Pin The first snowfall had just started dusting the windowsills when my roommate burst through the door with a bag of russet potatoes and bacon she'd scored on sale. We spent that Sunday afternoonexperimenting with what became our emergency blizzard comfort food, and now the smell of rendering bacon and simmering potatoes instantly pulls me back to that tiny drafty kitchen.
I made a massive batch for my dad's birthday dinner last winter, and despite my anxiety about feeding twelve people, my brother actually went back for thirds. Watching everyone huddle around their bowls with steam rising up, completely silent except for spoons clinking against ceramic, was better than any present I could have bought.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down beautifully and create that luxurious creamy base without much effort
- 1 medium onion: Yellow onions caramelize slightly and add a subtle sweetness that balances all the salty elements
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic is nonnegotiable here, it provides that aromatic backbone that makes people ask what's in it
- 2 green onions: The bright pop of fresh onion cuts through all that rich creaminess right at the end
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Use whatever good quality broth you have, it's the foundation so don't skimp
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk: Whole milk gives you restaurant style richness, but 2% works if you're watching things
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This is the secret ingredient that makes the texture feel indulgent without being heavy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and actually makes the soup taste more potatoey
- 6 slices bacon: Cook it until it's seriously crispy because nobody wants floppy bacon in their soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Just enough to sauté your aromatics without making things greasy
- 1 teaspoon salt: Start here and adjust, potatoes need proper seasoning or the whole thing falls flat
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a huge difference you'll notice immediately
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and that gorgeous golden orange color
Instructions
- Get your aromatics going:
- Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it goes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes
- Wake up the garlic:
- Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn and turn bitter
- Build the base:
- Add all those beautiful diced potatoes to the pot, pour in the broth, bring everything to a boil, then drop the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until a fork slides right through the potatoes
- Create your texture:
- Use an immersion blender to puree everything silky smooth, or if you like some chunks, blend just half and leave the rest for body
- Make it creamy:
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika, keep the heat low and stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup transforms into this gorgeous velvety consistency, about 5 minutes
- Final adjustment:
- Taste it and add more salt or pepper if it needs it, then serve immediately while it's piping hot with all your favorite toppings piled on top
Pin My neighbor texted me at 11 PM one night saying she'd had the worst day and needed something to feel like a hug. I brought over a container of this soup still warm from the stove, and she told me later that she sat on her kitchen floor and ate the entire thing crying, then texted me that it saved her week.
Make It Your Own
I've discovered that adding a cup of diced carrots or celery right along with the potatoes gives you extra nutrients and a little more texture without changing the comfort factor at all. Sometimes I'll throw in a handful of frozen corn during the last few minutes just for color and sweetness.
The Freezing Secret
This soup freezes surprisingly well if you leave out the sour cream and add it fresh when reheating. I portion it into freezer safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm it on the stove while stirring in a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
Topping Bar Ideas
Setting out a little toppings bar turns this into an interactive meal where everyone builds their perfect bowl. I like putting out small bowls of extra crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and maybe some diced jalapeños for the heat seekers among us.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra tang
- Croutons or oyster crackers for that satisfying crunch
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten everything up
Pin There's something about this soup that makes people linger at the table longer, talking more and eating slower, and that's really the best kind of recipe there is.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup prepares well in advance and can be gently reheated before serving. It also freezes effectively for longer storage, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
For a spicier kick, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce directly into the soup. This allows for personalized heat to suit your taste.
- → What can I do to make the soup extra creamy?
To achieve an even richer, creamier texture, consider substituting a portion or all of the milk with heavy cream. This addition provides a more luxurious consistency to the final product.
- → Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. To make this suitable for vegetarians, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
- → What type of potatoes are best for this preparation?
Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this soup. Their starchy nature helps create a thick, creamy texture when blended, contributing significantly to the dish's comforting mouthfeel.
- → Can other vegetables be added for more nutrition?
For an added nutritional boost, try stirring in 1 cup of diced carrots or celery along with the potatoes during the simmering phase. They blend seamlessly into the savory base.