Panera Potato Soup Recipe lovers, this one’s for you! There’s nothing quite like the comforting creaminess of a warm bowl of potato soup, especially when it reminds you of your favorite café. This homemade version delivers that same velvety richness you crave—with tender russet potatoes, savory broth, and a swirl of cream that wraps your taste buds in comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and satisfying: Silky-smooth texture with real, simple ingredients
- Customizable: Add bacon, cheese, or fresh herbs for your perfect bowl
- Quick and easy: On the table in about 30 minutes
- Make-ahead friendly: Store or freeze for later comfort
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh chives or scallions, for garnish
- Optional: cooked bacon bits, sour cream, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer the base: Add diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender (or standard blender in batches) to purée to your preferred consistency.
- Add richness: Stir in cream and cheddar cheese. Simmer gently until cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chives, bacon bits, or extra cheese and enjoy hot!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Course: Soup, Main Course
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 300
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 16g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Values vary depending on toppings and substitutions.
Tips & Variations
- Thicker soup? Use less broth or mash only half the potatoes.
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for milk or dairy-free alternatives like oat milk.
- Make it meaty: Stir in diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or cooked bacon.
- Topping ideas: Crumbled crackers, sour cream, caramelized onions, or hot sauce for a twist!
- Storage: Store in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! They work fine, though they may yield a softer texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and add-ins are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it in a Crock Pot?
Definitely—cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, then blend and add cream at the end.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and skip meat-based toppings.
What goes well with this soup?
Try crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad for a perfect pairing.
Panera Potato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- – Large pot
- – Immersion or standard blender
- Ladle
- – Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- – 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
- – 1 medium yellow onion diced
- – 2 garlic cloves minced
- – 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – ½ teaspoon black pepper
- – ½ teaspoon paprika
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – Fresh chives or scallions for garnish
- – Optional toppings: cooked bacon sour cream, extra cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese. Heat gently until cheese melts.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
– Add diced ham or bacon for extra heartiness.
– Leftovers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Panera Potato Soup Recipe brings the creamy comfort of your favorite café right to your kitchen. It’s hearty, flexible, and packed with cozy flavor—ideal for chilly nights, lunch prep, or serving a hungry crowd. Customize it to your taste and keep a batch in the freezer for when you need that warm hug in a bowl. Happy spooning!