There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of homemade soup, don’t you think? It’s like a hug in a bowl, especially on chilly days when all you want is to cozy up with something comforting. My absolute favorite has to be this best homemade potato soup. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor! I remember the first time I made it; I had friends over, and we were all craving something warm and satisfying. The smell of sautéing onions and garlic filled the kitchen, and I knew I had struck gold. Every spoonful was met with sighs of delight, and it quickly became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the best homemade potato soup. Make sure to gather these ingredients first for a smooth cooking experience:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Feel free to mix it up with different types of potatoes if you like! And remember, the garlic should be minced finely to ensure its flavor spreads beautifully throughout the soup. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Best Homemade Potato Soup
Now let’s dive into the heart of this recipe! Making the best homemade potato soup is a simple process, but the results are nothing short of phenomenal. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot full of creamy goodness in no time!
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
First things first, let’s get those flavors started! In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. You want to sauté these until they’re soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want the garlic to burn, as it can turn bitter. Stir occasionally and enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Once your onions and garlic are ready, it’s time to add the star of the show: the diced potatoes! Pour in those beautiful chunks along with the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they give way easily when poked with a fork. Just be careful not to overcook them; we want them tender but not mushy!
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Now comes the fun part! If you have an immersion blender, this is the time to shine! Carefully blend the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly, then blend in batches. Just make sure to vent the lid a little to prevent any hot splatters. You want that velvety texture that makes this soup irresistible!
Step 4: Mix in Creaminess
After blending, it’s time to stir in the milk and sour cream. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy consistency we all crave. Mix it in slowly and taste as you go to get it just right. If you like it a bit thicker, feel free to adjust the amount of milk you add. Aim for that perfect balance!
Step 5: Seasoning and Garnish
Finally, don’t forget to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, and give it another stir. Now for the finishing touch—garnish with chopped chives for a burst of color and flavor! Serve it up hot and get ready for everyone to rave about your best homemade potato soup! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy meal
- Rich, creamy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Great for meal prep—delicious leftovers!
- Comfort food that warms you from the inside out
Trust me, this soup has everything you want—flavor, warmth, and that feel-good vibe that only homemade cooking can bring. You’ll be making it again and again!
Tips for Success
To make sure your best homemade potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind!
- Potato Variety: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes! Russets are classic for their starchiness, but Yukon Golds add a lovely creaminess. If you want a bit of texture, mix a few red potatoes in, too!
- Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend a bit less. On the flip side, if it’s too thick for your liking, stir in a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Easy peasy!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before blending!
- Storage Tips: When storing leftovers, make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating. It helps maintain its creamy texture. Plus, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for lunches!
- Freezing: If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before adding the milk and sour cream. Just blend the soup, freeze it, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and mix in the creaminess. It’ll taste like freshly made!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting bowl of joy. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your best homemade potato soup properly is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers! Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the lid is secure to prevent any odors from sneaking in!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup, but here’s a little tip: I recommend freezing it before adding the milk and sour cream. This way, it retains its beautiful texture. To freeze, just blend the soup and pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If it’s a bit thick, just add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to bring it back to that creamy consistency we all love!
And there you have it—perfectly stored and reheated best homemade potato soup ready to warm your soul once more!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for a serving of this best homemade potato soup. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any adjustments you make. Here’s what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This soup is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with wholesome goodness! With a good balance of carbs and protein, it’s perfect for a hearty meal that’ll keep you satisfied. Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing your body with every creamy spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! While I love using Russet potatoes for their creaminess, you can experiment with Yukon Golds or even red potatoes. Each type will give the soup a slightly different flavor and texture, which is fun to play around with!
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead—it’ll give you that same tangy flavor and creamy consistency. You could also try heavy cream or cream cheese for a different twist!
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! This soup is super versatile. You can add carrots, celery, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Just chop them up small and toss them in with the potatoes for a little added color and flavor!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love garnishing with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor, but you can also top it with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or a dollop of more sour cream. A sprinkle of paprika can add a nice kick, too!
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute the milk and sour cream with your favorite plant-based options, like almond milk or coconut milk, and vegan sour cream. The soup will still be delicious and creamy without any dairy!
Best Homemade Potato Soup: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and hearty homemade potato soup.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth, using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Stir in milk and sour cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chives before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of potato you prefer.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less milk.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best homemade potato soup
