Bennigan’s Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever stepped into a Bennigan’s, you’re no stranger to the cozy and welcoming ambiance that immediately sets the stage for a fantastic dining experience. Among the many signature dishes they offer, one that consistently stands out is their Potato Soup. Creamy, rich, and packed with savory flavors, this comforting soup has become a fan favorite. The best part? You can recreate it at home! Whether you’re planning to serve it as a starter or a meal on its own, this recipe promises to bring the warmth and indulgence of Bennigan’s right to your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll break down the recipe for Bennigan’s famous potato soup, sharing step-by-step instructions, ingredient insights, expert tips, and even variations so you can personalize the dish to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the details and uncover all the goodness!

Bennigan’s Potato Soup Recipe

The Bennigan’s Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty dish that blends tender potatoes with a velvety broth, crisp bacon, and hints of cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, with layers of flavor in every bite. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to get it right. Below, we’ve laid out all the essential steps to create a bowl of this delicious soup in your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s gather everything you need. This is a pretty straightforward recipe, so you likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry. Here’s the full list:

• 4 cups of russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped (optional, but it adds a nice crunch)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional, but adds great flavor)
• Chives or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

This recipe is simple to follow, and the steps are easy enough for even a novice cook to master. Here’s how you’ll bring it all together:

1. Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave a little bacon fat in the pot for flavor. If you prefer to skip bacon, you can use olive oil or butter.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes). This is where the base of your flavor starts to develop.
3. Add the potatoes and broth: Add your diced potatoes to the pot, and then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
4. Thicken the soup: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Keep stirring for a minute or two until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Slowly add this roux to the soup, stirring constantly, to help thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture.
5. Add the dairy: Once the potatoes are soft, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir everything together. You’ll start to see the soup turning velvety and rich.
6. Add the cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt completely into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy goodness.
7. Season and garnish: Taste your soup and add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. If you like more of a kick, feel free to add some extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Finally, top your soup with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, and garnish with chives or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for an added crunch.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to making a standout potato soup like Bennigan’s, the quality of ingredients is key. Let’s break down some of the essential ingredients and why they matter:

• Russet Potatoes: These are your classic potato choice for soups. They break down beautifully when cooked, making them perfect for creating a creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: These two ingredients give the soup its luscious, velvety consistency. The combination of both adds richness without making it too heavy. You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter version.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The cheese is what gives this soup its signature flavor. Opt for sharp cheddar, as it adds a deeper, more pronounced flavor compared to mild cheddar. It also melts perfectly into the soup.
• Bacon: Though optional, crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup. It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire dish.

Expert Tips

To ensure your Bennigan’s potato soup turns out as delicious as possible, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the potatoes: While you want the potatoes to be soft, avoid letting them break apart completely. This will prevent your soup from becoming too mushy.
• Use a potato masher for texture: If you like your soup a bit thicker with some chunks, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes before adding the cream. This will create a nice balance between smooth and textured.
• Stir constantly: When adding the roux (flour and butter mixture), make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. A smooth, velvety consistency is key.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process. Seasoning is everything when it comes to soups, so adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme according to your personal preference.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Bennigan’s potato soup is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still achieve a creamy, comforting texture with the right seasoning.
• Spicy potato soup: Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Loaded potato soup: Add extra toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and even some chopped green onions or jalapeños for a loaded potato experience.
• Smoky flavor: For an even deeper flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika or smoked cheddar cheese.
• Baked potato-inspired: Turn this soup into a baked potato-inspired version by adding extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Final Words

There’s no denying the appeal of Bennigan’s potato soup-it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether you’re recreating the recipe for a cozy night in or serving it at a dinner gathering, this dish is sure to please. The creamy texture, savory bacon, and sharp cheddar make it a standout soup that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. With the right balance of ingredients and a few expert tips, you can bring the magic of Bennigan’s potato soup straight to your table.