Effie'S Potato Soup
Creamy, comforting potato soup with tender potatoes, onions, carrots, and a touch of Swiss cheese, perfect for a hearty meal topped with crispy bacon. Suitable for all seasons.
Ingredients
- 6 good-size potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, chopped ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 5 c water
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter or oleo ⓘ
- 13 oz can evaporated milk
- 4 oz grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 4 to 6 slices fried bacon, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Put all ingredients, except milk, cheese, and bacon, into a large Dutch oven or similar cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat until the vegetables are very tender.
- Blend the mixture with a potato masher or run it through a blender until smooth.
- Add the evaporated milk and gently heat the soup until warmed through.
- Serve topped with grated Swiss cheese and crumbled fried bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream instead of evaporated milk, or use half-and-half. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the butter with olive oil or omit it entirely. Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can enhance the flavor, and feel free to replace Swiss cheese with cheddar for a different taste. This soup can be easily adapted to include leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty potato soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Chicken In Patty Shells for a delightful family dinner. For an added crunch, top each bowl with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or as a starter for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Effie'S Potato Soup contains roughly 1029 calories, with 16g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1558mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Yes, you can use various potato types such as russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes. Each type will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but all will work well in this potato soup. Just ensure to peel and chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon or homemade vegetable stock. Additionally, you can use olive oil instead of butter and omit the bacon or replace it with crispy fried mushrooms for added texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the vegetables. Incorporating a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika at the end can also enhance the flavor profile, giving your soup a delightful heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).