These cozy bowls of potato soup are packed with comfort and flavor, featuring creamy goodness coupled with crispy bacon and aromatic herbs. You can whip up this ultimate potato soup in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Gather around the kitchen table and let me share a cherished family recipe that’s become a staple in our home: Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup. This soup isn’t just delicious; it brings everyone together on those chilly nights when you crave something warm and hearty. My kids adore it, and it never fails to deliver smiles and satisfied tummies.
Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
This cozy potato soup is packed with creamy goodness, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken stock, or enough to cover potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- In a Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels, keeping 1/4 cup drippings in the pot.
- Add diced celery and chopped onion to drippings, cooking until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Toss in cubed potatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, then return crispy bacon and add chicken stock to cover potatoes. Cover and simmer until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add heavy cream, tarragon, and cilantro. Boil and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add cream mixture to potato mixture, stirring to combine.
- For a creamier texture, purée half of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy bacon if desired.
Notes
Try serving with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why You Need This Potato Soup in Your Life
Imagine a rainy day, the kind that calls for comfort food. This absolutely ultimate potato soup is your answer. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy texture that will make you feel right at home. Packed with goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Laying Out the Flavor: How to Make Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken stock, or enough to cover potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Gather all ingredients.
- In a Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon and cook over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until the bacon is nicely browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon pieces on paper towels, but keep about 1/4 cup of the delicious drippings in the pot.
- Next, add the diced celery and chopped onion to the reserved bacon drippings. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent—this should take around 5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Toss in the cubed potatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soak up all the flavor. Return the crispy bacon to the pan and add enough chicken stock to just cover the potatoes. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add the heavy cream along with the tarragon and cilantro. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cream mixture to the potato mixture, stirring to combine all those lovely flavors.
- For an extra creamy soup, transfer about half of the soup to a blender and purée until smooth. Pour it back into the Dutch oven and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve hot and enjoy the warmth of this comforting bowl of potato soup!
Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Potato Soup
For the ultimate experience, serve this soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top and perhaps a couple of crispy bacon pieces for a delightful garnish. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal.
Storing Your Leftover Potato Soup
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips for Making the Ultimate Potato Soup
- Choose the right potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, providing a fluffy texture.
- Mix it up: Add in your favorite veggies like carrots or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
- Season to taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices and herbs according to your family’s preference for a personalized twist.
Variations to Try with This Recipe
Want to kick it up a notch? Try adding a splash of hot sauce for some heat, or swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based option if you’re looking for a lighter soup. You could even add shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for a rich and cheesy delight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, feel free to substitute vegetable stock if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick yet pourable. If it’s too thick, you can always add a bit more chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.Can I freeze this potato soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
This Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, perfect for those chilly days. Cozy up with a bowl of this deliciousness, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!