Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Name: Homemade Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 6 large russet potatoes; peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 3- 14 oz cans chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 - 2 Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon Cubes; Cooked crumbled bacon (sour cream, chives; optional toppings.)

Published: Oct 8, 2020 · Modified: Oct 24, 2024 by Lois · As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links · 28 Comments

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Made with potatoes, cream, cheese and chicken broth, this Homemade Potato Soup Recipe is ready in around 30 minutes and tastes better than Panera Bread's recipe.

Once the soup is ready, make sure you top each serving with sour cream, cheddar cheese and cooked bacon to make every spoonful delicious!

Let me show you how to make another one of my favorite Best Fall Soup Recipes.

If you like the Panera Bread baked potato soup recipe you're going to love this recipe. Although I really do believe this recipe tastes better...and making it at home will help you save a little money!

A few years ago, a blogging friend, Becky sent me this recipe for Homemade Potato Soup. I couldn't believe how easy it was to make. And it was ready fast; in around 30 minutes.

This recipe is just as easy as boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes. Only you're boiling the potatoes in chicken broth. Want to make it in a slow cooker? Try my Easy Loaded Potato Soup in Crock Pot recipe.

If you'd like more of a vegetable type potato soup, try my Potato Corn Chowder Soup Recipe that's made in the slow cooker.

Table of Contents

Loaded Baked Potato Soup in Bread Bowls
Potato Soup with Heavy Cream
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Main Ingredients Needed
Substitutions and Variations
Step-by-Step Directions
Before You Begin!
Toppings for Homemade Potato Soup
Recipe FAQ's
Storing and Reheating Tips
More Recipes to Love
📖 Recipe Card
💬 Comments

Loaded Baked Potato Soup in Bread Bowls

One of the reasons we all love Panera Bread Potato Soup Recipe is the way they serve it...in a bread bowl!

If you want to really create the Panera Bread experience, try serving this soup in bread bowls as a fun presentation. Since I use a Rhodes Bread Bowl hack, it makes my recipe very easy to follow and the bread bowls are ready fast.

2 bowls of potato soup with bacon, cheese and chives.

Potato Soup with Heavy Cream

This soup originally calls for heavy cream...which is why it's so delicious and creamy! You can substitute half-and-half or even fat free half-and-half if you prefer.

If you are looking for a healthier option to cream in your soup, try using whole milk or buttermilk. As alternatives, you can also opt for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Evaporated milk is another great option that will add plenty of richness as well. Whichever substitute you choose will work to create a smooth texture and plenty of flavor.

You can even try a combination of two substitutes. Some people like to mix both half-and-half with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tangy flavor.

🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools

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Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

Russet potatoes - cut into 1 inch cubes
Chicken Broth
Heavy cream or half and half - either works fine, but I really like how creamy and thick the soup comes out using heavy cream. If you do use half and half, you might need to make a "slurry" to thicken the soup.
Cheddar cheese
Knorr Chicken Bouillon Cubes - whenever I'm making soup, I like to add one or two Knorr Bouillon Cubes to enhance the flavor of the canned chicken broth.

Substitutions and Variations

Cream: Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a dairy-free version, coconut milk or almond milk can be used.

Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, leeks, or corn for added flavor and nutrients.

Protein: You can add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken to make the soup more filling and hearty.

Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese for added richness and depth of flavor.

Toppings: Garnish the soup with chopped green onions, crispy fried onions, sour cream, or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking potatoes for homemade potato soup made with heavy cream or half and half and cheddar cheese.

Step 1: Peel the potatoes and cut the potatoes into ½ inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a heavy sauce pan or dutch oven and add the chicken broth and chicken bouillon cubes.

Step 2: Bring to a boil and continue to cook until the potatoes are fork tender. Using a potato mash, mash the potatoes while they are still in the sauce pan. Do not mash completely as you want some chunks of potatoes.

Step 3: Slowly add the 1 cup heavy cream or half and half. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes or so before adding the cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Finally, add the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and allow the soup to simmer until ready to serve.

Before You Begin!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

Toppings for Homemade Potato Soup

Here are a few toppings you can use when serving the soup:

Sour cream
Crumbled cooked bacon
Extra cheddar cheese and chives.

Recipe FAQ's

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

What is a good thickener for potato soup?

You can do thicken potato soup by making a slurry using either flour or cornstarch.
In a separate bowl, whisk together a few tablespoons of cornstarch with a little of the broth from the pot. Then whisk this slurry into the soup while it is cooking. The soup will thicken nicely in a few minutes.

Should you peel potatoes for potato soup?

I have only made this soup by first peeling the potatoes. In my opinion, leaving the skin on will give the soup a different texture to the finished soup recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: To store leftover potato soup, first allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the soup into an airtight container or resealable bags, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air from entering.

Consume the leftover potato soup within 3-4 days for the best quality, as the texture and flavor may degrade over time.

EONJOE 8 oz Small Freezer Containers with Lids Stackable Plastic Food Storage Container 1 Cup Meal Prep Bowls Airtight Dishwasher Safe,12-pack

High-Quality Food Grade Material: Our Reusable 8oz Plastic Containers with Lids are made of premium food-grade PP5 plastic, which is BPA-free, odorless, and safe for storing your favorite meals, including soup, jam, snacks, yogurt, and more.

Freezer: To freeze leftover potato soup, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.

Frozen potato soup can typically be stored for 2-3 months for optimal quality, although it may be safe to consume beyond this time.

Thawing and Reheating Tips: Allow the soup to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Ztomine Silicone Freezer Tray With Lid - Silicone Freezer Food Molds- Large Ice Cube Tray,Silicone Freezer Container,Freeze & Store Soup, Sauce, Broth,Leftovers - Makes 4 Perfect 1 Cup

SAFE FOOD GRADE MATERIAL: Ztomine food cube container is made of professional quality food grade silicone material which is odorless, BPA-free, and safe for the all family to use. The smooth silicone surface makes it easy to clean, dishwasher, freezer, oven safe. Not microwave-safe due to the stainless-steel frame

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bowl of potato soup topped with bacon, sour cream and cheese.

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