This One-Pot Potato Soup is creamy, cozy, and so easy to make! With just potatoes, broth, and a touch of seasoning, you have a warm bowl of comfort.
It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that you make in just one pot? Less clean-up for the win! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. They give the soup a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you could use pre-cooked or frozen diced potatoes.
Broth: Chicken broth adds rich flavor, but vegetable broth makes it vegetarian-friendly. Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought works too!
Dairy: I love using half-and-half for extra creaminess, but you can use milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just make sure the non-dairy option is unsweetened.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor. You could also use turkey bacon if you want a lighter option.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to a creamy One-Pot Potato Soup is in the combining of ingredients. When you add flour to the vegetables, it creates a roux that helps thicken the soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking the vegetables, stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in the broth so no lumps form. A steady, slow pour helps.
- Once you add the milk or half-and-half, heat gently and avoid boiling to keep the soup smooth.
- Partially mash some potatoes for a nice texture, but leave chunks for heartiness!
Following these techniques ensures your soup will be creamy and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
One-Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 large potatoes)
- 1/2 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One-Pot Potato Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, plan for around 40 minutes in total from start to finish! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the diced carrots, celery, and onions. Cook these veggies until they soften up a bit, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine everything. Let this cook for another 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste and help thicken your soup later.
3. Add the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth. Make sure everything blends well so that there are no lumps. This step is key to a smooth, creamy soup!
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes, garlic powder, and parsley to the pot. Bring your mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when you pierce them with a fork.
5. Mash for Texture:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender (if you have one), partially mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some delicious chunks for texture.
6. Stir in the Creaminess:
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the milk or half-and-half along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Heat this mixture gently until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through. Just don’t boil it after adding the dairy—this prevents curdling.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and black pepper as needed. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of One-Pot Potato Soup! Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort food. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or any other variety. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may change the overall texture slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Flour for Thickening?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the soup at the same stage as you would the flour, allowing it to thicken up.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, and consider adding a splash of milk for creaminess as it tends to thicken when chilled.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile. You can add veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrition, or even mix in some cooked chicken or ham for added protein. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
