If you’re craving a comforting bowl of pure warmth and nostalgia, this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, silky soup with tender potatoes and just the right touch of delicate seasoning to make you feel right at home. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress friends, this classic potato soup brings that simple, hearty flavor that never goes out of style. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe, the magic is in simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that luxurious, velvety texture you’ll love.
- 1 pound potatoes, washed (peeled if desired, or if using russets): The star of the dish, providing thickness and a creamy bite.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when gently sautéed.
- ¼ cup butter: Infuses the soup with rich, buttery goodness and helps cook the onions perfectly.
- 2 cups evaporated milk or whole milk: Keeps the soup creamy without overpowering the delicate potato flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream) or half and half: For that luscious, smooth finish everyone loves.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A gentle touch of savory warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without adding more texture.
- 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, finely chopped: A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten every spoonful.
How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook Potatoes
Start by dicing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Bring a generous pot of water to a boil, then add the potatoes and let them simmer gently until fork-tender. This step ensures your potatoes become soft enough to blend beautifully into the creamy soup base.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
While the potatoes are cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook slowly until they turn soft and fragrant. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, adding a subtle, layered flavor to your soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the softened onions, remaining butter, milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything together gently, creating that inviting, creamy base.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Season your soup with salt, pepper, garlic powder if you like, and onion powder. Give it a good stir, then let it simmer over low heat for a few minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting bowl of soup.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your soup into warm bowls, and prepare for the best part—the garnishing. Add a pat of butter, a sprinkle of fresh green onions or parsley, and serve immediately for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley elevate the soup’s appearance and add a fresh pop of flavor and color. Offering a small pat of melting butter on top just before serving is an old-fashioned trick that makes each spoonful rich and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, such as a warm baguette or rustic sourdough, perfect for dipping. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a lovely companion to balance the richness and keep your meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic crocks. You can also offer a toppings bar with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a personalized touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup, but keep in mind the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to leave some space for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup feels too thick after thawing or storing, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes in this Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Just remember that waxy potatoes will keep their shape more, so your soup might be chunkier.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use your favorite plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Keep the seasoning the same for that classic comforting flavor.
Can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
Definitely! For a thicker soup, use less milk or cream and mash some of the potatoes while cooking. For a thinner consistency, simply add more milk or broth until you reach your desired texture.
Should I peel the potatoes for this recipe?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds a lovely rustic texture and extra nutrients, but peeling results in an ultra-smooth soup. It depends on your preference and the type of potato you use.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Keep your leftover soup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze it if you want to save it for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a good Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, simple yet satisfying. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next cozy dinner or to share with friends. I promise, once you taste that smooth, creamy goodness with just the right seasoning, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Old Fashioned Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy classic that combines tender boiled potatoes and sautéed onions with rich butter, evaporated milk, and cream. Seasoned with garlic and onion powder and garnished with green onions or parsley, this simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal and serves six.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Vegetables
- 1 pound potatoes, washed (peeled if desired, or if using russets)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons green onions or parsley, finely chopped
Dairy and Fats
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups evaporated milk or whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream) or half and half
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into even pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the diced potatoes, and simmer until they are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 15 minutes.
- Sauté Onions: While the potatoes cook, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent without browning, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the sautéed onions along with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and heat through over low heat.
- Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder according to your taste. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra richness and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can mash some or all of the potatoes in the soup after cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of milk and cream slightly or add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions before adding the liquids.
- Feel free to substitute evaporated milk with whole milk for a lighter version.
- This soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring the butter and seasoning powders have no gluten additives.
- Garnishing with crispy bacon or shredded cheese can add extra flavor and texture, but will alter dietary classification.
