Red Potato Soup
Creamy red potato soup with bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs offers comforting flavors and rich textures, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying lunches.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb. small red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 3 bacon strips, diced ⓘ
- 2 qt. milk ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3/4 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fresh parsley, minced ⓘ
- Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- Green onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and celery; cook until softened.
- Add butter to the vegetables and melt, then stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add cooked potatoes, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in whipping cream and minced parsley. Heat through without boiling.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-sodium chicken broth. Consider adding vegetables like carrots or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the taste, or try garnishing with crispy bacon pieces for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, like Diane'S Chicken Spinach Salad, for a complete meal. This dish also makes a comforting main course for chilly evenings or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but it's best to add the cream fresh when reheating for optimal texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Potato Soup contains roughly 1490 calories, with 33g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (166% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1023mg per serving (44% 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 using vegetable broth instead of water and milk. You can also replace the chicken bouillon granules with a vegetarian alternative to maintain the flavor.
How can I thicken the soup without flour?
To thicken the soup without using flour, consider using cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a bit of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup while it simmers, allowing it to thicken naturally. Alternatively, blending some of the potatoes can also achieve a thicker consistency.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to whipping cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream can provide a creamy texture without dairy, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
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).