54th Street Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever walked into a 54th Street Grill & Bar, you know that their potato soup is nothing short of legendary. It’s a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness that seems to warm you from the inside out, whether it’s a cold winter evening or you just need a little indulgence. The richness of this soup, paired with a perfect blend of hearty potatoes, savory bacon, and a touch of cheese, makes it one of those dishes that you crave long after the meal is over. But what if I told you that you can recreate this iconic dish in your very own kitchen?

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the 54th Street Potato Soup from scratch. This isn’t just a soup recipe-it’s a journey into creating a bowl of comfort. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for yourself, a special meal for guests, or just want to keep your fridge stocked with delicious leftovers, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in!

54th Street Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe aims to capture the creamy, smoky, and satisfying essence of the original 54th Street Potato Soup, with all the textures and flavors that make it unforgettable. You’re about to learn how to make a soup that’s not only easy to prepare but also absolutely delicious.

Ingredients Needed

To make this creamy, hearty soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 4 slices of bacon (crispy, crumbled)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of milk (you can adjust for creaminess)
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional but recommended)
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for extra richness and garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get started with the step-by-step process to bring this comforting soup to life.

1. Prepare The Potatoes

   • Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. They should cook faster and evenly this way.

2. Cook The Bacon

   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the pot and crumble it into small pieces. Leave a bit of the bacon grease in the pot to sauté the onions.

3. Sauté Onions And Garlic

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. The bacon grease adds an extra layer of flavor here, so don’t skip this step!

4. Add Potatoes And Broth

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Mash The Potatoes

   • Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash about half of the potatoes in the pot. If you like a chunky soup, don’t mash too much-leave some potato pieces for texture. If you want a smoother soup, go ahead and blend it more thoroughly.

6. Add Dairy And Season

   • Stir in the heavy cream and milk, then bring the soup back to a simmer. Add in the salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Finish With Cheese

   • Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and incorporated. Save the remaining cheese for topping.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and additional shredded cheese on top. If you like extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient in this recipe can help elevate the final dish. Here’s a closer look at some key ingredients:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for soups due to their starchy texture, which helps thicken the broth and give the soup a hearty, creamy base.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cream. Plus, the crispy bits provide a satisfying crunch against the smoothness of the soup.
• Heavy cream and milk: The combination of heavy cream and milk ensures that the soup is indulgently creamy without being overwhelmingly thick. The milk helps balance the richness, while the heavy cream adds the luxurious texture we all love.
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the creaminess and adds another layer of complexity to the dish. It also makes the soup extra cheesy and comforting.

Expert Tips

To make sure your potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

• Don’t overcook the potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes while they simmer. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture, so make sure they’re tender but still hold their shape.
• Use a good quality chicken broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so using a high-quality chicken broth or stock will elevate the flavor. If you have homemade broth, even better!
• For a smoother soup: If you want a silky, smooth texture, consider using an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot, or transfer part of it to a blender in batches.
• Adjust creaminess: You can adjust the creaminess by adding more milk or heavy cream, depending on how rich you want the soup to be. If you like it extra thick, reduce the amount of milk.
• Top with extras: Try garnishing with crumbled crispy bacon, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this potato soup to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations to consider:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. You can add more vegetables, like carrots or celery, for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup for a little heat. You can also top the soup with a dollop of spicy sriracha or hot sauce for a more intense kick.
• Loaded potato soup: Make it extra hearty by adding in chopped cooked chicken, broccoli, or even some crumbled sausage. This turns the soup into a full meal, perfect for colder days.
• Dairy-free version: For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of cream and milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese to replace the cheddar.

Final Words

This 54th Street Potato Soup recipe is a celebration of all the flavors that make a bowl of potato soup irresistible-creamy, comforting, and full of savory goodness. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Plus, it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but rich enough to serve at a dinner party.