Grandmas Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Cozy Comfort: Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Crafting this hearty potato soup brings memories of grandma’s cozy kitchen, where warmth and love simmered together.

Every ingredient tells a nostalgic story of comfort and care.

Russet potatoes blend seamlessly with rich cream, creating a velvety texture that hugs your soul.

Fragrant herbs dance through the broth, whispering culinary secrets passed down through generations.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Simple yet profound, this recipe connects you directly to cherished family traditions.

You’ll want to ladle up this soul-warming soup and savor every magical bite.

Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup: Why It’s a Classic

Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup: Why It’s a Classic
  • Customize the soup with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, making it an incredibly versatile recipe that adapts to your pantry.
  • Deliver nostalgic, grandma-style comfort that brings everyone to the table, creating warm memories with each spoonful of creamy, satisfying goodness.
  • Create a delicious, filling soup using affordable ingredients like potatoes and broth, stretching your grocery budget without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients List for Grandma’s Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:

Potato Group:- Potatoes: Hearty base of the soup, starchy and filling with a creamy texture when cooked soft. Best with waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.

  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor builders that add depth and warmth to the soup. Fresh onions provide sweetness, while fresh garlic brings a pungent kick.

Liquid Base:

Broth Group:- Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Essential liquid for cooking potatoes and creating soup’s foundational flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broths work best for controlling salt content.

Seasoning Group:- Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper adds more robust taste compared to pre-ground pepper.

How to Make Grandma’s Potato Soup Easily

How to Make Grandma’s Potato Soup Easily

Step 1: Prep The Hearty Base

Place a large, sturdy pot on the stovetop. Add:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken or vegetable broth

Cover the ingredients with liquid, ensuring potatoes are fully submerged.

Step 2: Coax Flavors To Bloom

Turn heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once bubbling vigorously, reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 3: Tenderness Transformation

Allow soup to simmer gently, letting potatoes soften and absorb surrounding flavors. Watch for potatoes becoming fork-tender, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Test by pressing a potato piece against pot side- it should crush easily.

Step 4: Creamy Comfort Enhancement

Optional but recommended: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down some potato pieces. This creates a wonderfully thick, creamy texture without completely pureeing the soup.

Step 5: Season And Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, black pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Ladle into warm bowls, ready to comfort and nourish.

Tips to Get Grandma’s Potato Soup Just Right

  • Customize Broth Flavor: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use homemade stock to enhance the soup's depth and richness.
  • Prevent Potato Discoloration: Rinse diced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and keep them looking fresh and white.
  • Achieve Creamy Texture: Use a potato masher to partially crush some potatoes, creating a thicker, more luxurious soup consistency without adding extra cream.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Add chopped carrots or celery during simmering to increase vegetable content and provide extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Garnish for Extra Flair: Top with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or shredded cheese to add texture and make the soup more visually appealing and delicious.

How to Save Grandma’s Potato Soup for Later

  • Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream or dairy to maintain best texture.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating once the soup is steaming hot.

What Goes Well with Grandma’s Potato Soup

  • Select a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to dip into the soup, soaking up its velvety texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, or dill on top to introduce a bright, fresh element that elevates the soup's comforting profile.
  • Create a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a crisp counterpoint to its smooth consistency.

Grandma’s Soup Variations Worth Trying

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that's equally comforting.
  • Vegan Victory: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
  • Protein Power Soup: Incorporate diced ham, crispy bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken to increase protein content and add extra flavor layers.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains a similar creamy texture and satisfying consistency.

Your Questions About Grandma’s Potato Soup

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or celery to boost nutrition.

  • Do I need special potatoes for this recipe?

No, any starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work great. These potatoes break down nicely and help create a creamy texture.

  • How can I make the soup creamier?

Add heavy cream or milk during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker, more luxurious consistency.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently and stir occasionally to maintain the smooth texture.

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Grandmas Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Grandmas Homemade Potato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Grandma’s homemade potato soup brings comfort straight from her kitchen to your soul. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with simple ingredients, this classic recipe warms hearts and satisfies hunger with each delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900 g), peeled and diced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Toppings:

  • Cooked and crumbled bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Submerge diced potatoes, fragrant onion, and minced garlic into a spacious cooking vessel, complemented by rich chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then gently reduce to a simmering state.
  3. Allow the mixture to gently bubble and cook, watching the potatoes transform into a soft, fork-tender consistency over approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. While the potatoes simmer, periodically stir the liquid to ensure even cooking and prevent any ingredients from adhering to the pot’s bottom.
  5. Once the potatoes have reached a delicate, easily mashed texture, prepare to transition the soup to its next delectable phase.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup texture that holds its shape better during cooking.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with low-fat milk or use cauliflower as a protein-packed thickening alternative.
  • Enhance flavor by roasting garlic and onions before adding to the broth, which will deepen the soup’s rich, caramelized taste profile.
  • Create a gluten-free option by using cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of traditional flour for thickening, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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