Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m absolutely buzzing to share this incredible recipe with you today. It’s my Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort.

I knew I had to recreate this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe the first time I tasted it. I was at a friend’s house, and the aroma wafting from the kitchen was simply irresistible. One spoonful, and I was hooked! The creamy texture, the savory flavor, the perfect balance of simple ingredients… It was unforgettable!

It’s a mission to make every kitchen a place of comfort, creativity, and connection. This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s approachable, satisfying, and brings people together around a shared love of good food. I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of making this recipe in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe ingredient list is surprisingly simple, but it delivers incredible comfort! The choice of russet potatoes is key because they break down beautifully during cooking, creating that signature creamy texture we all adore.

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe at your local grocery store, but don’t hesitate to check out farmer’s markets for fresh, seasonal toppings like green onions.

Here’s the Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe ingredient that makes all the difference: heavy cream. It provides a richness that elevates the soup to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but trust me, the heavy cream is worth it!

Feel free to customize this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe to your liking. You could add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. It’s all about making it your own!

Storing your ingredients properly is essential. Keep your potatoes in a cool, dark place to prevent sprouting, and make sure your dairy products are fresh. A little prep work goes a long way in ensuring a delicious final product.

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions

Let’s Make This!

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if the onions start to brown slightly – that just adds to the flavor!
2. Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and stir constantly for 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully. Here’s a helpful tip for Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe success: make sure the flour is fully incorporated into the butter before moving on to the next step.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Adding the broth slowly ensures a silky-smooth consistency. This step might seem tricky, but I promise your Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe will work perfectly!
4. Add the cubed potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender. In my kitchen, this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe takes exactly 18 minutes for the potatoes to reach that perfect tenderness.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, but be cautious of hot liquids. Your Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe should look smooth and inviting at this stage.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Heat through gently, but do not boil. While your Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma! This is where your Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe transforms into something truly special.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference. This is the final touch that elevates your Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe to perfection.

Serving & Presentation

Now for the fun part – serving your delicious Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions are always a hit.

People always smile when I serve this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe at family gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together. The perfect occasion for this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe is a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or a comforting meal for someone feeling under the weather.

For an elegant presentation, drizzle a swirl of sour cream on top of the soup and sprinkle with a few fresh herbs. A crusty bread roll or grilled cheese sandwich makes the perfect accompaniment. This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe creates the sweetest moments at family dinners!

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. And here’s a tip – the soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Consider these seasonal Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe variations you’ve tested: adding roasted corn in the summer, or butternut squash in the fall. Each season brings its own unique twist to this comforting classic. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Copycat Panera Rustic Baked Potato Soup.

FAQs

• Can I make this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors often meld together and become even more delicious the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• What if I don’t have chicken broth for my Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe? No problem! You can easily substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Or, if you’re in a pinch, you can use water with a bouillon cube.
• How do I know when my Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe is perfectly done? The potatoes should be very tender and easily mashed with a fork. The soup should be smooth, creamy, and have a rich, comforting flavor. Keep tasting and adjusting the seasonings until it’s just right!
• Can I freeze this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe? While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly due to the dairy content. If you do freeze it, I recommend using an airtight container and thawing it completely before reheating.
• My Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe is too thick. What should I do? Simply add a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Can I use a different type of potato for this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe? While russet potatoes are my preferred choice for their creamy texture, you can experiment with other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes would also work well.
• How can I make this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe even more flavorful? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. You can also sauté some bacon or ham with the onions for added richness.
• What if I don’t have an immersion blender? If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids, and make sure to vent the blender lid to prevent pressure buildup.

Why This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe represents everything I stand for at Carmen Wausa Blog: approachable, comforting, and delicious food that brings people together. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor and creates lasting memories. This is more than an easy potato soup; it’s a moment of joy.

My Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe Success Tips:

1. Use russet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
2. Don’t skip the roux – it’s essential for thickening the soup.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Here are a few variations of this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe that I’ve created and loved: a loaded baked potato version with extra cheese and bacon, a spicy version with jalapenos, and a creamy garlic version with roasted garlic cloves. The loaded baked potato version gets the most smiles! This Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe reminds me of another delicious creation, Copycat Panera Baked Potato Soup – The Midnight Baker.

I have complete confidence in your cooking success. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe your own!

I encourage you to make this Copycat Panera Potato Soup Recipe a part of your regular meal rotation. It’s a comforting classic that never disappoints. I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of creating this deliciousness in your own kitchen and sharing it with your loved ones! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Panera’s Cream Cheese Potato Soup Recipe – Food.com.

And don’t forget to share your delicious results with me! I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love my other soup recipes! For another Copycat Panera experience, you might like to add roasted corn in the summer, or butternut squash in the fall.

 

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