This Irish Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor! With simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and a touch of cream, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
It’s the perfect dish for chilly days when you just want something cozy! I love sprinkling a bit of chives on top for a colorful finish. So tasty, you’ll want it again tomorrow! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: For this recipe, I recommend using Russet potatoes. They give a great creamy texture. If you prefer a waxy potato, Yukon Golds work well too!
Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness. If you’re low on onions, shallots can also add a nice flavor. Green onions make a good alternative for garnish!
Bacon: I’ve used regular bacon for a smoky taste, but turkey bacon is a healthier option if you want to cut down on fat. You can also skip it for a vegetarian version.
Broth: Chicken broth deepens the flavor, but vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth adds an extra touch of taste!
Milk or Cream: I prefer using cream for richness, but you can use whole milk or even dairy-free alternatives like almond milk for a lighter version.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Blend of Flavors in Your Soup?
Blending the soup is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. Using an immersion blender is the easiest way to do this right in the pot. You want a texture that is smooth but still has some potato chunks for character. Here’s how:
- Once the potatoes are tender, blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency.
- For chunkier soup, blend just half, then mix it with the unblended portion.
- After blending, gently stir in the milk or cream; don’t boil it afterward, as it can affect the creaminess.
Don’t forget to season to taste! A little salt and pepper can elevate the flavors wonderfully. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
How to Make Irish Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Irish Potato Soup will take about 30-40 minutes in total, including approximately 10 minutes for prep and about 20-30 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a satisfying weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This will give your soup a nice, savory foundation!
2. Add the Potatoes:
Stir in the diced potatoes and mix well for about a minute to combine with the onion. This helps them pick up the lovely flavors.
3. Add the Broth and Simmer:
Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which will take around 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth but still a little chunky for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then mix it back in.
5. Incorporate Milk or Cream:
Stir in the milk or cream and heat through gently, making sure not to let it boil. This is where it becomes creamy and delicious!
6. Season to Taste:
Now, add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors!
7. Serve it Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
8. Enjoy with Fresh Bread:
Accompany the soup with some crusty fresh bread for dipping. It’s the perfect pairing!
Enjoy your warm and comforting Irish Potato Soup, garnished beautifully with crispy bacon and fresh chives! 😊
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure they are fresh and firm for the best results!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika for a smoky touch without the meat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove when ready to serve.