I’ve always loved the comforting taste of O’Charley’s Potato Soup, and I couldn’t resist recreating it at home. There’s something special about that rich, creamy texture combined with tender potatoes and savory flavors that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Prep Details |
|---|---|---|
| 4 tablespoons | unsalted butter | |
| 1 large | onion | diced |
| 3 cloves | garlic | minced |
| 3 tablespoons | all-purpose flour | |
| 6 cups | chicken broth | low sodium |
| 4 large | potatoes | peeled and diced |
| 1 cup | heavy cream | chilled |
| 1 teaspoon | salt | |
| 1/2 teaspoon | black pepper | freshly ground |
| 1 teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce | |
| 1 cup | shredded cheddar cheese | sharp variety |
| 4 slices | bacon | cooked and crumbled |
| 2 green onions | green onions | sliced for garnish |
Tools and Equipment
To master O’Charley’s Potato Soup, I ensure I have the right tools at hand:
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and potatoes with precision.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for safe and efficient ingredient prep.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the soup without scratching the pot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of all ingredients.
- Whisk: Helps blend the flour and butter into a smooth roux.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: Optional for achieving a smoother texture if desired.
- Baking Sheet: Necessary for cooking bacon to a crispy finish.
- Grater: Freshly grates cheddar cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Serving Ladle: Makes it easy to portion the rich, creamy soup into bowls.
- Garnish Tongs: Convenient for adding bacon and green onions as final touches.
Having these tools organized and ready streamlines the cooking process, allowing me to focus on creating a delicious and comforting bowl of potato soup.
Directions
Creating my copycat version of O’Charley’s Potato Soup is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring this comforting dish to your kitchen.
Prep
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel and dice 4 large russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes.
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic.
- Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cook and crumble 4 slices of bacon.
- Measure the Liquids
- Measure out 4 cups of chicken broth.
- Set aside 1 cup of heavy cream.
Cook
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large stockpot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Base
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Whisk continuously for 2 minutes to cook the flour.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional)
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble
- Finish the Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing O’Charley’s Potato Soup ahead of time can save you time without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how I ensure my soup is just as creamy and delicious when reheated.
Preparing for Make-Ahead
- Cook the Base: Follow the recipe steps up to the point of adding heavy cream and cheese. Let the soup cool completely.
- Separate Components: To maintain texture, keep the bacon and green onions separate until ready to serve.
Storing the Soup
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating on Stovetop: Pour the soup into a large pot. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once heated, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Final Touches: Add the cooked bacon and green onions just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to prevent the soup from becoming too thick or separating.
- Stir Well: Ensure you stir the soup frequently while reheating for even heat distribution.
- Enhance Flavors: Taste the soup after reheating and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of O’Charley’s Potato Soup anytime with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
When serving my copycat O’Charley’s Potato Soup, presentation and complementary dishes can elevate the meal to a new level of comfort and satisfaction. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this creamy delight:
Garnish with Fresh Toppings
I love adding a burst of flavor and color with fresh garnishes. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for a savory crunch. A handful of sliced green onions or chives adds a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green contrast. For an extra touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra cheddar cheese never disappoints.
Pair with Crusty Bread
A warm, crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread is the perfect side to complement the soup’s creamy texture. Dipping the bread into the soup enhances each bite, making the meal more hearty and satisfying.
Add a Side Salad
A light, crisp side salad balances the richness of the potato soup. I recommend a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to add freshness to your meal.
Include a Protein
For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast or roasted sausage slices. The additional protein makes the soup more filling and turns it into a complete dinner option.
Customize with Extra Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add extra shredded cheddar or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Melting the cheese on top creates a gooey, irresistible layer that enhances the soup’s flavor.
Serve in Bread Bowls
For a fun and rustic presentation, serve the potato soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only does it look impressive, but the bread also absorbs some of the soup, adding another layer of texture and taste to each spoonful.
Complement with a Beverage
Pair your soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager to balance the creamy richness. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a homemade iced tea works wonderfully.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform a simple bowl of potato soup into a memorable and delightful dining experience.
Conclusion
Making O’Charley’s Potato Soup at home has been a rewarding adventure for me There’s something special about crafting a dish that brings warmth and comfort just like the original I hope this copycat recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine Enjoy every creamy flavorful spoonful and the cozy vibes it brings Happy cooking!
