This cozy 30-minute potato soup is creamy and hearty, perfect for a chilly day. Loaded with tender potatoes and a hint of garlic, it warms you right up!
I love how quick it is to make—just chop, simmer, and enjoy! Sometimes, I throw in some crispy bacon on top for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture. If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can substitute with cauliflower, which also blends well.
Bacon: If you want to skip meat, try using a plant-based bacon alternative or simply omit it. You can add extra flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke instead!
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian option. Homemade stock works wonderfully too if you have it on hand!
Cream: If you’d like a lighter version, use half-and-half or a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk. These alternatives may change the flavor slightly, but they still work well.
What’s the Best Way to Blend the Soup Smoothly?
Blending the soup creates that silky texture that’s so comforting! Here are a couple of tips:
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience—less mess!
- If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring. Fill the blender halfway to avoid overflow and blend until smooth.
- Blend in batches if you have a lot of soup, and always vent the lid slightly to let the steam escape!
Remember, blending until smooth is key for that creamy texture everyone loves! Enjoy making your soup!
30-Minute Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato soup can be ready in just 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking it up—a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crisp. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and place it on paper towels to drain. Let it cool, then crumble it into pieces and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Discard most of the bacon fat, but leave about a tablespoon in the pot. Now, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Cooking the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
4. Blending the Soup:
When the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be sure to return the pureed soup to the pot afterward!
5. Adding Creaminess:
Stir in the milk and heavy cream (or sour cream) into the pot. Heat the soup gently without bringing it to a boil. This step adds richness and creaminess to your potato soup.
6. Seasoning the Soup:
Finally, season to taste with salt and black pepper. Give it a stir to combine all the flavors!
7. Serving:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions for that delicious final touch. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Now you have a creamy and delightful potato soup ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that red potatoes won’t yield as creamy a soup due to their waxy nature.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for extra flavor!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for more flavor! You can also stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a nutritious boost. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños.
