Parmesan Potato Soup
A creamy, cheesy potato soup with bacon, carrots, and fragrant herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 2-14 oz. cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 6 cups milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large soup kettle, sauté onion in butter until tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and seasonings (basil, seasoning salt, celery salt, garlic powder, onion salt, pepper, sage, thyme).
- Stir the flour mixture into the sautéed onions.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, cooked and crumbled bacon, and milk.
- Simmer on low heat until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stir well, and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese. You can substitute half-and-half for some of the milk for added richness. If you're short on time, frozen diced potatoes work well. For a healthier version, consider adding more vegetables, like spinach or kale, which pair beautifully with this Parmesan Potato Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light dessert, such as a fruit tart. For a comforting dinner, consider following with a rich main dish like Susan'S Gourmet Chicken Casserole to create a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as it can make the soup grainy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Potato Soup contains roughly 1053 calories, with 16g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (216% of the Daily Value), potassium (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Keep in mind that the flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
Can I freeze leftovers?
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can easily substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Additionally, omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative for added flavor.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives added right before serving can also brighten the dish. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a different twist!
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).