This creamy Irish Potato Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Made with soft potatoes, tender onions, and rich broth, it’s super comforting and easy to make.
Perfect for chilly days, I love to pair it with some crusty bread. Just be careful—one bowl might not be enough because it’s that good! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture. If you have waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds, they’ll work too but will result in a slightly different consistency.
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor without overpowering. You can substitute with leeks for a milder taste. Just be sure to clean them well!
Bacon: Bacon gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have it, skip it and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a similar essence.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly. Homemade, if you have it, is always a plus!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use whole milk or even plant-based milk (make sure it’s unsweetened). It may change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Texture in My Irish Potato Soup?
The texture is super important in this soup. To get it just right, you want some chunks of potatoes for heartiness, but also that creamy base. Here’s how to do it:
- After simmering, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This thickens the soup while keeping some goodness whole.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, an immersion blender works wonders. Blend just 50% to maintain a bit of chunkiness.
- Always heat up the cream gently. If it boils, it might curdle, which you want to avoid for that creamy finish!
How to Make Irish Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Irish cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Irish Potato Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Make the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step creates a roux, which will help thicken your soup and ensure a smooth texture.
3. Add the Broth:
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Once boiling, add your diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork!
5. Mash the Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, partially mash the potatoes in the soup. This thickens the soup while keeping some tasty chunks for texture—just how we like it!
6. Add Cream and Season:
Now, stir in the heavy cream or whole milk and season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently, avoiding a boil, to keep the cream from curdling.
7. Serve it Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, some crispy bacon pieces, and a few fresh chives for that finishing touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Irish Potato Soup hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This creamy soup is hearty and delicious, making it a wonderful choice for family dinners or chilly days!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets create a creamier soup, you can use waxy varieties like Yukon Golds as well. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. You can also add some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without meat!
How Do I Store Leftover Irish Potato Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
