54th Street Grill Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever stepped foot into 54th Street Grill, you know that one of the signature dishes that keeps diners coming back is their creamy, comforting potato soup. It’s rich, flavorful, and a bowl of pure comfort, making it perfect for any time of year, but especially during those chilly evenings when all you want is something that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’ve been dreaming of it since your last visit or you simply crave a hearty bowl of homemade soup, this recipe will bring the magic of that beloved dish right to your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll not only break down the steps to recreate this fan-favorite dish, but we’ll also dive into some ingredient insights, expert tips, and fun variations so you can make this recipe your own. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this breakdown easy to follow and a joy to make!

54th Street Grill Potato Soup Recipe

This potato soup is no ordinary comfort food. It’s velvety smooth, with layers of savory flavors, from the richness of butter to the earthiness of tender potatoes. Add in a bit of bacon for that smoky crunch and a touch of cheddar cheese, and you’ve got a dish that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Here’s the magic recipe that brings it all together:

Ingredients Needed

• 5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp cheddar for more flavor)
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (optional but highly recommended for extra texture)
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Potatoes

   • Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. You can leave the skins on for a rustic touch, but most people prefer it peeled for a smoother texture.

2. Cook the Bacon (optional):

   • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pot, as it’ll add extra flavor to the soup. Chop the bacon into small bits to sprinkle on top later.

3. Sauté The Onion

   • In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until soft and fragrant. If you skipped the bacon, simply use butter or oil for sautéing the onion.

4. Add The Potatoes & Broth

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Create The Creamy Base

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and flour (if using) until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot with the potatoes. Stir well to combine.

6. Season

   • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is the part where you can really customize the flavor to your liking.

7. Blend Or Mash

   • At this point, you can either use an immersion blender to blend the soup into a smooth consistency or mash the potatoes with a potato masher for a chunkier texture. For a traditional creamy soup, you’ll want to blend it to a velvety smooth consistency.

8. Add Cheese & Bacon

   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits (if using). Let the cheese melt into the soup, adding that irresistible creamy texture and rich flavor.

9. Simmer

   • Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps everything blend together and ensures the flavors have time to develop.
10. Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheese, bacon bits, and perhaps a sprinkle of green onions. Pair it with a crusty bread roll or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in delivering that rich, savory potato soup experience that you crave:

• Potatoes: The foundation of the soup, the potatoes offer heartiness and texture. Russet potatoes work best because they break down well and help thicken the soup, but Yukon Golds can add a buttery flavor if you prefer.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: These two ingredients create the creamy, luxurious base of the soup. The milk thins it out, while the cream adds richness. You could substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based milk if desired, but the heavy cream really helps elevate the soup to the next level.
• Cheddar Cheese: The sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar gives the soup its signature taste. It also contributes to the creamy texture when melted. Go for sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but mild cheddar works too for a more subdued experience.
• Bacon: While optional, bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that perfectly contrasts with the smooth soup. It’s the kind of ingredient that elevates the entire dish and brings it to a restaurant-quality level.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the potatoes. Salt and pepper are essential for balance and depth.

Expert Tips

• Consistency Control: If you like a thicker soup, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour, or blend the soup more. For a thinner soup, simply add a little extra broth or milk until you get the consistency you prefer.
• Make it Ahead: Potato soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
• Add Herbs for Freshness: Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives can brighten the richness of the soup. Add them just before serving to preserve their flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking the Potatoes: You want your potatoes to be tender but not falling apart into mush. Keep an eye on them while simmering to ensure they cook just right.

Recipe Variations

While this version of the potato soup is tried and true, there are plenty of ways to give it your own twist:

• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Swap out the heavy cream and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and skip the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute.
• Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your soup a little heat. A dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick.
• Loaded Potato Soup: Top your bowl with extra goodies like sour cream, green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or even a sprinkle of chives and crumbled crispy bacon.
• Slow Cooker Version: Throw everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-7 hours. This method works wonders if you want to set it and forget it for the day, returning to a creamy, flavorful soup.

Final Words

The 54th Street Grill potato soup is one of those timeless recipes that makes you feel like you’re at your favorite restaurant, curled up with a bowl of something delicious. Its combination of rich cream, savory potatoes, and crispy bacon (if you go that route) brings comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or for a crowd, this recipe guarantees smiles and empty bowls.