Cozy Old-Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort

Comfort winds through my grandmother’s old-fashioned potato soup recipe like a warm embrace from childhood memories.

Rustic kitchens always seemed magical during cold winter afternoons.

Potatoes became our humble heroes, promising rich flavors and hearty satisfaction.

Simple ingredients whispered stories of generations past.

Wooden spoons stirred creamy textures that connected us across time.

Soft kernels of wisdom simmered alongside tender potato chunks.

Every bowl carries tradition and love – waiting to nourish your soul.

Come cook and create something special that feels like home.

Why Old-Fashioned Potato Soup Feels Like Home

• Comfort in a Bowl: Savor the heartwarming embrace of this classic potato soup that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and cozy family dinners.
• Customizable Texture Magic: Control the soup's consistency by choosing between chunky potato pieces or a smooth, creamy blend with just a simple mashing technique.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Create a satisfying meal with minimal, affordable ingredients that transform simple potatoes into a rich and filling dish perfect for tight grocery budgets.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience with minimal cleanup, using just one pot to create a delicious soup from start to finish.

What Goes Into Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty foundation of this comforting soup.
• Salted Water: Essential liquid for cooking and softening the potatoes.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the onions.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup.

• Onions, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth, flavor, and balance to the soup.

How To Make Old-Fashioned Potato Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Chop potatoes into uniform cubes. Fill a large pot with salted water, covering potatoes by one inch.

Bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 10-15 minutes. Drain potatoes, reserving one cup of cooking liquid.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until edges turn golden brown and onions become translucent.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Transfer drained potatoes into the pot with sautéed onions. Pour milk over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer Soup

Gently heat the soup, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature low to prevent milk from curdling.

Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Mash approximately half the potatoes using a potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.

For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender. Add reserved cooking liquid to adjust soup thickness as desired.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.

Helpful Tricks For Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Preserve the potato cooking water to adjust soup consistency and add extra potato flavor without diluting the creamy texture.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best, most authentic old-fashioned potato soup results.
• Sauté onions slowly to develop deep, sweet caramelized notes that enhance the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Avoid boiling the milk to prevent curdling, maintaining a gentle simmer keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
• Use a potato masher for a rustic texture, or an immersion blender for a silkier soup consistency depending on personal preference.

Easy Ways To Switch Up Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Rustic Bacon Potato Soup: Crisp bacon pieces sprinkled on top, added directly into the soup for extra smoky flavor and protein boost.
• Cheesy Potato Comfort: Shredded cheddar cheese melted into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture with a tangy undertone.
• Herb-Infused Potato Soup: Fresh chopped chives, parsley, and thyme stirred in during final cooking stage, adding bright, fresh herbaceous notes.
• Loaded Potato Soup Style: Topped with green onions, sour cream, and additional crispy bacon bits, mimicking classic loaded baked potato garnishes.

Great Sides For Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy potato soup, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve with a rustic sourdough or hearty whole grain bread to soak up the soup's velvety texture and add delightful crunch.
• Bacon Topping Magic: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, salty contrast that elevates the soup's mild potato flavor and adds a delicious protein element.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Scatter fresh chives or parsley over the soup to introduce a light, green freshness that balances the soup's creamy base and adds visual appeal.

How To Save Old-Fashioned Potato Soup For Later

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Storage: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Gentle Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or reserved cooking water to restore original creamy consistency.
• Quick Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Use 50% power to prevent milk from separating or curdling.

Common Questions About Old-Fashioned Potato Soup

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?

Yes, you can use various potatoes like Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or chopped chives on top. These toppings will boost flavor and make the soup more substantial.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.

Old-Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty potato soup honors classic comfort with creamy Wisconsin potatoes and rich bacon crumbles. Warm bowls welcome family around the table, inviting you to savor each spoonful of delicious tradition.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups whole milk
• 1 medium onion, diced

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• Ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• Water with a few pinches of salt (for boiling potatoes)

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Instructions

1. Dice potatoes and submerge in salted water, ensuring 1-inch coverage above vegetables. Boil at high heat for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender without disintegrating. Drain liquid, preserving 1 cup of cooking water.
2. Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium temperature, introducing diced onions. Sauté until edges transform golden brown and onions become translucent.
3. Transfer cooked potatoes into onion-butter mixture. Pour milk throughout the pot, seasoning with salt and ground pepper.
4. Gently elevate mixture to low simmer, stirring intermittently. Maintain low heat to prevent milk separation, allowing soup to develop flavor for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Utilize potato masher to transform approximately half the potatoes into creamy texture while maintaining some chunky segments. Alternatively, employ immersion blender for smoother consistency. Incorporate reserved cooking water to regulate soup’s thickness as desired.
6. Evaluate and refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, accompanying with crusty bread or crisp crackers for complementary texture.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture and less chance of falling apart during cooking.
• Reserve potato cooking water to enhance soup’s flavor and adjust consistency without diluting taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of whole milk to reduce fat content.
• Customize the soup by adding crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or shredded cheese as delicious garnish options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg