Warm up this holiday season with a comforting bowl of Christmas Potato Soup! Creamy, hearty, and packed with festive flavors, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or as a starter for your holiday feast. With simple ingredients and a rich, velvety texture, it’s sure to become a Christmas tradition everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Potato Soup
- Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, or substitute with turkey bacon)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Extra shredded cheese
- Sour cream
How to Make Christmas Potato Soup
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave some potato chunks for a rustic texture.
- Alternatively, transfer portions of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Add the Creaminess:
- Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and shredded cheese, letting the cheese melt into the soup.
- If using, add the crumbled bacon for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, additional cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for a festive touch.
Why This Recipe Works
- Comforting and Festive: The creamy potatoes combined with warm spices create the perfect cozy dish for the holidays.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit dietary preferences, such as using plant-based milk or omitting the bacon for a vegetarian version.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup reheats beautifully, making it a great option for holiday meal prep.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but Yukon Golds work well too.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: The butter and flour mixture helps thicken the soup and create a velvety consistency.
- Blend Carefully: If using a traditional blender, work in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly to avoid splatters.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Potato Soup
- Pair it with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Serve it as a festive appetizer before your Christmas roast or ham.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty, balanced dish.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
