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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Easiest Potato Soup
#### Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and cook for about 4 minutes, until it’s softened and fragrant. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
#### Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Add the diced **potatoes** to the pot and give everything a quick stir to combine. Let the potatoes cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to pick up some of the flavors from the onions and garlic.
#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the **chicken broth** (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version), and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about **15-20 minutes**, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
#### Step 4: Add the Cream and Seasoning
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the **milk** and **heavy cream**. Add the **thyme**, **paprika**, and **salt and pepper** to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
#### Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
For a creamy texture, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. Mash to your desired consistency—whether you like a smooth soup or prefer a bit of chunkiness, it’s all up to you!
#### Step 6: Add the Cheese
Stir in the **shredded cheese** until it’s melted and well incorporated into the soup. This will give the soup a rich, cheesy flavor that’s sure to make every spoonful comforting and satisfying.
#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. A dollop of **sour cream**, a sprinkle of **bacon bits**, or a handful of **green onions** all make excellent additions. For extra cheesiness, top with a bit more shredded cheese.
### How to Serve This Potato Soup
– **With Crusty Bread**: Serve the soup with a slice of **buttery garlic bread** or a warm, **crusty baguette** for the perfect dipping companion. The bread helps soak up the creamy broth, making it a satisfying meal.
– **Topped with Tasty Additions**: The beauty of this soup lies in how customizable it is! Top it off with **crispy bacon**, a sprinkle of **chopped parsley**, or a generous dollop of **sour cream** to really take it to the next level.
– **As a Meal**: This potato soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a **side salad** or a **fresh veggie platter** if you want something on the side.
### Why This Recipe Works
– **Creamy Without the Extra Work**: This potato soup is incredibly creamy thanks to the **heavy cream** and **milk**, without the need for any complicated techniques like making a roux. The texture comes together naturally from the potatoes and the added dairy.
– **Hearty and Filling**: With potatoes as the main ingredient, this soup is a hearty meal on its own. It’s filling and satisfying, so you won’t be left hungry after a bowl.
– **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor**: This soup proves that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something flavorful. The humble **potato**, combined with **butter**, **cream**, and **cheese**, creates a soup that’s rich, indulgent, and comforting.
– **Customizable for All**: Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs. Add **bacon** for extra flavor, or keep it vegetarian by sticking to the base ingredients and loading up on **cheese** and **fresh herbs**.
### Variations and Tips
– **Vegan Option**: To make this soup vegan, swap the **butter** for plant-based butter, the **cream** for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use **veggie broth**. You can also add **nutritional yeast** for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
– **Spicy Kick**: If you like a little spice, try adding **cayenne pepper**, **hot sauce**, or **diced jalapeños** to the soup for an extra kick.
– **Add More Veggies**: While potatoes are the star of this soup, you can also add other vegetables like **carrots**, **celery**, or **corn** to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor.
– **Make It Extra Cheesy**: For a super cheesy soup, add more cheese both inside the soup and as a garnish on top. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like **sharp cheddar**, **Monterey Jack**, or **cream cheese** for an ultra-creamy finish.
### Conclusion
This **Easiest Potato Soup** recipe is a must-try for any **potato soup lover**. With minimal ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a rich, creamy, and comforting bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this soup will leave everyone feeling satisfied and content.
Quick, simple, and packed with flavor, this **potato soup** will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a **delicious, cozy meal** in no time!
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