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Let me share my absolute favorite potato soup recipe that changed how my family feels about soup forever! After years of trying different versions I finally created this perfectly creamy hearty bowl of comfort. That combination of tender potatoes crispy bacon and melty cheese with just a hint of ancho chili powder for depth it's pure magic! The first time I served this my soup-skeptical teenager actually asked for seconds.
Why This Soup Is Special
This isn't your ordinary potato soup! That blend of perfectly cooked potatoes some blended for creaminess some left chunky for texture creates something absolutely incredible. Last week when I made this for my neighbor who was feeling under the weather she said it was better than any medicine. Even my picky eater who usually pushes soup around his bowl cleaned his plate!
What You'll Need
- The Base:
- Big russet potatoes peeled and diced
- Real butter no substitutes here
- Fresh onion and garlic
- Good chicken broth
- Whole milk or half and half
- A splash of heavy cream
- The Extras:
- Sharp cheddar freshly grated
- Crispy bacon crumbled
- Fresh chives
- Sour cream for serving
- That magical ancho chili powder
Let's Start Cooking
- Building Our Base
- First let those onions get soft and sweet in melted butter. The kitchen already starts smelling amazing! When you add the garlic everyone starts drifting in asking what's cooking.
- Creating The Magic
- Watching those potatoes simmer until they're just tender then blending some but not all creates this incredible creamy but still hearty texture. My daughter loves helping with this part she calls it potato magic!
- Making It Rich
- Adding that milk cheese and bacon transforms everything into pure comfort food heaven. That moment when the cheese melts into the soup pure kitchen joy!
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Making It Perfect
Want my secrets for the best potato soup? Don't overcook those potatoes we want them tender not mushy! Grate your own cheese it melts so much better than pre-shredded. And here's my favorite tip save some of the crispiest bacon bits for topping each bowl makes it look and taste extra special!
Serving It Up
I love serving this in big bowls topped with extra cheese crispy bacon bits fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream. Some warm crusty bread on the side is absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop! For dinner parties I'll set up a little topping bar so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it.
Keeping It Fresh
This soup actually gets better the next day! I often make a double batch and keep some in the fridge for quick lunches. Just reheat it gently adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out. Though honestly in my house leftovers are pretty rare everyone always wants seconds!
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Sometimes I'll add different vegetables like corn or carrots. My spice-loving son adds extra ancho chili powder to his bowl. Once I topped it with crispy fried onions absolute game changer! That's what makes cooking fun finding your perfect combination.
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Why This Recipe Matters
This soup has become our winter comfort tradition! There's something so satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into something that makes everyone feel cozy and loved. My kids are learning to cook helping chop potatoes and discovering how a few special touches can make something ordinary extraordinary.
The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's faces light up when they taste it! Whether you're making it for someone who needs comfort or just because you want to wrap your family in a warm hug this never disappoints. And watching people discover they can make restaurant-quality soup at home? That's what makes cooking so rewarding!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I freeze this potato soup?
- While you can freeze this soup, the texture might change slightly when thawed. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat slowly, stirring often.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
- You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The soup won't be quite as rich but will still taste delicious. Add a bit more flour to maintain thickness.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
- Gold potatoes are ideal because they're creamy and hold their shape well. Russet potatoes work too but might break down more easily. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
- → How can I make this soup thicker?
- You can blend more of the potatoes for a thicker consistency. Another option is to make a roux with extra butter and flour before adding the liquids.
- → What can I use instead of bacon?
- Ham or turkey bacon work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use smoked paprika and butter to create a similar savory flavor. Add extra seasonings to compensate for the lost bacon flavor.