We’ve always been fans of Cracker Barrel’s hearty potato soup, that creamy comfort food straight from their homestyle menu. It’s the perfect bowl to warm us up on chilly days and brings a taste of the restaurant right to our kitchens.
In this recipe we’ll recreate that classic flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re craving a quick family dinner or a cozy weekend treat our version delivers that satisfying, soul-soothing goodness you love.
Ingredients
In our Cracker Barrel Potato Soup Recipe, we gather simple, high-quality ingredients that capture the creamy, comforting essence of this classic dish. To ensure accuracy and ease, we list them below in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for clarity.
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 4 cups total) – these form the hearty base for a satisfying texture.
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 cup) – we start with this for building rich flavor.
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced thinly (about 1 cup) – adds a subtle crunch and freshness early in the process.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup) – contributes natural sweetness and color as aromatics.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – we use this next for its aromatic punch that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted – melted to sauté the veggies and create a smooth roux.
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup – for thickening; we whisk this in to achieve the signature creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups low-sodium – provides the liquid foundation we simmer everything in.
- Milk: 2 cups whole – added for creaminess; we recommend full-fat for the best restaurant-style results.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup – stirred in at the end for extra richness and velvety finish.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp – melted into the soup for that irresistible, tangy flavor Cracker Barrel is known for.
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional, about 1/2 cup) – we top with this for a smoky garnish, if desired.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – adjusted to taste for balanced, homestyle seasoning.
Tools and Equipment
To recreate our Cracker Barrel Potato Soup with ease and precision, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the process from prep to serving. These items ensure smooth chopping, even cooking, and a creamy finish, building directly on the ingredients we discussed earlier like potatoes and cheese.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven (at least 6 quarts): This is our go-to for simmering the soup base. Its heavy base distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching as we combine broth, milk, and vegetables for that hearty, homestyle flavor.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: We use a sharp chef’s knife for efficiently dicing onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Pair it with a sturdy cutting board to minimize prep time and ensure uniform pieces that cook consistently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (set of 1-cup, ½-cup, and standard spoons): Accuracy is key for our recipe’s balance, so we depend on these precise tools to measure ingredients like flour, broth, and seasonings without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the soup as it thickens, this tool helps us incorporate the flour roux smoothly and scrape the pot’s bottom to avoid lumps in the creamy mixture.
- Immersion Blender or Countertop Blender: For achieving the signature silky texture of Cracker Barrel Potato Soup, we recommend an immersion blender for quick, in-pot pureeing of the cooked potatoes and vegetables—safer and less messy than transferring to a countertop model.
With these tools in hand, we can prepare a comforting bowl of soup that captures the restaurant’s warmth and flavor in our own kitchen.
Instructions
We make recreating Cracker Barrel’s hearty potato soup simple and straightforward. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to achieve that creamy comforting texture in your own kitchen.
Prep Work
First we prepare the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking. Begin by washing and peeling 4 medium russet potatoes then dice them into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Next chop 1 yellow onion into fine pieces along with 2 celery stalks and 2 carrots sliced into thin rounds to build a flavorful base. Mince 3 garlic cloves for a fresh aromatic punch and measure out 4 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and the seasonings including 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Cooking the Soup
Now we cook the soup starting with melting the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion celery and carrots for about 5 minutes until they soften and release a sweet aroma then add the minced garlic and stir for 1 more minute to enhance the flavors. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a smooth roux that thickens the soup. Gradually pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth followed by 2 cups whole milk and *1 cup heavy cream while stirring to avoid lumps and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the diced potatoes and seasonings then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup thickens to a creamy consistency. For that silky texture use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup leaving some chunks for heartiness then stir in *2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the mix. Finally remove from heat and if desired mix in crumbled bacon for added crunch.
Serving
To serve we ladle the hot potato soup into bowls garnishing each with extra shredded cheese crumbled bacon or fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad to complement the rich creamy flavors and enjoy it immediately while it’s warm and inviting.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the beauties of our Cracker Barrel Potato Soup is how well it lends itself to make-ahead preparation, allowing us to enjoy its creamy, comforting flavors on busy days without starting from scratch. We recommend prepping the soup up to the point of blending and adding cheese, as this keeps the texture silky and the taste fresh.
Make-Ahead Tips
To maximize convenience, we can prepare our Cracker Barrel Potato Soup in advance with these simple steps:
- Prepare the base early: After simmering the potatoes and vegetables, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This step helps preserve the hearty, homestyle essence we love.
- Avoid adding dairy prematurely: Hold off on stirring in the heavy cream, milk, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until you’re ready to serve. Doing so prevents the soup from separating and ensures it retains its rich, velvety smoothness.
- Plan for freezing: If we’re making a larger batch, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. This allows us to have a quick meal option that captures the soup’s comforting warmth and satisfying flavor.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the soup’s creamy texture and robust taste. Below, we outline the recommended storage methods and durations to keep our Cracker Barrel Potato Soup at its best.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in an airtight container to lock in the fresh, earthy aroma of the potatoes and vegetables. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the soup’s silky consistency. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn, ensuring the soup’s hearty flavor remains intact when thawed. |
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy our stored Cracker Barrel Potato Soup, we can reheat it safely while keeping its appealing senses alive. Heat the soup over medium-low on the stovetop, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to avoid scorching. If the soup thickens during storage, add a splash of whole milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy, luxurious feel. Always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety, and once hot, stir in the cheese for that irresistible melt and savory depth.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cracker Barrel potato soup recipe with you
It’s a go-to for cozy meals that bring homestyle warmth to your table
Trust us it’s simple yet satisfying and we’re confident it’ll become a staple
Give it a try and savor the comfort it adds to your routine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cracker Barrel’s hearty potato soup?
Cracker Barrel’s hearty potato soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. It’s a homestyle favorite made with simple ingredients like potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, offering a satisfying flavor that mimics the restaurant’s classic recipe. This soup is ideal for quick family dinners or cozy weekends.
What ingredients are needed for Cracker Barrel potato soup?
The key ingredients include medium russet potatoes, yellow onion, celery, carrots, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, whole milk, heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme. Optional additions like crumbled bacon enhance the flavor. These everyday items make it easy to recreate at home.
How do I make Cracker Barrel’s potato soup?
Start by prepping and sautéing vegetables in a stockpot. Create a roux with butter and flour, then add broth, milk, cream, and potatoes. Simmer until tender, blend for creaminess, and stir in cheese. Season to taste and serve hot, garnished with extras like bacon. The whole process takes about 45 minutes.
What tools are required to make this soup?
You’ll need a large stockpot or Dutch oven for cooking, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and an immersion blender for smoothing the texture. These basic tools ensure easy preparation.
Can I make Cracker Barrel potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup base in advance and store it without dairy to maintain texture. It’s great for busy days, as you can add milk, cream, and cheese just before serving. This makes it convenient for meal prep while keeping the flavors fresh.
How should I store Cracker Barrel potato soup?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm on the stove, stirring to preserve creaminess. Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth and flavors intact.