Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of creamy, hearty potato soup? This Steakhouse Potato Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, delivering rich flavors, silky textures, and just the right balance of indulgence and freshness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a cozy starter, this soup is guaranteed to become a staple in your household.
Why do I love this recipe so much? Let me count the ways. For one, it brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with family, where the aroma of bacon and onions sizzling in the kitchen filled the house. And then there’s the taste: creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and melty cheese come together to create a dish that’s both luxurious and down-to-earth.
This recipe is perfect for a laid-back family dinner or as a standout star at a potluck. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the process is straightforward, even if you’re not a seasoned cook. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special and how you can whip it up effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Steakhouse Potato Soup
There are countless reasons this soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
- Incredibly Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream, butter, and cheese ensures a velvety texture with every bite. The potatoes soak up the broth beautifully, creating a thick, luscious base.
- Easy to Make: No need to fuss over complex techniques. This recipe uses simple cooking methods, making it approachable for everyone.
- Perfectly Balanced: The richness of the cream and butter is offset by the freshness of green onions and the savory, smoky flavor of crumbled bacon.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or add a personal twist (more on that later!).
- Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Calories per serving: Approximately 420
Key Nutritional Information: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 28g
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients and why they’re essential:
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes: These types of potatoes have the perfect starch content to create a creamy, thick soup. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 8 slices of bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch as a topping.
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock: The backbone of the soup, chicken stock provides a savory base that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup cold water: Helps balance the broth and allows for even consistency.
- ¾ cups cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the soup and can be used as a garnish for extra richness.
- ¾ cups heavy whipping cream: The secret to a silky, luxurious soup.
- ½ cup butter and ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: These two work together to create a roux, which thickens the soup beautifully without lumps.
- ¼ cup green onion: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy note to balance the richness.
- ½ sweet yellow onion: Optional, but highly recommended for an added layer of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Dice them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place them in a pot and cover with water, bringing it to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 10–12 minutes. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Create the Broth
In a large soup pot, combine the chicken stock, cold water, diced sweet yellow onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re not using sweet onion, you can skip this step and move directly to creating the roux.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, gradually whisk in the flour. Continue whisking until a smooth paste forms. Let the roux cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste. This step is crucial for a silky soup texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Roux
Slowly add the roux into the simmering broth, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. You’ll notice the soup starting to thicken, becoming creamier with each stir.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. The cream adds richness and gives the soup its signature steakhouse feel. Allow the soup to simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add the Potatoes
Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, gently fold in the cooked potatoes. Stir well to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the creamy broth.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. These toppings not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
How to Serve this Steakhouse Potato Soup
This Steakhouse Potato Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and main dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Classic Pairing: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A slice of sourdough or a soft dinner roll complements the creamy texture perfectly.
- Salad Combo: Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- Family-Friendly Option: Serve with buttered noodles or soft pretzels for a kid-approved meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- Drain the Potatoes Well: After boiling, make sure the potatoes are completely drained to prevent excess water from diluting the soup.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, grate your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes.
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy for a more satisfying crunch as a topping.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream or broth to refresh the consistency.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add roasted cauliflower or mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap out the cheddar for gouda, parmesan, or a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Stir in sour cream and chives before serving for a loaded baked potato vibe.
Freezing and Storage
If you’re planning to freeze this soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring in extra cream if needed.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon works in a pinch. Just ensure it’s crispy before crumbling it as a topping.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the soup sits, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
What if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more chicken stock or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I skip the roux?
While the roux helps thicken the soup, you can use cornstarch mixed with water as a substitute if needed.
Is it okay to use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the soup won’t be as rich. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creaminess.
Conclusion
This Steakhouse Potato Soup is everything you could want in a cozy, comforting meal: rich, creamy, and loaded with delicious toppings. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece for a family gathering, it’s sure to win everyone over.
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your mouthwatering creations.
PrintSteakhouse Potato Soup – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Steakhouse Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and packed with smoky bacon and cheese, it’s perfect for chilly nights or cozy family dinners
Ingredients
- 4 large russet or golden potatoes, diced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup cold water
- ¾ cups cheddar cheese
- ¾ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup green onion, diced
- ½ sweet yellow onion, diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Dice potatoes into bite-sized pieces and boil until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, simmer chicken stock, water, onion (optional), salt, and pepper for 20 minutes.
- Make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour; cook for 2 minutes.
- Whisk the roux into the broth, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add cooked potatoes and mix well.
- Serve hot with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the broth.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American