If you’ve ever longed for a comforting bowl that tastes like a warm hug from grandma, this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a creamy, satisfying classic that wraps simple, hearty ingredients into one irresistible dish. With its velvety texture and gentle savory notes, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings and will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe thrives on simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, offering the perfect balance of creaminess, depth, and just the right hint of seasoning to bring everything together perfectly.
- Potatoes: The star of the recipe, providing body and natural creaminess when cooked.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity when softened.
- Butter: Gives the soup a rich, silky mouthfeel and enhances flavor.
- Milk and Cream: These create the luscious, smooth base that makes the soup wonderfully indulgent.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for highlighting and balancing all the flavors.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Optional, but they add an extra layer of warmth and savoriness.
- Green Onions or Parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Potatoes to Tender Perfection
Start by chopping your potatoes into dice-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork—this is key as it ensures the soup’s texture will be smooth yet substantial.
Step 2: Slowly Sauté Onions to Build Flavor
While the potatoes cook, melt a tablespoon of butter in a pan and add diced onions. Cook them gently until they’re softened and translucent. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and deepens the soup’s overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Drain your potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the cooked onions along with the remaining butter, milk, and cream. Stir everything together over low heat to create that luxuriously creamy texture you want. Remember to season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste—these seasonings tie all the ingredients into one harmonious bowl.
Step 4: Serve Your Soup Hot
Ladle the soup into serving bowls while it’s piping hot. The warmth is part of what makes this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes turn good soup into unforgettable soup. A pat of butter melting on top creates an inviting sheen, while a sprinkle of fresh green onions or parsley adds bursts of color and a fresh, herby contrast to the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp side salad can add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the soup, making your meal perfectly rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or pre-toast croutons seasoned with herbs to sprinkle on top. You could also swirl a bit of sour cream or sprinkle some shredded cheese for extra decadence to make every spoonful a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is fantastic as leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen beautifully when rested overnight!
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze this soup. Make sure to cool it completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. When frozen, it can last for up to two months. Just note that the texture might slightly change but it’s still wonderful when reheated gently.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the creamy texture smooth and prevent it from sticking or scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore the soup’s luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes are a favorite for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds work beautifully too thanks to their creamy consistency and buttery flavor. Just avoid waxy potatoes as they don’t break down as well.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk and cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables or protein to this soup?
Definitely. Some people like adding cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or even leeks to boost flavor and heartiness. Just sauté or cook them before combining with the soup base.
How thick should the soup be?
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is meant to be creamy but not too thick. It should easily ladle but still feel substantial. If it gets too thick, gently stir in a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
What spices work best with this soup?
Simple is best here. Garlic powder and onion powder are perfect to enhance the natural flavors. You can experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg for subtle warmth, but just a little to keep the classic vibe.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely heartwarming about making and sharing this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe. It welcomes you with every spoonful and brings that cozy feeling we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet night in, this soup is an effortless way to feel nourished and loved through your food. You owe it to yourself to whip up a batch—your future self will thank you.
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that features tender potatoes, sautéed onions, and rich dairy for a warm and satisfying meal. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders and garnished with fresh green onions or parsley, this soup is simple to prepare and serves as a hearty starter or main dish for chilly days.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 1 pound potatoes, washed (peeled if desired, or if using russets)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, finely chopped
Dairy and Fats
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups evaporated milk or whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream) or half and half
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.
- Sauté Onions: While the potatoes cook, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly until they are softened and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the sautéed onions, the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, evaporated milk (or whole milk), and heavy cream (or half and half). Stir gently to combine and warm over low heat without boiling.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly and adjust to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Peeling potatoes is optional and depends on the type used; russets benefit from peeling for a smoother texture.
- For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more garlic powder or fresh herbs if desired.
- This soup can be blended for a creamier texture but traditionally is served chunky.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
