If comfort in a bowl had a scent, it would be the aroma that fills your kitchen when you make this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe. There’s a reason why this classic never goes out of style: each spoonful is creamy, rich, and absolutely packed with nostalgic flavor, yet wonderfully simple to prepare. Silky potatoes, sautéed onions, and a buttery roux come together with a hint of thyme—just like grandma used to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a warming meal to share with loved ones, this soup delivers both heartiness and heritage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—bringing creaminess, subtle sweetness, or that savory, home-cooked taste you crave in a true potato soup.
- Russet Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): The star of the show! These make the soup hearty and give it that classic, creamy texture.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a layer of subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with unmistakable warmth and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Used for sautéing and creating a rich base with the roux.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Binds with the butter to thicken the soup and create a luxuriously smooth finish.
- Whole Milk (4 cups): Makes the soup velvety and lush; you can use half-and-half for an even richer bowl.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): Adds flavor and keeps things from getting too heavy; vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian twist.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick and rounds out the seasonings perfectly.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Provides a subtle herby note that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Stir in for cheesy goodness—perfect for those craving extra comfort.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Green Onions (1/4 cup, for garnish): The finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent—this brings out its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The kitchen will already start to smell spectacular at this point!
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to blend with the butter and form a light roux. This step is key for a silky, lump-free potato soup; it helps thicken everything later on.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Potatoes
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth. Pour gradually to keep everything smooth and prevent clumps. Add the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir. Now bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir every now and then, until the potatoes become fork-tender and the soup thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Mash for Texture
Once your potatoes are perfectly soft, it’s time to create that dreamy, creamy base. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some (but not all) of the potatoes directly in the pot. This keeps some delicious chunks throughout, maintaining the beloved rustic feel of a true Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Season
If you’d like a cheesy finish, toss in the shredded cheddar and stir until it melts right into the soup. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a bright, satisfying flourish.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a bowl that delights both eyes and palate, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Crumbled bacon or a dusting of extra cheddar makes things extra special if you want to take this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe over the top.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a warm baguette or soft dinner rolls for soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad on the side is a lovely way to add freshness and a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Bake the soup in individual bread bowls for a fun, comforting twist, or serve it in mason jars for family gatherings or cozy picnics. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or microgreens on top adds a gourmet touch that transforms the simplest meal into something memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. You’ll notice it thickens up as it sits, making reheated bowls even more luscious.
Freezing
To freeze the Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will be good for up to two months. Keep in mind that the texture of dairy-based soups can change a bit after freezing, but a gentle stir during reheating brings it right back to creamy comfort.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if it’s too thick. Stir frequently and avoid boiling, which helps maintain that wonderfully smooth texture and keeps the flavors rich and balanced.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are classic for an Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe thanks to their starchy, creamy texture, Yukon golds are a great alternative for a slightly buttery flavor and smoother finish.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No problem. Vegetable broth is a fantastic substitution—especially if you’d like to keep the soup vegetarian. Just be sure to adjust the salt to taste, since broths vary in sodium content.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors continue to develop and deepen as it sits in the fridge. Just store it properly and reheat gently. You might need to add a bit of milk when reheating, as the soup tends to thicken after chilling.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend (such as one containing rice or potato starch). Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check labels if you’re using processed broth or cheese.
Can I add meat or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or even some sautéed mushrooms are all amazing additions. The Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is a scrumptious base—so feel free to make it your own with your family’s favorites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for the kind of soul-satisfying meal that makes everyone at the table smile, this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe will never let you down. Cozy, creamy, and utterly timeless, it’s the sort of dish that tastes even better with company. So gather a few simple ingredients, and treat yourself—you might just find a new favorite to pass down for generations.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of Old-Fashioned Potato Soup, a creamy and hearty soup perfect for any day of the week. This recipe features tender russet potatoes, aromatic onions, and a velvety broth that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, cook until soft, then add garlic.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir constantly to form a light roux.
- Add Liquids: Whisk in milk and chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme; simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Blend and Cheese: Mash some potatoes for creaminess, stir in cheese until melted.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve in bowls. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- For heartiness, add bacon or ham. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Leftovers thicken—stir in milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
