Simple Homemade Potato Soup

Use ingredients such as potatoes, bacon, onion, butter, and cornstarch. Choose potato and onion types based on personal taste and highlight the soup’s hearty and comforting nature, especially suitable for colder weather.

There is nothing like a bowl of simple homemade potato soup on a chilly day. My husband loves soup, especially during the winter season. 

His two favorites are chili and potato soup. We just had chili for Christmas so it was time for potato soup. 

This simple homemade potato soup may be easy but that doesn’t mean that it lacks in taste. No indeed. 

My husband ate three bowls! I do have to warn you if you are watching your diet or cholesterol then this soup is not for you. 

I’m not trying to deter you just giving a friendly warning as this soup is loaded with fat. But you know, we have to splurge sometimes.

The taste is all in the fat:!  Paula Deen does love her butter!

I have made potato soup in the past that just lacked in taste. Not this recipe! 

I add bacon and bacon drippings to this soup. Both add so much flavor.

I didn’t lie about the fat content of this soup. No need to go overboard with the seasonings.

Salt and pepper are all you need. Why muddy the waters so to speak. 

What Potatoes to Use in Simple Homemade Potato Soup

Did you know that there are over 400 varieties of potatoes? And there are 200 varieties sold in the US.

It’s enough to confuse anybody. But let me make it just a little easier.  

There are three main types of potatoes classed in texture. Starchy, waxy, and all-purpose.  

Starchy

These potatoes have a high starch content and dry flesh. They break down easily when cooked so they are best when making mashed potatoes. 

Perfect for mashed potato cakes!

They are also great for baked potatoes or french fries as the skin is thicker and crisps up nicely while the center is fluffy. Idaho and Russets fall into this category.

Waxy

These potatoes have little starch content, creamy flesh with high moisture content, and thin skin.  They hold their shape when cooking and are best for soups, stews, potato salads, and baking in casseroles. 

Your red potatoes fall into this category.

All-Purpose

These potatoes are the best of both worlds, so to speak. Medium starch-fluffy texture, medium moisture content=holds their shape. 

Yukon golds fall into this category. This is just a guide, mind you. 

In my opinion, use whatever potato you like. These are just suggestions.

It all comes down to your taste and preference.

Onions Anyone?

Now we have to decide what type of onion to use. Again this is just a guide. 

Different onions can add immense flavor to any dish. There are four categories. 

Yellow, red, white, and sweet.

Yellow

This onion is your all-purpose and standard cooking onion. If a recipe doesn’t specify what type of onion, you can’t go wrong using the yellow.

Red

These onions are mainly used for salads, grilling, and pickling. Be careful many find this onion with a peppery spicy flavor.

My husband likes this onion raw on his hamburgers.

White

Has a strong taste but less aftertaste. This onion can be used in place of yellow.

Sweet

This onion is more commonly used in salads, relishes, and garnishes. It had a mild onion taste with a touch of sweetness.

I lean towards this onion. Again use whatever onion suits your taste. 

I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever one you choose. But I do use sweet onions a lot.

My Final Thoughts

• Comfort food appeal: Homemade potato soup is a comforting choice during cold weather, akin to the comfort provided by familiar and warm dishes like homemade chili.
• Simplicity and taste: Ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor, much like classic home-cooked meals that rely on simple ingredients to deliver rich taste.
• Ingredient flexibility: There are preferred types of potatoes and onions, reflecting the versatility found in many home recipes where ingredients can be adapted based on availability or personal taste.
• Fat content warning: The recipe contains a significant amount of fat, similar to indulgent dishes like macaroni and cheese, which are known for their rich, creamy texture.
• Minimal seasoning: Salt and pepper are the primary seasonings, echoing the principle of letting the main ingredients shine in dishes like roast chicken or steamed vegetables.

When the weather turns colder, there’s nothing more comforting than sitting down to a delicious warm bowl of simple homemade potato soup. When making potato soup, use whatever type of potato suits your taste and yields the outcome you want, such as texture.

Different onions can add immense flavor. Just because something is simple doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on taste. 

I hope you try this simple homemade potato soup. Please leave me a comment below with your thoughts

And as always, have a wonderful day!

FAQ for Homemade Potato Soup

1. What ingredients are needed for the Simple Homemade Potato Soup?

• Basic Ingredients: The recipe calls for common items such as potatoes, bacon, onion, butter, and cornstarch, emphasizing simplicity and comfort.
• Customizable: You can choose different types of potatoes and onions based on your personal taste preferences to tailor the soup to your liking.

2. Is the Simple Homemade Potato Soup suitable for cold weather?

• Comfort Food: Yes, this soup is particularly well-suited for colder weather due to its hearty and comforting qualities, making it a warm and satisfying dish.
• Versatility: While it’s perfect for winter, its simplicity and the wholesomeness of its ingredients make it a comforting choice for any chilly day.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the Simple Homemade Potato Soup?

• Add-Ins: Consider incorporating additional spices or ingredients like garlic or cheese to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
• Cooking Techniques: Slow cooking the soup can help develop deeper flavors, especially if you allow time for the ingredients like onion and bacon to meld together properly.

4. What are some serving suggestions for the Simple Homemade Potato Soup?

• Bread Pairing: Serving the soup with a side of crusty bread can be a great way to enjoy its creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Toppings: Garnishing the soup with toppings like green onions, sour cream, or extra bacon bits can add texture and enrich the overall dining experience.