This Irish Potato Soup is creamy and comforting, made with fluffy potatoes, savory onions, and rich broth. It’s a hug in a bowl that warms you right up!
I love serving this on chilly days with some crusty bread. It’s perfect for slurping, and you’ll want to fill your bowl again! Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They give a creamy texture. If you want something lighter, waxy potatoes like Red or Fingerling can work, but they won’t be as creamy.
Onion: I always go for yellow onions. Their flavor becomes sweet when cooked. If you’re short on time, green onions can be a quick substitute.
Broth: Chicken broth brings depth, but vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is even better if you have it!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its strong flavor. You could swap it with Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, leave it out or use smoked paprika to get a smoky flavor. Turkey bacon is another lighter option if you want to keep some of the flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use milk or a dairy alternative like coconut milk, but it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup is Extra Creamy?
The secret to a rich and creamy potato soup is in how you handle the potatoes. When they cook fully, their starches help thicken the soup naturally!
- After boiling the potatoes, mash a portion of them. This releases starches that add body to the soup.
- Keep some chunks for texture—this gives you a nice bite in each spoonful.
- Stir in the cheese while the soup is still hot to melt it smoothly into the mix.
- Finish with heavy cream for that luxurious texture. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of more broth or water.
Take your time with these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness!
Irish Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Irish Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Adding the Potatoes:
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, making sure everything is well mixed.
3. Cooking the Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth until the potatoes are just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender, roughly 15-20 minutes. You can check by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should slide in easily.
4. Mashing for Texture:
Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This will help thicken the soup while keeping some chunks for a great texture.
5. Adding Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix it in until it melts completely and is fully incorporated into the soup. This adds creaminess and flavor!
6. Final Touches:
Add the heavy cream and crumbled cooked bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Seasoning:
Finally, season your soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme if you’re using it. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Serving It Up:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra crumbled bacon, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of more shredded cheese if desired. It’s best enjoyed with crusty bread on the side!
This creamy and hearty Irish Potato Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy meal that will leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best for a creamy texture, you can use waxy potatoes like Red or Fingerling. Keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different, with waxy potatoes being less creamy.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can enhance the flavor further by adding some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove, and add some extra cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
