McAlister’s Deli is renowned for its comforting, flavorful dishes, and their famous potato soup is one of the standout favorites. It’s the type of dish that you crave on a cold day, with a rich, creamy texture and just the right balance of savory flavors. Whether you’re looking to replicate this beloved restaurant classic at home or simply love a hearty, warming bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed McAlister’s potato soup recipe, with ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to make your homemade version just as delicious as the one served in the restaurant. Plus, we’ll explore variations you can try to put your own spin on it.
Mcalister Potato Soup Recipe
This recipe brings you the delicious, creamy McAlister’s potato soup straight to your kitchen. It’s a hearty and comforting bowl of goodness, with creamy potatoes, rich broth, cheese, and a variety of seasonings that make it irresistible. It’s not just the potatoes that shine here, but the balance of flavors from the bacon, cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients Needed
To recreate McAlister’s potato soup at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes – The star of the soup! Russet potatoes work best, as they are starchy and break down well, creating a creamy base.
- Bacon – Adds that crispy, smoky crunch. You’ll want to cook this until it’s nice and crispy, so it can add texture and flavor to the soup.
- Butter – Provides the base for the roux and adds a rich, velvety flavor.
- Onions – Yellow or white onions work best. They’re sautéed in butter to add sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves bring that aromatic flavor that complements the creamy potatoes and bacon.
- Flour – Used to make the roux that thickens the soup and helps create that creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth – The foundation of your soup’s liquid base. It adds flavor and helps bring all the ingredients together.
- Half-and-half – A combination of milk and cream that creates the perfect creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds both flavor and a creamy texture to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper – Seasoning for flavor balance. You’ll want to taste as you go to get just the right amount.
- Green Onions – These add a fresh, zesty note as a garnish.
- Sour Cream – Optional, but adds a tangy creaminess when served on top.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Potatoes
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Set them aside. You don’t need to worry about getting them perfectly uniform, but try to make them relatively even in size so they cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Cook The Bacon
- In a large soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Leave a bit of the bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
Step 3: Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step really infuses the base of the soup with a deep, aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Make The Roux
- Sprinkle the flour into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir well, allowing the flour to absorb the remaining bacon grease and butter. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flour doesn’t burn. This roux will help thicken your soup.
Step 5: Add The Liquids
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then, pour in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Add The Potatoes
- Stir in the diced potatoes and let them cook in the broth for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The potatoes will break down slightly and contribute to the creamy texture of the soup.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Once the potatoes are soft, mash a portion of them directly in the pot to thicken the soup further. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the cheese melt into the soup for a smooth and velvety finish.
Step 8: Garnish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your homemade McAlister’s-inspired potato soup!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this potato soup contributes to the final flavor in a unique way:
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy nature breaks down during cooking, making the soup extra creamy without needing to add a ton of cream.
- Bacon: The bacon adds both a crispy texture and a smoky richness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
- Butter and Flour (Roux): These combine to form the soup’s thickening base, which ensures it’s not too watery but still velvety.
- Half-and-Half: A blend of cream and milk that gives the soup its rich consistency without being overly heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese: It’s sharp and flavorful, and when it melts into the soup, it makes the broth creamy and cheesy.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory depth that balances out the richness of the cream and cheese.
Expert Tips
- Texture Control: If you like your soup a little chunkier, don’t mash all of the potatoes. Mashing some and leaving others intact creates a nice balance of texture in the soup.
- Make it Lighter: Swap the half-and-half for whole milk and use less butter to lighten the recipe, though it won’t have quite the same creamy richness.
- For Extra Flavor: Use homemade chicken broth or even add a splash of white wine for a subtle complexity.
- Double the Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, don’t hesitate to use more bacon! You can even sprinkle some extra bacon on top just before serving for an added crunch.
- Slow Cooker Option: This soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the bacon, onions, and garlic, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Recipe Variations
While this version is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own:
- Add Vegetables: Carrots, celery, or even corn can be added to the mix for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also top the soup with some jalapeños for added heat.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the soup for extra freshness and complexity.
- Loaded Version: For a fully loaded soup, add sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives or green onions on top just before serving.
Final Words
McAlister’s potato soup is one of those timeless comfort foods that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, rich, and just the right amount of creamy. It’s perfect for a cozy meal at home, whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; it relies on everyday ingredients that are easy to find, and with a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of potato soup that rivals your favorite restaurant.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For McAlister’s Potato Soup Recipe?
The ingredients for McAlister’s potato soup typically include russet potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, and seasoning like salt and pepper.
How Do I Prepare The Potatoes For McAlister’s Potato Soup?
Peel and cube the russet potatoes before cooking them in a large pot. You can also leave the skins on for added texture and flavor, but be sure to wash them thoroughly if you choose not to peel.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker For McAlister’s Potato Soup?
Yes, you can make McAlister’s potato soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients except the cream and cheese, and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream and cheese at the end, and let it melt in before serving.
What Can I Use As A Substitute For Heavy Cream In McAlister’s Potato Soup?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to make the soup lighter. However, using a substitute may alter the soup’s richness and creaminess slightly.
How Can I Make McAlister’s Potato Soup Vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for more flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze McAlister’s Potato Soup?
Yes, McAlister’s potato soup can be frozen, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat over low heat to avoid separating the cream.
How Do I Make McAlister’s Potato Soup Spicier?
To add spice to McAlister’s potato soup, incorporate ingredients like diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of cheese, such as pepper jack.
Can I Make McAlister’s Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, McAlister’s potato soup can be made ahead of time. It actually benefits from sitting in the refrigerator overnight, as the flavors meld together. Reheat it gently before serving, and add extra cream or milk if it thickens too much.
What Should I Serve With McAlister’s Potato Soup?
McAlister’s potato soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a sandwich. Grilled cheese or a turkey club are excellent choices for a hearty meal.
How Do I Garnish McAlister’s Potato Soup?
McAlister’s potato soup can be garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.