This cozy One-Pot Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy potatoes, tasty onions, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s super easy to make and clean up.
Honestly, I can’t help but slurp it right from the pot! Serve it with some crusty bread, and you have the perfect meal to chase away the chill on a cold day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes make the soup creamy and filling. If you don’t have russets, Yukon Golds are a great alternative with a similar texture.
Bacon: It adds a wonderful smoky flavor! For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or smoked paprika to provide that depth of flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup richness. If you want a lighter version, opt for whole milk or a plant-based milk like cashew cream for a dairy-free soup.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a tangy taste. You can also use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for something spicier.
Green Onions: These add freshness. If you don’t have them, chives or even diced regular onions can work in a pinch.
How Do You Make the Perfect One-Pot Potato Soup?
The key to a fantastic potato soup is in the layering of flavors. Start by cooking the bacon; this not only adds flavor but gives you some grease to sauté the onions nicely. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cook bacon until crisp, then remove and use the grease to sauté onions for flavor.
- Do not rush the cooking of your potatoes; simmer until tender for the best texture.
- Lightly mash some potatoes in the soup before adding cream; this makes it creamy without losing the chunks!
- When adding the cream, heat it gently. If you boil it, it can curdle.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying potato soup every time!
One-Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious One-Pot Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it gets nice and crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Don’t toss out the grease! Leave about 1-2 tablespoons in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In the same pot with the bacon grease, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until your kitchen smells heavenly.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
Now it’s time to add in those diced potatoes! Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and if you’re using dried thyme, add it now too. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Mash for Texture:
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This will add a nice creaminess while still leaving some chunky pieces for texture.
5. Stir in the Cream:
It’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat the soup through, but be careful not to let it boil after adding the cream. We don’t want it to curdle!
6. Serve It Up:
Now for the fun part! Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the soup warm with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this delicious dish on a chilly day; it’s sure to be a hit!
This one-pot recipe is comforting and homespun, combining creamy potatoes with savory bacon and cheese for a hearty soup that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give a creamy texture, Yukon Golds are a great alternative that adds a buttery flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as some potatoes may cook quicker than others.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup a day in advance! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring regularly to prevent uneven heating.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to leave out the cream until you’re ready to serve. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add cream when reheating.