Hot Potato Soup
Warm, hearty potato soup with smoky bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/3 cup plain flour ⓘ
- 3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 cups diced, peeled potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- chopped chives
- 4 to 6 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute diced bacon in a large saucepan until crispy.
- Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and chopped celery to the pan and sauté until soft.
- Stir in plain flour and cook over medium heat until golden brown.
- Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly.
- Add diced, peeled potatoes to the mixture and simmer until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Swiss or Cheddar cheese and chopped chives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with a splash of white wine. If you don’t have bacon drippings, use butter or olive oil instead. To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it and stir it back in. For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk and reducing the cheese. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Swiss Cheese Soup for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot potato soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For sides, consider pairing it with Dakota's Fried Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish each bowl with extra cheese and chives for a beautiful presentation. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days or as a comforting starter for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Potato Soup contains roughly 868 calories, with 32g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), protein (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2027mg per serving (88% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and bacon drippings. Use olive oil for sautéing and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add a kick to your hot potato soup, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables for an extra layer of heat that complements the creamy base.
Can I freeze the hot potato soup?
Freezing potato soup can be tricky due to the dairy. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the milk and cheese. Thaw and reheat on the stove, then stir in the milk and cheese for a fresh finish. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl later without compromising texture.
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).