If you’ve ever yearned for a truly comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of cozy magic you need. It marries creamy, tender potatoes with rich dairy and delicate seasonings, creating a silky smooth soup full of nostalgic flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something satisfying but simple, this soup brings homemade comfort back to the table in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe plays a vital role, keeping the dish straightforward yet wonderfully flavorful. These simple components combine to deliver smooth texture, rich creaminess, and a touch of fresh brightness to brighten each spoonful.
- 1 pound potatoes, washed: These are the hearty base of the soup, providing creamy body once tender and cooked.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that melts into the soup for balanced flavor.
- ¼ cup butter: This enriches the soup with silky smoothness and a gentle richness.
- 2 cups evaporated milk or whole milk: These milks bring luscious creaminess without overpowering the potatoes.
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half: A touch of indulgence that makes every bite velvety and luxurious.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors in the soup.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory hint that complements the potatoes wonderfully.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor delicately, rounding out the taste profile.
- 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, finely chopped: A fresh, vibrant finish that adds color and a mild crisp bite.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by dicing your potatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Let them simmer gently until they become tender when pierced with a fork, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. This soft potato base will transform your soup into a wonderfully creamy delight once blended with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Soften the Onions
While the potatoes are simmering, melt a tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent. This step is key to releasing the sweet, mellow flavors of the onions, which will beautifully complement the potatoes in your soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Pot
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them and return them to the pot. Add the cooked onions along with the remaining butter, evaporated or whole milk, and heavy cream or half and half. Stir everything gently to combine, letting the warm liquids mingle with the potatoes and onions to create a rich, creamy base.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time to add salt and pepper to taste along with the optional garlic powder and onion powder. These seasonings might seem simple, but they’re what take this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe from good to unforgettable by highlighting the natural flavors without overpowering them. Adjust the seasoning carefully, tasting as you go.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your beautiful, creamy potato soup into bowls. For the finishing touch, add a pat of fresh butter on top and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or parsley. These garnishes add a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich soup, making every spoonful a beautiful balance of comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate this soup from home-cooked to special occasion-worthy. Besides the classic pat of butter and chopped green onions or parsley, consider crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up every last bit, a fresh green salad to add a crisp contrast, or warm dinner rolls for a filling, hearty meal. These sides help round out the meal while keeping the spotlight on the creamy soup itself.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, or drizzle a bit of herb-infused oil on top for an artistic flair. You could also swirl in some smoky paprika oil or sprinkle toasted nuts to add unexpected texture that impresses guests and delights your family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your comforting Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the soup will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, freezing is a great option. Scoop the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Because of the creaminess, texture might slightly change after freezing, but it remains delicious when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning or sticking. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help restore creaminess that might mellow out after storage or freezing. Microwave reheating is also possible but stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are classic for their fluffiness and creaminess when cooked, Yukon Golds also work wonderfully and add a naturally buttery flavor that enhances the soup.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional depending on the type of potato and your texture preference. Russets are usually peeled for a smoother soup, but leaving skins on Yukon Golds can add rustic texture and nutrients.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk; however, this will alter the flavor and richness slightly. Using dairy-free butter options can maintain the buttery notes.
How thick should the soup be?
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe should be creamy yet spoonable, not too watery or overly thick. If it feels too thick after cooking, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. If too thin, simmer gently to reduce and thicken.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Finely diced carrots, celery, or leeks can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them alongside the onions in step 2 for harmonious integration.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table. Its simplicity makes it easy for anyone to master, yet its taste feels thoughtfully crafted and heartwarming. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
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Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting recipe made with tender potatoes, sautéed onions, rich evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously smooth and flavorful soup garnished with fresh green onions or parsley.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes, washed (peeled if desired, or if using russets)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups evaporated milk or whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream) or half and half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Dice the potatoes into small, even pieces for uniform cooking. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the diced potatoes. Simmer them until tender, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Sauté the onions: While the potatoes are cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and slowly cook them until they are softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness without browning.
- Combine ingredients: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add the cooked onions along with the remaining butter, evaporated or whole milk, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Incorporate the optional garlic powder and onion powder for extra depth of flavor. Stir well to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish each with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can peel the potatoes if preferred, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the dairy.
- To make this soup dairy-free, substitute with plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; some like a bit more garlic or onion powder for added flavor.
- For added richness, garnish with shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits if desired.
