Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe: Easy!

Oh, hey there, fellow comfort seekers! Let’s talk about something that warms the soul and fills those hungry bellies without causing a kitchen meltdown: Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe. This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a sanity-saving comfort food that has gotten my family through countless hectic weeknights.

I remember the first time I tried to make a Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe. I was drowning in school projects, after-school activities, and the endless “Mom, I’m hungry!” chorus. I needed something simple, satisfying, and something that wouldn’t leave me chained to the stove for hours. The result was a creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort that even my pickiest eater devoured! From that moment, this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe became a dinnertime win in our house.

Finding simple comfort food solutions is my mission. I believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you’re juggling a million things. So, if you’re a busy mom searching for a way to bring a little cozy chaos to your family’s table, keep reading. This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Let’s ditch the overwhelm and embrace the simple comfort, shall we?

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Trust me, bacon is our family’s comfort food MVP.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the soup.
• 4 cups chicken broth: I use low-sodium to control the salt.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little goes a long way!
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the soup beautifully.
• 3 cups milk: I usually use whole milk for extra creaminess, but 2% works too.
• 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russets give that classic, comforting potato flavor we love.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the secret ingredient that makes it taste like Panera potato soup!
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: For garnish – adds a pop of color and freshness.

Trust me, this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. You can swap the bacon with ham or even leave it out for a vegetarian version. My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of garlic powder. This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.

Here’s a Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I pre-chop the potatoes and onions on Sunday evenings so that when Wednesday rolls around and the kids are hangry, I’m already halfway there.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. (Because everything’s better with bacon grease, right?!) Crumble the bacon and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is important to avoid lumps.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth. Make sure all the flour is dissolved.
5. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is a great time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk and cream cheese until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Don’t worry if your Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe looks a little curdled at first, just keep stirring and it will come together.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Be careful not to boil after adding the sour cream.
8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Serve hot and enjoy!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe – I’d get impatient and not let the potatoes cook long enough. Learn from my experience and make sure those potatoes are fork-tender before moving on!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. While your Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Your Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe should smell amazing by now – a sign that dinnertime victory is near! I found this comforting Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe on Copycat Panera Baked Potato Soup – The Midnight Baker.

The kids devour this comforting Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. A simple salad also works! This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!

We love to eat this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Sometimes, I’ll even make mini grilled cheese sandwiches to go with it – the kids go wild! This is also a fantastic soup to serve on a chilly weekend afternoon when everyone’s craving something warm and comforting. If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re great for lunch the next day. This creamy potato soup recipe reminds me of another family favorite, cheesy hamburger potato soup.

Presentation wise, a sprinkle of fresh chives and a swirl of sour cream make this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe extra appealing. For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of pesto! A friend of mine had a family get together and made this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe. Everyone devoured it.

• Is this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The potatoes, bacon, and creamy base make it a hearty and satisfying meal. I sometimes add a side of steamed broccoli to sneak in some extra veggies.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe? Start by letting them help you make it! Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. Also, you can offer a small spoonful alongside something they already love.
• Can I meal prep this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe for busy weeks ahead? Yes! This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Can I freeze this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it. Be aware that the texture might change slightly due to the dairy. I recommend using an airtight container and thawing it slowly in the refrigerator.
• What kind of potatoes work best in this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe? I prefer russet potatoes because they have a high starch content, which contributes to the creamy texture of the soup. However, Yukon Gold potatoes also work well.
• Can I use milk instead of cream cheese? The cream cheese is what gives it that signature Panera potato soup flavor, but you can use heavy cream.
• How can I make this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Fellow comfort seekers may enjoy this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe. Another great recipe is Copycat Panera Rustic Baked Potato Soup.

This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about creating moments of connection and comfort amidst the chaos. It’s about showing your loved ones that you care, even when time is short. It’s a simple way to say, “I love you,” in a warm and delicious bowl. This Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe became a dinnertime win!

My Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe Comfort Hacks:

• Pre-chop veggies on the weekend: This saves so much time during the week.
• Use pre-cooked bacon: Another time-saver!
• Don’t be afraid to add extra cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right?

Family-Tested Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in extra shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
• Loaded Version: Top with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions.

My son loves the cheesy version, while my daughter prefers it with a little spice. I hope you find this Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe as comforting and rewarding as we do. Remember, cooking for your family doesn’t have to be stressful. Embrace the simple comfort, experiment with flavors, and make it your own. You’ve got this, mama! Enjoy creating your family’s perfect bowl of Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe!

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my Kielbasa potato soup recipe. This comforting Copycat Paneras Potato Soup Recipe reminds me of another family favorite, Italian sausage and potato soup.