Atlanta Bread Potato Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the mark quite like a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup. And among the many variations of potato soup recipes out there, Atlanta Bread Potato Soup holds a special place in the hearts of many. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of potatoes, the richness of butter and cream, and just the right seasoning to make every spoonful feel like a comforting hug.

Atlanta Bread Company, a beloved cafe and bakery chain, is known for their fresh, made-from-scratch recipes that always seem to evoke nostalgia and warmth. One of their most famous offerings is their potato soup, which is indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for the family, a starter for a special meal, or a satisfying dish to take the chill off a winter’s day, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

So, let’s break down how to recreate this delicious Atlanta Bread Potato Soup in your own kitchen, step by step.

Atlanta Bread Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks alike. The ingredients come together easily, and you’ll soon have a rich, velvety soup that rivals what you’d get at the restaurant. The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity-each ingredient enhances the others to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients Needed

• Potatoes (about 5 medium to large ones): Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture, which creates the creamy consistency we love in potato soup.
• Onion (1 small to medium): A finely chopped onion adds subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): The butter gives the soup a rich, velvety texture and a touch of decadence.
• Flour (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the soup; this is the start of your roux.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds a savory depth of flavor to the soup. You can substitute vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This is the key to achieving that luxuriously creamy consistency.
• Milk (1 cup): Balances the richness of the cream and adds to the soup’s overall smoothness.
• Salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing the flavors and making the soup pop.
• Pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat and depth to balance the richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): A generous topping that melts into the hot soup, making every bite even more indulgent.
• Bacon bits (optional, for garnish): Adds crunch and a smoky flavor that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Chives or green onions (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s get to cooking! This recipe is relatively easy to follow, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly it comes together.

1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces). This helps them cook faster and evenly.
2. Cook the onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
3. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and butter, stirring constantly to create a paste. Continue to cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and begin to lightly brown.
4. Add the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Once combined, bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and let them simmer in the broth for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This is when the potatoes will start to break down and contribute to the soup’s creamy texture.
6. Blend for creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. You can also carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and then return it to the pot. This will help create a creamy, velvety texture without fully pureeing the potatoes.
7. Add cream and milk: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference. This is where you can really customize the flavor.
9. Final touches: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup. For added richness, you can also top the soup with more cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives or green onions.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose to achieve the perfect bowl of soup:

• Potatoes: The main ingredient, they provide the thick, creamy texture that makes this soup feel hearty and satisfying. Russet potatoes are starchy and break down easily when cooked, creating a silky-smooth consistency.
• Onion: A humble vegetable that adds complexity to the soup’s flavor. Cooking the onion in butter enhances its natural sweetness, giving the soup a subtle depth.
• Butter: Essential for flavor, butter forms the foundation of the roux and gives the soup a rich mouthfeel.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup, flour helps to create a creamy texture that is both rich and velvety without being too heavy.
• Chicken broth: The savory base for the soup, chicken broth adds a layer of umami flavor that enhances the potatoes and makes the soup feel more substantial.
• Heavy cream: The key to making the soup luxuriously creamy. It adds richness and smoothness, creating the perfect balance with the potatoes.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the soup. It also adds a fun, gooey texture that melts into the hot soup.
• Bacon and chives: Optional but recommended! Bacon bits add a crunchy, smoky contrast to the creamy soup, while chives offer a fresh, herby finish.

Expert Tips

To ensure that your Atlanta Bread Potato Soup turns out just right, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t skip the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is critical for thickening the soup. Make sure to cook it long enough to remove any raw flour taste but not so long that it darkens.
• Use an immersion blender: If you have one, an immersion blender allows you to blend part of the soup directly in the pot. This creates a smooth texture while still keeping some potato chunks for texture.
• Adjust the thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, add a little more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
• Top it with extras: While the soup is delicious on its own, adding bacon, extra cheese, or chives at the end gives it an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

While this classic potato soup is hard to beat, here are a few variations to give it your own personal twist:

• Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the cheese and bacon for a fully plant-based version.
• Baked Potato Soup: If you love baked potatoes, why not turn this into a baked potato soup? Add sour cream, crispy bacon, and chives as toppings for a fully loaded experience.
• Spicy Potato Soup: For a kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. This pairs especially well with a dollop of sour cream on top to balance the heat.
• Cheese Lovers’ Soup: Mix in different kinds of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan, for a more complex flavor profile. The more, the better!

Final Words

Potato soup is one of those dishes that’s simple yet soul-soothing, perfect for a quiet night at home or a cozy gathering with friends and family. The Atlanta Bread Potato Soup recipe provides a creamy, flavorful base that’s easy to customize and tweak to suit your tastes.