Imagine walking into a cozy, rustic restaurant on a chilly day, and being welcomed by the warm, savory aroma of a hearty potato soup simmering in the kitchen. That’s what you get with a classic Machine Shed Potato Soup. The dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience-comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking something to nourish your body during the winter months or simply craving a rich, creamy bowl of goodness, this soup hits the spot.
The Machine Shed is a well-loved family-style restaurant that takes pride in serving hearty, comfort food, and their potato soup is one of the star attractions. This soup combines simple ingredients like potatoes, creamy broth, and savory bacon, creating a delightful dish that feels like a hug from the inside. It’s the perfect blend of indulgent and wholesome, making it a crowd-pleaser for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings.
In this post, we’ll break down the recipe in detail-sharing everything from ingredient insights to expert tips and recipe variations-so you can make your own homemade version of this crowd favorite.
Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe
The Machine Shed Potato Soup recipe is all about balance: you have the heartiness of potatoes, the smokiness of bacon, and the creaminess of the broth. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish from scratch:
Ingredients Needed
Before we jump into the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that come together to make this soup both rich and filling.
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6 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and diced)
The potatoes are the star of this dish, adding bulk, texture, and a neutral base to complement all the rich, savory flavors.
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6 slices of bacon (cut into small pieces)
Bacon is what adds the smoky, crispy element that takes this soup from basic to outstanding. It’s the flavor foundation.
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1 medium onion (diced)
Onions bring a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the soup. Their flavor becomes beautifully mellow when cooked.
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4 Cups Chicken Broth
This creates the soup base. Chicken broth gives the soup a rich, savory undertone that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
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2 Cups Heavy Cream
The heavy cream provides the signature creamy texture that makes this soup indulgent and velvety. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, you could substitute with half-and-half, but the richness of the cream is what makes the dish stand out.
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1 Cup Milk
The milk helps thin out the soup slightly and adds to the creamy consistency. You can use whole milk or opt for something lighter like 2% milk if you prefer.
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
Garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the onion and bacon, creating a more aromatic base for the soup.
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
These are essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the soup.
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1 Tablespoon Butter
The butter helps in sautéing the vegetables and adds a richness that elevates the overall flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Machine Shed Potato Soup:
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Cook The Bacon
In a large pot, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Cook The Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, letting them soak up the flavors of the sautéed aromatics.
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Add The Broth And Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add The Cream And Milk
Once the potatoes are tender, add in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken up and blend the flavors.
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Mash The Potatoes (Optional)
For a chunkier texture, leave the potatoes as they are. If you prefer a smoother soup, use a potato masher to mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot. This will thicken the soup slightly and give it a creamier consistency.
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Add The Cooked Bacon
Stir in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving a small amount for garnish.
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Season And Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Once everything is well combined and the soup is heated through, it’s ready to serve. Top with the reserved bacon and any other desired toppings (such as shredded cheese or green onions).
Ingredient Insights
The magic of this potato soup comes from the quality of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components:
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. They break down nicely when cooked, giving the soup that comforting, creamy consistency.
- Bacon: The key to creating a rich, savory base. Opt for thick-cut bacon for a chunkier, meatier bite. Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Cream and Milk: The combination of cream and milk is essential for achieving the right level of richness. The cream adds a silky smooth texture, while the milk lightens it just enough for balance.
- Chicken Broth: While you can use vegetable broth, chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that complements the bacon and potatoes perfectly. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, go for vegetable broth or mushroom broth for a richer flavor profile.
Expert Tips
Here are a few expert tips to take your Machine Shed Potato Soup to the next level:
- Let the Soup Rest: After cooking, let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, making every spoonful taste even better.
- Add Toppings: Get creative with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. These can add extra flavor and texture.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, try making this soup in a slow cooker. Just sauté the bacon, onions, and garlic first, then throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. This gives the soup even more time to develop flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors improve the longer it sits. Just reheat gently on the stove and adjust seasoning as needed.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Machine Shed Potato Soup is a winner on its own, here are some fun variations to spice things up:
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a loaded potato experience. You can also top it with crispy bits of baked potato skins for extra texture.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Potato Soup: Add some heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also use spicy sausage in place of bacon for a more robust flavor.
- Vegetarian Potato Soup: Simply swap the bacon for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Final Words
There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of potato soup-especially when it’s made with love and quality ingredients. The Machine Shed Potato Soup recipe encapsulates all the elements of a perfect comfort food dish: creamy, hearty, and full of savory goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this soup is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe?
The key ingredients for the Machine Shed Potato Soup include potatoes, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, flour, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Optional ingredients may include sour cream or green onions for garnish.
Can I Make The Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe Without Bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you’d prefer a vegetarian version or if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative. You could substitute it with other seasonings or ingredients like smoked paprika for flavor.
How Do I Thicken The Soup If It Is Too Thin?
If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a roux with butter and flour, or by mashing some of the potatoes directly into the soup. Alternatively, you can let it simmer longer to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can I Make The Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I Use Other Types Of Potatoes For The Machine Shed Potato Soup?
While russet potatoes are typically used in the Machine Shed Potato Soup recipe for their starch content, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. Just note that the texture might differ slightly depending on the potato type.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Machine Shed Potato Soup?
Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Can I Make The Machine Shed Potato Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the Machine Shed Potato Soup recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and bacon (if using), then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream and seasonings at the end.
Is There A Way To Make The Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe Gluten-free?
Yes, to make this soup gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth and bacon, are also gluten-free.
How Can I Make The Machine Shed Potato Soup Recipe Spicier?
To add some heat to your soup, you can stir in a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers to the recipe for an extra kick.
What Can I Serve With Machine Shed Potato Soup?
Machine Shed Potato Soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a grilled sandwich. A side of garlic bread or a hearty roll is also a great addition to complete the meal.