Copycat Quick Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe – Made for Vegetarian

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Last updated on January 12th, 2025 at 01:28 pm

Looking for a warm and comforting dish to enjoy on a cold day? You have to try this easy recipe. This longhorn potato soup recipe requires only 9 ingredients and is super easy to make. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor.

This recipe is inspired by the famous Longhorn steakhouse potato soup. But with our methods, you can make it at home with simple ingredients. You need to follow a few basic steps to prepare the delicious Longhorn potato soup recipe.

Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

Why Should You Choose This Recipe?

It’s a classic, comforting soup

Potato soup is a beloved staple that warms you up on cold days. This recipe delivers on the classic taste with potatoes, onions, celery, chicken broth, milk, and bacon. Comfort food at its finest!

Has simple ingredients

The ingredient list is simple and includes pantry staples like potatoes, onion, celery, chicken broth, milk, bacon, flour, salt, and pepper. Easy to pull together.

Includes bacon for extra flavor

Everybody loves bacon! The cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that takes the soup to the next level.

Creamy texture

Potatoes and milk make this soup creamy, without needing heavy cream. The flour helps thicken it up perfectly without dulling other flavors.

Customizable

Don’t like celery or bacon? Leave them out! You can customize it with different herbs, substitute chicken or veggie broth, add different cheeses, etc. Versatile recipe.

Easy to make

Simple ingredients and instructions make this an easy weeknight dinner option. Just dice, simmer, blend, heat, top, and serve.

Perfect for meal prepping

Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick, hearty lunches or dinners later on. It reheats beautifully.

Restaurant-worthy flavor

The recipe yields potato soup packed with way more flavor than the canned stuff. It tastes like you spent all day cooking!

Has great reviews

The recipe is highly rated and reviewed. Customers rave about the rich flavor and creamy texture. A tried and true crowd pleaser.

 What Makes This Recipe So Special?

There are many reasons why this copycat recipe is well known, but the major one is that this Longhorn Potato SOup copycat recipe brings the restaurant to your kitchen. 

  1. The Perfect Texture Balance: Many potato soups can end up too thick or too watery, but this recipe nails the ideal creamy texture with just the right amount of chunkiness. For the best result, blend most of the potatoes for a silky base while leaving some chunks for a hearty feel. You can use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes because their starch thickens the soup, giving it a signature Longhorn texture.
  2. Smokey Bacon Flavor: What sets this soup apart is how it layers flavour in each spoon. Cooking the vegetables in bacon grease, not just butter, adds a vibrant, smokey flavour that’s hard to beat. The crispy, crumbled bacon on top adds crunch and umami. It creates a flavour that’s both comforting and complex.
  3. Vibrant and Flavorful Base: The chicken broth and milk make a deep, tasty base that is full-bodied but not heavy. A simple roux of flour and milk will thicken and smooth the soup, for which you won’t need any heavy cream or extra butter at all. That helps the potatoes shine with their natural flavours.

4. Easy Customization: This recipe is flexible and suits any taste preferences or diet. You can either keep it simple or add your flair—it’s your call. This soup can be dressed up with gourmet garnishes, like truffle oil, or simplified for a quick, cheap dinner.

Health Benefits of Potato Soup

It’s high in fiber

Potatoes with the skins on provide lots of filling fiber. This supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer.

Packed with vitamins and minerals

Potatoes offer a range of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, B6, potassium, iron, and magnesium. These support overall health.

Contains antioxidants

The skins of the potatoes contain antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids. These help combat inflammation and cellular damage.

Provides energy

The carbs in potatoes supply your body with glucose which is your body’s preferred source of energy to keep you fueled.

May help lower blood pressure

Potatoes contain secondary metabolites that have been shown in some studies to help reduce blood pressure.

Offers muscle-friendly protein

There is about 3 grams of protein per potato which helps with building and repairing muscle tissue.

Boosts good gut bacteria

As a starchy fiber-rich food, potatoes serve as prebiotics for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome.

Contains iron

Potato soup made with potatoes and other veggies supplies some iron which is an essential mineral that aids in transporting oxygen around your body in your blood.

Easy to digest

As a blended soup containing soft potatoes, potato soup tends to be gentle on digestion compared to other veggies which is great for sensitive stomachs.

Comfort food

Warm, creamy, potatoes have long been relied on as a soothing comforting food when feeling under the weather or just needing a hug.

Essential Equipment

Large pot

You’ll need a 5-6 quart pot to cook the soup. It should be thick-bottomed so the soup doesn’t burn.

Cutting board and knife

To chop the onions, celery, potatoes, and bacon. Make sure your knife is sharp!

Measuring cups and spoons

For accurately measuring out the chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasonings.

Wooden spoon

For stirring the soup frequently while it simmers so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Blender or immersion blender

The potatoes need to be pureed once cooked to give the soup its creamy texture. You can use a stand blender or immersion blender.

Grater

If you want to garnish with shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese on top.

Mixing bowls

For holding the chopped veggies until ready to add to the pot. Also useful for garnishes like chives and bacon bits.

Serving ladle

For portioning out the hot soup into individual bowls. Ideally, it should be heat resistant.

Soup bowls and spoons

You’ll need bowls big enough to contain a serving of soup along with deep spoons for eating.

Paper towels

Useful for cleaning up spills while cooking and blotting bacon grease while frying.

What You’ll Need

How to Make Longhorn Potato Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions with photos

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Prepare the vegetables

Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Chop 1 cup of celery and 1 large onion.

Step 2: Cook bacon and vegetables

Cook bacon and vegetables

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon grease in the pot. Add butter, onions and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Simmer potatoes

Simmer potatoes

Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very soft.

Step 4: Make a roux

Make a roux

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup.

Step 5: Puree soup

Puree soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can puree in batches in a blender.

Step 6: Season and finish

Season and finish

Stir in salt, pepper, and more milk or broth to reach the desired consistency. Crumble in cooked bacon.

Step 7: Garnish & serve

Garnish & serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped chives, or sour cream if desired.

Variation and Add-On Ideas

  1. Cheesy Potato Soup: This is for you if you love cheese! After pureeing, simply add 1 to 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, creating a thick and velvety texture. Add aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or even a mix of cheeses for a sharper flavour. 
  2. Loaded Baked Potato Style: Add ½ cups of sour cream right before serving the soup to give it a tangy flavour. Add more bacon, chopped chives, and shredded cheese. You can also mix in toppings like green onions, diced tomatoes, or even crumbled blue cheese. This version tastes just like your favourite loaded baked potato but in soup form. It’s perfect for making the dish feel extra indulgent. 
  3. Spicy Kick: To spice up your potato soup, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce while it simmers. For more heat, saute a diced jalapeno with the onion and celery. Or, add chipotle powder for a smokey flavour. This version pairs wonderfully with a cool dollop of sour cream to balance out the heat. 
  4. Vegetarian Version: You can make this soup vegetarian. Just replace the bacon with a smokey seasoning like smoked paprika or chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add other veggies, like carrots or bell peppers, for extra flavour and texture. Try topping the soup with roasted chickpeas or nutritional yeast. They add protein and a cheesy flavour. 
  5. Seafood Style: Give your soup a coastal twist by adding cooked shrimp, crab meat, or canned clams. Prepare the soup as directed, then stir in the seafood at the end just before serving. The creamy potato base pairs perfectly with the sweet seafood and makes a luxurious seafood chowder. For extra flavour, add a splash of lemon juice and chopped fresh dill. 

Pro Tips for The Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

Choose starchy potatoes

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes have the most starch which creates a rich, creamy broth when pureed. New or red potatoes won’t get as thick.

Cook the onions & celery in bacon grease

Saves adding more butter or oil and infuses them with smoky bacon flavor.

Simmer the potatoes first

Letting the potatoes cook through in the broth builds maximum flavor before pureeing. Don’t rush it!

Use whole milk

The fat content makes the soup extra luscious. For the lighter option, you can do half whole milk & half half and half.

Puree in batches

Be careful not to overfill your blender. Puree soup in small batches to prevent splatters or overflows.

Season in stages

Taste and season the pureed soup before adding more ingredients. It’s easier to adjust salt & pepper without heavy cream or cheese.

Add cream cheese

For ultra creamy and rich soup, stir in a 4 oz block of softened cream cheese before serving.

Finish with sherry

A splash of dry sherry adds subtle depth. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons just before serving.

Garnish with chives & crumbled bacon

Contrasting textures & flavors take it up a notch! Go crazy with toppings.

Make it a meal

Pair your hot bowl of soup with a side salad or half sandwich for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Longhorn Potato Soup

  1. Refrigerate: Once the soup cools to room temperature, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The soup will stay intact for up to four days. When reheating, you may need to add more milk or broth.
  2. Reheat: To reheat from the fridge, put the soup in a pot, and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup is too thick.

Preventing Separation: To maintain a creamy consistency, avoid boiling the soup when reheating Dairy-based soups like this one can separate if overheated. Heat it slowly and stir frequently to keep the texture smooth.

What You Can Serve with Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

Bread

  • Crusty bread or rolls
  • Cornbread
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • Irish soda bread
  • Focaccia or garlic bread

Sides

  • Salad (green, potato, pasta, etc)
  • Roasted or mashed potatoes
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Quinoa
  • Roasted vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, etc)

Proteins

  • Grilled chicken
  • Baked salmon
  • Meatloaf
  • Sausages or kielbasa
  • Ham
  • Bacon

Toppings for the soup

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Scallions
  • Croutons
  • Fried onion strings
  • Tortilla strips

Desserts

  • Cookies
  • Brownies
  • Fruit crisps
  • Pies
  • Cakes

Beverages

  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Sweet tea
  • Lemonade
  • Coffee
  • Hot chocolate

Conclusion

This longhorn potato soup recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to serve it as a starter, a main course, or a side dish. It is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich and creamy taste.

You can customize this longhorn potato soup recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as bacon, cheese, chives, or sour cream. You can also adjust the seasoning and the thickness to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I Need to Peel the Potatoes?

It’s optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the potatoes before dicing. If you like some texture and want to keep the extra nutrients from the skins, leave them on. Just make sure to scrub them well.

Can I Use Pre-cooked or Leftover Potatoes?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked potatoes! Add them to the soup in step 4, then reduce the simmering time to 5 to 10 minutes since they don’t need to cook again.

What Can I Substitute for Celery?

If you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with chopped carrots, leeks, or even bell peppers. They will provide a different flavour profile but still add a nice texture.

Can I Add Meat Other Than Bacon?

Absolutely! Diced ham, cooked sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken are great additions to the creamy potato base. Just add them towards the end of cooking to heat through.

Why Does My Soup Taste Bland?

If your soup tastes bland, it likely needs more seasoning. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so add salt and pepper in small amounts and taste after each addition. You can also boost the flavour by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

Longhorn Potato Soup Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Grater
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Serving ladle
  • Soup bowls and spoons
  • Paper Towels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled if desired and diced (about 5 cups)
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Chop 1 cup of celery and 1 large onion.
  • In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon grease in the pot. Add butter, onions and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very soft.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Slowly stir into the soup.
  • Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can puree in batches in a blender.
  • Stir in salt, pepper, and more milk or broth to reach the desired consistency. Crumble in cooked bacon.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped chives, or sour cream if desired.
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