There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy potato soup to warm you up on a chilly day. Panera’s Cream Cheese Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Known for its velvety texture and hearty flavor, this soup is the perfect dish for those who crave a rich, filling meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re seeking something quick for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this potato soup offers both simplicity and indulgence in a bowl.
What sets this soup apart from other potato soups is the addition of cream cheese. The cream cheese imparts a smooth, silky texture to the broth, transforming an otherwise simple dish into something rich and decadent. This creamy potato soup is incredibly easy to make, and while it’s a copycat version of Panera’s famous soup, it brings its own delicious twist with easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to tweak ingredients to suit your personal tastes.
Full Recipe:
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika to taste.
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Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
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Once ready, serve the soup with fresh chives or parsley as garnish.
Servings: 4-6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Potato Soup
This dish has a few standout features that make it a crowd favorite. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Second, the versatility of this recipe means you can make it your own. From adding extra seasoning or toppings like crispy bacon, chives, or shredded cheddar cheese to adjusting the level of spice with a dash of cayenne, this soup is as customizable as it is comforting.
The inclusion of cream cheese provides a depth of flavor and thickness that will have everyone asking for seconds. The soup has a luscious, creamy consistency that blends perfectly with the slight heat from the red pepper flakes and the earthiness of the potatoes. It’s a perfect balance of comforting flavors and textures, with just enough seasoning to keep things interesting without overpowering the natural flavor of the potatoes.
How to Customize the Soup to Your Taste
One of the best things about this potato soup is how adaptable it is. You can adjust the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a thicker soup, simply mash more of the potatoes during the cooking process or add a touch of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you could swap the cream cheese for a lighter cream cheese alternative or even non-fat Greek yogurt. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more robust flavor, adding a splash of white wine or using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought will elevate the taste.
For those who love a little more texture in their soups, try leaving some of the potatoes in larger chunks, or for a smoother, more uniform texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup. You could also experiment with different types of potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold potatoes, to see how they affect the flavor and texture of the soup. Each type of potato brings its own character to the dish, so feel free to get creative.
Pairing This Soup With Tasty Sides
While the soup is filling enough to stand alone, pairing it with a few sides can make it even more satisfying. For a light accompaniment, consider serving the soup with a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens complements the richness of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, if you want to make the meal heartier, serve the soup with a warm loaf of crusty bread or a side of buttery cornbread. A piece of freshly baked garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, allowing you to dip it into the soup for an extra flavor kick.
For a more indulgent pairing, top the soup with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped scallions. These toppings add a crispy, salty contrast to the smooth and creamy soup base, making every spoonful even more satisfying.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers of this creamy potato soup store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great dish to prepare in advance. Simply allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, just reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up as it reheats.
This soup can also be frozen for longer storage. If you plan to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop as mentioned above. Be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but the taste will remain just as comforting and delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Panera’s Cream Cheese Potato Soup is not just a cozy weeknight meal but also a fantastic dish for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual dinner party, this soup is sure to impress your guests. You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd, and it’s perfect for both casual and more formal occasions.
For holiday meals, this soup makes a perfect appetizer or starter. Its creamy richness pairs well with roasted meats and other traditional holiday dishes. For a more casual meal, serve it with a variety of garnishes and toppings, and let your guests customize their bowls according to their preferences.
Healthier Variations and Dietary Adjustments
While this soup is certainly indulgent, it’s possible to make some healthier modifications. For those looking to reduce calories, consider using low-fat cream cheese or substituting half of the cream with a low-fat milk or even a plant-based milk alternative. Additionally, you could swap in a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Another option is to add more vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, celery, or even spinach, to boost the nutritional content of the soup. These vegetables blend beautifully with the potatoes and add extra vitamins and fiber to the dish.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort
Panera’s Cream Cheese Potato Soup is a dish that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful. The creamy texture from the cream cheese, combined with tender potatoes and a subtle kick from the seasoning, makes this soup a perfect meal for any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter evening or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its versatility and simple ingredients, this soup is bound to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for years to come.