If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and rich with flavor, O’Charley’s Potato Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. This classic comfort food is all about creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and the perfect blend of seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner, this soup can be a meal in itself or an excellent side dish to accompany your main course. It’s easy to make, yet its flavor feels indulgent and special.
But why go to O’Charley’s when you can recreate this warm, filling dish right in your own kitchen? The recipe is straightforward, and with a few expert tips, you can craft a bowl of potato soup that tastes just like it came straight from the restaurant. Let’s dive into how to make the famous O’Charley’s Potato Soup, with every step and ingredient explained in detail.
Potato Soup O’charley’s Recipe
If you’ve ever had O’Charley’s Potato Soup, you know that it’s more than just mashed potatoes in a bowl. It’s a velvety, creamy base with hearty potatoes, crunchy bacon, and just the right kick from some seasonings. It’s the type of soup that not only fills your stomach but also makes you feel like you’re getting a big, warm hug from the inside out.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any complicated ingredients or techniques-just fresh ingredients and a little patience while it simmers to perfection. Below, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to recreate this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
Before you get cooking, here’s a full list of what you’ll need to make this potato soup from scratch. These ingredients are designed to work together to give the soup that signature flavor and texture:
- Russet Potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized) – These starchy potatoes are key to creating that creamy texture when they cook down in the soup. Russets are perfect because they break down easily and absorb the soup’s flavors.
- Butter (1/4 cup) – Adds richness and depth to the soup’s base.
- Onion (1 medium-sized, diced) – Provides an aromatic foundation and a bit of sweetness that balances the soup’s savory flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – For an added layer of savory depth. Garlic pairs perfectly with the richness of the potatoes.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) – This will serve as the soup’s base. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – The key to making this soup ultra-creamy and decadent. It thickens the soup and gives it that velvety finish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups) – This will melt into the soup, adding a cheesy richness and flavor.
- Bacon (4 strips, cooked and crumbled) – A must-have topping that adds a crispy, smoky crunch. Bacon is the perfect complement to the soft potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste. These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors in the soup.
- Green Onions (2, chopped) – For garnish, they provide a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this potato soup:
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Prepare The Bacon
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Keep some of the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. This creates the flavor base for your soup.
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Cook The Potatoes
- Add the diced russet potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat and onion mixture. Let them cook for a couple of minutes before adding the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
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Mash And Blend
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash about half of the potatoes in the pot. This gives the soup some texture while allowing the rest of the potatoes to stay in chunks. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
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Add Cream And Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the soup, making the texture rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Finish With Bacon And Green Onions
- Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the soup. Top each bowl with extra bacon, green onions, and perhaps a little more cheese for a finishing touch.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a deeper dive into why these ingredients work so well together:
- Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content helps thicken the soup, giving it that hearty, satisfying texture. Their ability to break down during cooking makes them perfect for this kind of dish.
- Heavy Cream: Without the cream, the soup would feel thin and lacking. The richness of the cream transforms it from a simple potato soup into a comforting, velvety dish.
- Bacon: Beyond just a garnish, bacon adds an essential layer of smoky flavor. The crispy texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy soup, giving each bite an element of crunch.
- Cheddar Cheese: This adds a tangy sharpness that balances out the creaminess and richness of the other ingredients, while also making the soup feel even more indulgent.
Expert Tips
To really nail this potato soup recipe and make it just like O’Charley’s, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: After cooking the bacon, leave a little bacon fat in the pot. It’s packed with flavor and helps cook the onions and garlic, giving your soup a deeper, richer taste.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh russets are ideal for this recipe. Don’t use old potatoes, as they may not break down as easily, resulting in a less creamy texture.
- Mash Half the Potatoes: Mashing just half of the potatoes helps thicken the soup while keeping some chunks intact. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it all the way through with an immersion blender.
- Season Gradually: Taste the soup as you go along and season incrementally. Adding too much salt or pepper all at once can overpower the other flavors.
Recipe Variations
While the classic O’Charley’s Potato Soup is perfect on its own, here are a few variations you can try to switch things up:
- Add Vegetables: Throw in some carrots, celery, or leeks for extra texture and flavor. These vegetables can be sautéed with the onions and garlic to enhance the soup’s base.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the bacon or replace it with crispy tempeh for a plant-based protein.
- Add Chicken: For a heartier dish, add some cooked, shredded chicken to the soup. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.
Final Words
Potato soup is truly one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a chilly evening or making it for a cozy family gathering, this O’Charley’s-inspired recipe is bound to be a hit. It’s rich, creamy, and full of savory flavors, with that satisfying crunch from the bacon and a delightful sharpness from the cheddar cheese.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this beloved soup at home. Plus, it’s customizable-whether you stick to the original recipe or add your own twists, it’s easy to make this soup your own.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For O’Charley’s Potato Soup Recipe?
The ingredients typically include russet potatoes, onions, garlic, butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, bacon, salt, and pepper.
How Do You Prepare The Potatoes For O’Charley’s Potato Soup?
For O’Charley’s potato soup, the potatoes should be peeled, cubed, and boiled until tender. You can also choose to mash some of them for a creamier texture.
Can I Make O’Charley’s Potato Soup Without Bacon?
Yes, you can make the soup without bacon if you prefer a vegetarian or less fatty option. You can substitute with vegetarian bacon or simply omit it, but it may affect the flavor.
How Do You Thicken O’Charley’s Potato Soup?
O’Charley’s potato soup is thickened using a roux (butter and flour mixture) combined with the milk and heavy cream. Some of the potatoes are mashed to help further thicken the soup.
What Type Of Cheese Is Used In O’Charley’s Potato Soup?
O’Charley’s potato soup typically uses shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a rich and tangy flavor to the soup.
Can I Make O’Charley’s Potato Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare O’Charley’s potato soup in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding extra milk or cream if needed to thin it out.
Is O’Charley’s Potato Soup Spicy?
No, O’Charley’s potato soup is not typically spicy. It has a mild flavor with a creamy, cheesy base. However, you can add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to add heat if you prefer.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Make O’Charley’s Potato Soup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make O’Charley’s potato soup. Cook the potatoes, onions, and garlic on low for 6-7 hours, then add the roux, milk, cream, and cheese toward the end of cooking for a creamy consistency.
How Can I Make O’Charley’s Potato Soup Gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of O’Charley’s potato soup, replace the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How Do I Garnish O’Charley’s Potato Soup?
O’Charley’s potato soup is often garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.