With Frozen Potatoes And These 2 Ingredients, You Get Creamy Soup With Way Less Effort

As the weather finally cools down, soup season rises to the occasion in all its glory, bringing comfort and cozy meals to the table. And while there's something equally comforting about taking the time to slowly simmer a pot of soup from scratch, recipes calling for just three ingredients are just as satisfying, delicious, and handy to keep in your back pocket when in a pinch.

In fact, Julia Child's vichyssoise, a cold soup made with only potatoes, leeks, and water, was one of her favorite recipes of all time. One ingenious way to get a deliciously creamy potato soup on the table in a matter of minutes is to reach for a package of frozen potatoes, a packet of country gravy mix, and bouillon base. That's it — no muss, no fuss, soup's on.

Simply add one 28-ounce package of frozen O'Brien-style potatoes (aka small cubed potatoes with peppers and onions, commonly served as home fries), one packet of country gravy mix, and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon base to a soup or stockpot with five cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the soup thickens, about 10 minutes. Season to taste, and serve as is, or blend using an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. As each bag contains roughly nine servings, this soup is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

O'Brien-style potatoes are the potatoes of choice for this soup, as their diced shape and starchy texture make them ideal for creating a thick, creamy consistency, and the addition of peppers and onions give added crunch and flavor. The starch from the potatoes is released as they cook, helping thicken the soup. (It will continue to thicken as it cools.) If you want to further develop the flavor, add another tablespoon of bouillon for a pleasantly meatier taste. Always keep Better Than Bouillon base on hand in the pantry; the trusted brand offers a number of varieties, all with the same depth of flavor and concentration. 

As the saying goes, knowing is half the battle, and now that you know the secret to making this super-creamy soup with affordable ease, consider this a starchy blank slate that can take on flavor in countless ways. You likely have plenty of pantry staples on hand to give it some flair: Give it the loaded baked potato treatment by topping it with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits, or cut through its richness with a splash of acidity, such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Stir in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for added tang and zip, or add a can of condensed French onion soup for an even more indulgent bowl. For a rich, cheesy finish, whisk in a heaping handful of cheddar cheese — or whatever cheese you have on hand.