Potato soup is one of those classic comfort foods that always hits the spot, whether you’re looking for something warm and cozy to enjoy on a chilly day or a hearty, filling dish for dinner. The Betty Crocker Potato Soup Recipe, in particular, is a go-to favorite for many home cooks, and it’s no surprise why. The blend of creamy, smooth potatoes, savory broth, and a variety of delicious ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity and the ease with which you can prepare it, turning an everyday dish into something extraordinary.
But what sets Betty Crocker’s recipe apart? Well, it balances flavor and texture perfectly and offers room for customization based on what you’ve got on hand. You can go as rich or as light as you want, and it still delivers that soul-warming comfort we all crave.
Let’s dive into how you can make this potato soup at home and explore all the details to make it a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Betty Crocker Potato Soup Recipe
Making a comforting bowl of potato soup doesn’t have to be complicated. Betty Crocker’s version strikes that perfect balance between quick and delicious. Here’s the full recipe so you can easily follow along.
Ingredients Needed
For the soup base:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For extra flavor and garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Bacon bits (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. You want them to cook evenly, so try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible.
- Cook the potatoes and onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the diced potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking.
- Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure the potatoes are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should be tender enough to mash when you test them with a fork.
- Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are soft, you can mash them directly in the pot using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or blend in batches with a regular blender. Leave some chunks for texture if you prefer a heartier soup.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes until it’s well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, and optional bacon bits. The combination of these toppings adds a delightful richness to the soup, giving it extra flavor and texture.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate how they come together to create a delicious, well-rounded potato soup. Here’s a closer look:
- Potatoes: Potatoes are the star of this soup, providing both texture and substance. Russet potatoes are typically used because they have a starchy consistency that breaks down nicely when cooked, creating a thick, creamy base for the soup. They also absorb flavors from the broth and seasonings, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
- Onion: Onions offer a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the creamy potatoes. When sautéed, they caramelize and enhance the overall flavor of the soup, creating a savory backdrop that elevates the other ingredients.
- Broth (chicken or vegetable): The broth adds a savory foundation that brings everything together. Chicken broth is the traditional choice because it provides a rich, meaty flavor without overpowering the other elements, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian or lighter version.
- Heavy cream & milk: The creaminess of this soup comes from a blend of heavy cream and milk. The heavy cream ensures a luxurious, silky texture, while the milk thins it out just enough so it doesn’t become too thick.
- Cheddar cheese & sour cream: These ingredients are more than just garnishes-they add tang, sharpness, and a bit of richness that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
Expert Tips
- Make it richer: If you want an even more indulgent soup, add more cream or even some cream cheese to make it extra velvety. You can also try using half-and-half for a slightly lighter yet still creamy texture.
- Season carefully: While salt and pepper are a must, don’t forget to taste as you go. You might want to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat. Seasoning should always be adjusted to personal taste.
- Blend to your liking: If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash just half of the potatoes and leave the rest whole. Alternatively, for a smoother texture, blend the whole batch. An immersion blender makes this step much easier and cleaner.
- Customize your toppings: The beauty of potato soup is that it’s so versatile. You can go traditional with shredded cheddar and bacon, or get creative with toppings like crumbled blue cheese, crispy onions, or fresh herbs.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Potato Soup: For a plant-based version, swap out the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or almond milk. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cheese and sour cream for vegan alternatives or omit them altogether.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add in more toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, diced green peppers, and even a handful of sautéed mushrooms for a loaded version that’s even heartier.
- Spicy Potato Soup: For those who like a little heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper, a teaspoon of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili powder. This adds a nice kick to the soup without overpowering the flavors.
- Cheese Lovers’ Potato Soup: If you’re a big fan of cheese, try using a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor profile. Melted cheese can also be stirred into the soup for an extra creamy texture.
Final Words
Potato soup is one of those recipes that can easily be adapted to your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Betty Crocker’s version offers a simple yet flavorful foundation that you can build upon with ease. Whether you enjoy it as-is, loaded with toppings, or spiced up with your favorite seasonings, it’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Plus, it’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for meal prepping. It stores beautifully in the fridge for several days and even gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together.