; soup’s pretty forgiving!

Cooking the Bacon and Vegetables

First, grab your soup pot (a big one!) and put it over medium heat. Toss in your bacon pieces and let them cook until they’re nice and crispy. Yum! Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel. Now, pour off *most* of the bacon grease, but leave a little bit in the pot – that’s where the flavor is! Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir it all up and cook for about 2 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften.

Adding Potatoes and Broth

Now, add those diced potatoes! Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season everything with your salt, pepper, and Cajun spice. Mmm, it’s starting to smell good, right? Next, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to get tender. You should be able to easily poke them with a fork.

Creating the Creamy Texture

This is where the magic happens! In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour and milk until it’s smooth. This prevents lumps! Pour that mixture into the soup pot and stir it in. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes or so, until it starts to thicken up. Now, carefully remove about half to two-thirds of the soup and blend it until it’s completely smooth. You can use a regular blender (be careful, hot soup can splatter!) or an immersion blender right in the pot. Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir to combine. Let it heat back up, then taste and add more seasonings if needed.

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Final Touches and Serving

Almost there! Stir in your heavy cream (if you’re using it – highly recommend!). Then, stir in most of your parsley, but save a little for garnish. Now, ladle that perfect potato soup recipe into bowls and top with the reserved parsley, your favorite grated cheese, and those crispy bacon pieces. And that’s it! Time to dig in and enjoy the fruits (or, uh, *vegetables*) of your labor!

Tips for the Best Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Want to take your potato soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. These little tips will help you make the absolute best perfect potato soup recipe, every single time!

Don’t Skip the Bacon

Seriously, don’t even think about it! That bacon adds so much flavor to the soup. It’s salty, smoky, and just makes everything better. Plus, who doesn’t love crispy bacon bits on top? It’s *chef’s kiss*!

Blend for Creaminess

This is key for that super creamy texture. Blending part of the soup is what makes it so luxurious. Don’t skip this step! If you don’t have a blender, you can also use a potato masher, but it won’t be quite as smooth.

Taste and Adjust Seasonings

This is *so* important! Everyone’s taste is different, so make sure to taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or Cajun spice as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment! That’s how you make it your own perfect potato soup recipe!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Okay, so maybe you don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for. Don’t panic! Here are a few swaps you can make without sacrificing too much deliciousness. This perfect potato soup recipe is pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Potato Varieties

Russets are my go-to for this soup because they get nice and fluffy, but Yukon Golds are also fantastic! They’re a bit waxier, so they hold their shape a little better. Red potatoes will also work, but the texture will be different. Basically, use what you’ve got!

Broth Options

I usually use low-sodium chicken broth because that’s what I have on hand, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option! You could even use bone broth for extra nutrients. Just make sure it’s low-sodium so you can control the saltiness of the soup.

Dairy-Free Version

Want to make this soup dairy-free? Easy peasy! Just swap out the milk and heavy cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Canned coconut milk will make it extra creamy! You can also use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Just be sure to use unsweetened to keep the savory flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Alright, you’ve got a pot of this amazing soup…now what? Here are a few ideas for what to serve with it to make it a complete and satisfying meal! ‘Cause soup’s good, but soup *with* something else? Even better!

Bread and Crackers

Gotta have something to dunk in that creamy soup, right? A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all the goodness. Or, grab some crackers for a little crunch! Seriously, any kind of bread or cracker will do the trick.

Salad Pairing

Want something a little lighter? A simple side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice! A little color on the plate is always a great idea.

Storing and Reheating Your Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this soup (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as good the second time around. Trust me, this soup is even better the next day!

Storage Instructions

Let the soup cool down a bit, then pour it into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Methods

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for a couple of minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Just be careful, it can get *hot*!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making the Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Got questions about making this perfect potato soup recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this clears up any confusion, so you can make the *best* potato soup ever!

Can I freeze this Perfect Potato Soup Recipe?

Yep, you sure can! Just keep in mind that the texture might change a little bit after freezing. The potatoes can get a bit grainy. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container. When you thaw it, reheat it gently over low heat.

How can I make this Perfect Potato Soup Recipe thicker?

If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, there are a few things you can do. You can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Or, you can blend another cup or so of the soup to make it even creamier. You could also add a little more heavy cream or even some cream cheese for extra richness!

What are some good toppings for this Perfect Potato Soup Recipe?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the bacon, cheese, and parsley I already mentioned, you can try sour cream, chives, green onions, hot sauce, or even some crispy fried onions! Get creative and add whatever you like! Seriously, toppings are the best part!

Can I use an immersion blender for this Perfect Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, I *highly* recommend it! It’s so much easier and safer than transferring hot soup to a regular blender. Just stick the immersion blender right into the pot and blend away until it’s as smooth as you like. Just be careful not to splatter!

Nutritional Information for the Perfect Potato Soup Recipe

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? I gotta be honest, it’s just an estimate, okay? Things can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and your portion sizes. But, roughly, here’s what you’re looking at per serving (about one bowl):

Calories: Around 350
Fat: About 20g (with about 12g saturated, 6g unsaturated, and a tiny bit of trans fat – less than 0.5g)
Cholesterol: Roughly 60mg
Sodium: Around 700mg (this can vary a lot depending on your broth!)
Carbohydrates: Around 30g
Fiber: About 4g
Sugar: Around 8g
Protein: Roughly 15g

So, there you have it! Definitely a hearty and satisfying meal, but hey, everything in moderation, right?

Enjoyed This Perfect Potato Soup Recipe?

Awesome! I’m so glad you gave it a try. Now, do me a favor and leave a comment below, okay? Let me know what you think! And hey, if you loved it, share it with your friends!