Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon (optional): If you're using bacon, start by cooking it in a large pot or Dutch oven until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and crumble it for garnish later.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the butter and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the butter. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, followed by the chopped potatoes. Bring to a simmer and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This will create a thicker texture for the soup while still leaving some chunks for heartiness. You can mash more or less depending on your preference.
- Add the milk and season: Pour in the milk and season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions or parsley.
Notes
This Old Fashioned Potato Soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less milk, and the thickness can be controlled by mashing the potatoes to your liking. For a more flavorful broth, try adding a splash of heavy cream instead of milk or using a richer broth. The toppings—like crispy bacon, cheese, and sour cream—add a delicious contrast to the creamy base, but you can also skip them for a lighter version. Whatever you choose, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!