Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

The Longhorn Potato Soup is a staple in my recipe book when I’m craving something hearty and warm.

A good tip with this one is to cook the potatoes until they’re just tender—overcooking can make your soup too mushy.

I’m particularly fond of this recipe for its rich, creamy base and the rustic flavors that make it a hit, even with the pickiest eaters.

How to Make Longhorn Potato Soup

Ingredients List

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• Optional: Green onions for garnish

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Peel and dice the russet potatoes, dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Cook and crumble the bacon, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, cooking until softened, then add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 3

Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken stock.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4

Once the potatoes are soft, you may choose to thicken the soup by either using an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency or using a potato masher to break down the potatoes into smaller chunks.

For a chunkier texture, you can leave some larger chunks of potato in the soup.

Step 5

Stir in the milk and sour cream into the soup, and increase the heat to medium-high to bring it back to a gentle simmer.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and optional green onions.

Enjoy your homemade Longhorn Potato Soup!

Side Dishes for Longhorn Potato Soup

Pairing your delicious Longhorn Potato Soup with mouthwatering side dishes can create a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Here are a few side dishes that complement this soup perfectly.

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a hearty and filling option to serve alongside your Longhorn Potato Soup.

They provide an excellent source of protein and fiber, and the flavors of the beans can blend well with the creamy soup.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread adds a delightful crunch, and when served warm, the flavors of garlic and butter provide a contrasting texture and taste to the rich soup.

It’s easy to make and perfect for dipping into the soup.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad offers a refreshing and light contrast to the potato soup.

You can prepare it with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a tangy Caesar dressing.

The salad helps to balance out the heaviness of the soup, giving your meal a well-rounded aspect.

Ingredients Substitutes

Greek yogurt

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt has a similar consistency and tanginess, making it a great option for lightening up the recipe while still obtaining the same creaminess.

Chives

Green onions can be replaced with chives, which have a similar mild flavor and provide a similar pop of color and freshness to the soup.

Alternatively, you can also use finely diced white or red onions for a more pungent flavor.

Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda Cheese

If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand or prefer a different flavor, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda cheese instead.

These cheeses have a similar melting quality and give a slightly different taste to your potato soup.

White Pepper

White pepper can be used in place of black pepper for a milder flavor profile.

If you don’t have either, opt for a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to add some warmth and spice to your soup.

Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the recipe.

Additionally, you can use a combination of water and bouillon cubes to create a broth substitute.

Garlic

Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic cloves.

If you don’t have either, minced shallots or a bit of onion powder can be used to add depth to the soup’s flavor.

Bacon

Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as an alternative to traditional pork bacon.

Additionally, you can omit the bacon altogether and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without the meat.

How to Store Longhorn Potato Soup

When it comes to storing Longhorn Potato Soup, there are a few different methods that can help you preserve its flavor and consistency.

Here are some techniques to ensure your delicious soup remains fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible.

Please note that this list does not cover all possible storage methods but provides a general guideline for your convenience.

Refrigeration

One of the most common ways to store Longhorn Potato Soup is simply by refrigerating it.

Before refrigerating, allow the soup to cool down slightly, and then transfer it into an airtight container.

This will prevent any unwanted odors or bacterial growth from forming inside your fridge.

You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

Freezing

Another effective storage method for Longhorn Potato Soup is freezing.

To do this, let the soup cool down completely, and then divide it into individual serving portions, using either freezer-safe bags or airtight containers.

By portioning the soup, you can easily thaw out just the right amount for a single meal.

Label each container or bag with both the date and contents to keep track of your stored soup.

Properly stored in a freezer, Longhorn Potato Soup can be kept for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting before gently heating it in a saucepan.

Remember that these storage methods work best when the Longhorn Potato Soup has been prepared correctly from the start.

If you also plan on buying ingredients beforehand, create a shopping list to ensure you have all your ingredients at hand, such as potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, milk, cream, and seasonings.

This way, you can effortlessly create a scrumptious Longhorn Potato Soup that fits your taste preferences and time constraints.

Your soup is now ready to be enjoyed at any time, thanks to these straightforward yet efficient storage methods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Longhorn Potato Soup: 

Neglecting Robust Flavor

To achieve a flavorful Longhorn potato soup, don’t skimp on the ingredients that contribute to its robust flavor, such as garlic cloves and seasonings like ground pepper and ancho chili powder.

These will enhance the soup’s taste and make it similar to the popular version served at Longhorn Steakhouse or Outback Steakhouse.

Skipping Chunks for Texture

A balance of smoothness and chunkiness adds depth and interest to your potato soup.

Make sure to leave some potato chunks intact, as they will offer a contrast in texture that makes the dish more satisfying.

Improper Cooking Methods and Time

Choosing the right cooking method and allowing adequate cooking time is crucial for the perfect potato soup.

Whether you use a Dutch oven, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked until they are fork-tender.

This may take hours for slow cooking methods or just minutes with an Instant Pot.

Not Adjusting for Nutritional Concerns

If you’re following a specific dietary plan, don’t forget to adapt the recipe accordingly.

You may need to use alternative cooking fats dairy substitutes, or adjust the portion sizes.

It’s a good idea to consult a nutritional calculator and adapt the recipe to fit your dietary needs.