This creamy potato soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With chunks of potato, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s the perfect comfort dish for chilly days.
You can top it with green onions for a fresh touch, but honestly, who can resist an extra sprinkle of cheese? I know I can’t! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a savory flavor to this soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon or even omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for their creamy texture. However, you can substitute with Yukon Golds for a slightly different taste or even cauliflower for a low-carb option!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. Just be aware it may change the flavor a bit!
Sour Cream: For a tangy kick, you can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, which also lends creaminess and added protein.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
Achieving a smooth and creamy texture is key! Here are tips to avoid lumps:
- Whisk the flour and milk together thoroughly until smooth before adding them to the soup.
- Slowly pour in the flour-milk mixture while stirring constantly. This helps to incorporate it evenly without forming lumps.
- Keep stirring until it thickens; it usually takes about 5 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect creamy consistency in your potato soup.Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously smooth result every time!
Outback Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time, making it a lovely meal you can whip up in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, celery, and shredded carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté these mix of vegetables over medium heat until they’re tender, around 5 minutes. This step builds a great base for your soup!
3. Cooking the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Thickening the Soup:
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and milk until smooth. Gradually pour this mixture into the soup pot while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the soup cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
5. Adding Creaminess:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix until the soup is smooth and creamy. This is where the soup really takes on that rich flavor!
6. Finishing Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions.
7. Enjoy!
Optionally, serve with crusty bread or rolls on the side for a complete meal. Dive in and enjoy your comforting bowl of Outback Potato Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are traditional for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds for a different flavor or even cauliflower for a low-carb version. Just keep in mind the cooking time might differ slightly.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan version! Substitute the bacon with plant-based bacon, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to keep it creamy and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.
Is This Soup Freezable?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just be aware that the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
