This cozy grandma’s potato soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with hearty potatoes, creamy milk, and a sprinkle of spices that add just the right touch of flavor.
Believe me, there’s nothing better than a bowl of this soup after a long day. I love adding some crusty bread on the side—perfect for dipping! 🥣❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their starchy goodness, which makes the soup creamy. If you’re looking for a healthier swap, try Yukon Gold potatoes, which are also great for mashing. You can also use sweet potatoes for a unique twist!
Broth: Chicken broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works just as well. Homemade broth can be even better if you have it on hand, or simply use water with a bit of seasoning.
Milk: Whole milk makes the soup rich, but if you want to lighten it up, use 2% or even almond milk. If you like extra creaminess, half-and-half is a perfect choice.
Onions: Yellow onions are my go-to for their sweetness when cooked. If you prefer a sharper flavor, try red onions, or skip them entirely if you’re not a fan!
Bacon/Ham: While optional, bacon bits add a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika instead for that hint of smokiness.
How Do I Get the Right Creamy Texture in My Soup?
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in potato soup can be tricky, but here are my tips to help you succeed:
- Start by making a roux. This thickens your soup and adds body. Cook the flour with butter and onions before adding the liquids.
- Don’t skip the step of lightly mashing some of the potatoes! This gives a lovely creamy consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
- To avoid curdling the milk, heat the soup on low after adding it, and do not let it boil.
- If you prefer an even creamier soup, blend the entire mixture using an immersion blender until smooth. Just remember to leave some potato pieces for that hearty feel!
Enjoy making this warm and hearty grandma’s potato soup! It’s sure to bring back comforting memories with every spoonful.
Grandma’s Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creamier texture)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (for garnish and subtle warmth)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or ham pieces (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful potato soup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking, so you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onions until they’re translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor to your soup!
2. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onions and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux that will help thicken your soup while adding a rich flavor.
3. Add the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to come to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Add your diced potatoes to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the potatoes cook until they’re tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. You can check their tenderness with a fork; they should be soft enough to pierce easily.
5. Stir in the Milk:
Once the potatoes are soft, carefully add the milk to the soup. Stir it in well, and heat through on low. Make sure to avoid boiling the soup at this stage to keep the milk from curdling.
6. Season to Taste:
Season your soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. If you want to kick it up a notch, stir in the cooked bacon bits or ham now for added flavor.
7. Mash for Texture:
To achieve a creamy yet slightly chunky texture, take a potato masher or an immersion blender and lightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup. You want some chunks to remain for that comforting feel.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot potato soup in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and dried parsley on top for some added color and flavor. It’s perfect to enjoy with some warm bread or crunchy crackers for dipping!
This homemade grandma’s potato soup is sure to warm your heart and soul. Enjoy every spoonful! 🍲❤️
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their starchiness and creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly based on the type of potato used.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even use water. If you choose water, be sure to season it a little more to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra milk if needed to restore creaminess.
