There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of creamy potato soup, and when it comes to iconic, restaurant-style versions, Panera’s potato soup is one that consistently makes its way to the top of the list. If you’re craving that rich, velvety texture with a hint of smoky bacon and seasoned to perfection, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, you’ll not only get a spot-on recipe to recreate that famous Panera potato soup at home but also some helpful tips to elevate it to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will lead you through each step with ease.
Panera Potato Soup Recipe
This homemade version of Panera’s potato soup offers the perfect balance of creaminess, savory flavors, and that indulgent satisfaction we all love. Imagine thick chunks of soft potatoes, a rich, smooth broth, a touch of smokiness from crispy bacon, and a hint of cheese that melts perfectly throughout the soup.
What You’ll Need
- Russet potatoes: The starchy base for that creamy texture.
- Bacon: Adds that crispy, salty depth.
- Heavy cream and milk: For richness and smoothness.
- Cheddar cheese: Brings in the melty, gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Onions and garlic: For aromatic flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs that tie everything together.
Ingredients Needed
Before we jump into cooking, let’s go through everything you’ll need. This isn’t just a list-it’s the foundation for an incredibly satisfying meal, so make sure you have these on hand!
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Russet Potatoes (4-5 Medium-sized)
- Why? These potatoes are ideal for making potato soup because they break down perfectly into that creamy texture. Their high starch content ensures the soup thickens nicely.
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Bacon (6-8 Slices)
- Why? Bacon adds a crispy, savory element that is essential to giving this soup that deep, smoky flavor. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
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Yellow Onion (1 Medium)
- Why? The sweetness of a yellow onion is the perfect contrast to the richness of the potatoes and bacon. It’s essential for building flavor from the base.
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Garlic (3-4 Cloves)
- Why? Garlic is a universal flavor enhancer, providing that delicious aromatic note that deepens the overall taste.
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Heavy Cream (1 Cup)
- Why? Heavy cream is what makes this soup extra luxurious and velvety. It adds richness and a smooth finish.
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Whole Milk (2 Cups)
- Why? The milk helps thin out the soup while still maintaining its creamy consistency. You could use a low-fat version if you prefer, but whole milk gives it that extra depth.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 Cups, Shredded)
- Why? The sharpness of cheddar balances out the richness of the cream and milk, bringing both tanginess and smoothness to the dish.
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Vegetable Or Chicken Broth (4 Cups)
- Why? Broth adds the necessary liquid component, giving the soup its base. You can opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a heartier flavor.
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Salt And Pepper (to Taste)
- Why? These are the foundational seasonings that help bring all the flavors together and highlight the subtle notes in the soup.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley (for garnish)
- Why? Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. They also contribute a subtle herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now comes the fun part-cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the ultimate Panera-inspired potato soup from scratch.
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Prep The Ingredients
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
- Chop the onion and garlic finely.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces for easy crisping.
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Cook The Bacon
- In a large pot, over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
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Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Add The Potatoes And Broth
- Add your diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Blend (Optional For Texture)
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender and carefully blend a portion of the soup. Alternatively, you can transfer 1-2 cups of the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
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Add Cream, Milk, And Cheese
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the soup back to a simmer, then slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
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Season And Simmer
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Finish And Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient in your soup can help you make the best choices and substitutions. Here’s why each element is important:
- Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content breaks down when cooked, giving the soup a thicker, creamier texture. If you use waxy potatoes like red potatoes, the soup may not thicken as well.
- Bacon: Not only does bacon provide flavor, but its fat also helps build a rich base for the soup. It’s an essential ingredient, so if you’re tempted to leave it out, consider using smoked turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its richness. Without it, the soup would be thinner and lack that decadent mouthfeel.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds a tangy, savory sharpness that balances the richness of the cream. You could experiment with different cheeses, but a strong-flavored cheese is a must.
Expert Tips
To elevate your homemade Panera potato soup to pro-level status, here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: Make sure to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If the pot is too crowded, some pieces may cook faster than others.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Bring your soup to a simmer and keep it at that low heat. Boiling can break down the potatoes too much and affect the texture of the soup.
- Use Fresh Bacon: Freshly cooked bacon provides a better texture and flavor than pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits. It crisps up nicely and adds the perfect bite to the soup.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning at the end. Adding salt too early can make it harder to balance the flavor later.
- Double the Recipe: Potato soup keeps really well in the fridge for a few days and freezes beautifully. If you have extra, it makes for a fantastic meal to reheat later!
Recipe Variations
While this version of the soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to your taste. Here are some variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the bacon for mushrooms or smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add extras like sour cream, chopped green onions, or extra cheese on top. You can also throw in some shredded chicken or broccoli for a more filling version.
- Spicy Potato Soup: For some heat, add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. This brings an extra kick to the creamy soup.
Final Words
Creating a homemade version of Panera’s potato soup is a rewarding experience, and the results are truly worth it. Not only does it capture that same comforting, restaurant-quality flavor, but it’s also easy to make in your own kitchen with ingredients you likely already have. The combination of soft potatoes, rich cream, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar is a flavor experience that’s both simple and satisfying.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Panera Potato Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients for the Panera Potato Soup recipe include russet potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, onion, garlic, flour, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Optional ingredients can include bacon and green onions for garnish.
Can I Make Panera Potato Soup Without Bacon?
Yes, you can make the Panera Potato Soup without bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra seasonings or vegetables to enhance the flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Panera Potato Soup?
The preparation time for Panera Potato Soup is typically around 20-30 minutes, while the cooking time can range from 30-40 minutes depending on your stove and the size of your potatoes.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Make Panera Potato Soup?
Yes, you can make Panera Potato Soup in a slow cooker. After sautéing the onions and garlic, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Is It Possible To Make Panera Potato Soup Dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Panera Potato Soup, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free butter and cheese. You may also need to adjust the seasonings to taste.
How Do I Thicken The Panera Potato Soup?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, or use a slurry of flour and water to create a thicker texture. Alternatively, you can add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with cold water to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I Freeze Panera Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Panera Potato Soup. To do so, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding extra cream or broth as necessary.
Can I Make Panera Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Panera Potato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding extra liquid if needed to reach the desired consistency.
What Kind Of Potatoes Are Best For Panera Potato Soup?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for Panera Potato Soup because they are starchy and help create a creamy texture when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly different texture, but russets are the traditional choice.
What Can I Serve With Panera Potato Soup?
Panera Potato Soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also serve it with some chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon on top for added flavor.