Craving that creamy and cheesy comfort from McAlister’s? This McAlister’s Potato Soup recipe tastes just like the real deal. Learn how to make McAlister’s Potato Soup at home with simple steps.
Loaded with potatoes, bacon and cheddar. Perfect for cold days. Try this how to make McAlister’s Potato Soup guide today. Your bowl will warm every heart!
My Story With This Comforting McAlister’s Potato Soup
Rainy evenings in Rawalpindi always call for soup. I first tried McAlister’s Potato Soup on a US trip. That cheesy, velvety texture hooked me. Back home, I missed it terribly.
So, I spent weekends perfecting my copycat. Now, it’s our family hug in a bowl. One taste brings back those cozy memories. Make it. Feel the love!
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: McAlister’s Potato Soup
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: American Comfort
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Ingredients for McAlister’s Potato Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable for veggie version)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Extra bacon bits
- Sour cream (optional)
These ingredients for McAlister’s Potato Soup are pantry staples. Fresh potatoes make it creamy.
Instructions for McAlister’s Potato Soup
1. Cook the Bacon
Heat large pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy and about 8 minutes. Scoop out bacon. Leave fat in pot. This builds rich flavor base. Drain on paper towels. Takes no time.
2. Sauté the Veggies
Melt butter in same pot with bacon fat. Add onions. Cook 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown. Veggies add sweet depth to soup.
3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over onions. Whisk constantly 2 minutes. Cook out raw flour taste. Slowly pour in 1 cup broth. Whisk smooth. No lumps allowed. This thickens your creamy soup perfectly.
4. Add Potatoes and Simmer
Dump in diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour remaining broth and milk. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes until potatoes fork-tender. Stir often. Builds cozy flavor.
5. Blend and Finish
Turn off heat. Use immersion blender to puree half the soup. Leave some chunks for texture. Stir in heavy cream and cheese. Heat gently until melted. Taste. Adjust salt. Ladle into bowls. Top generously.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Russet potatoes hold shape best. Yukon gold works too.
- Blend only half for chunky texture like original.
- Vegan swap: Use coconut milk and no bacon.
- Spicy kick: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne with thyme.
- Make it lighter: Swap cream for half-and-half.
- Slow cooker: Cook low 6 hours, blend at end.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup more cheddar. Melts dreamy.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
McAlister’s Deli opened in 1986 in Oxford, Mississippi. Founders loved Southern hospitality. Potato soup became instant hit. Creamy, loaded style echoes baked potato bars.
Cheddar, bacon and chives combo screams comfort. Now 500+ locations serve it daily. Home cooks recreate magic everywhere. Timeless bowl warms souls.
What to Serve With This Dish
Pair with crusty bread. Soaks up every drop. Caesar salad adds crunch. Grilled cheese dips perfectly. Cornbread muffins bring sweetness. Pickles cut richness. Simple green salad refreshes. Keep sides light. Let soup shine bright.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Chilly winter nights beg for this. Sick day comfort soothes instantly. Game day gatherings love it. Book club meetings warm chats. After-school snacks satisfy kids. Holiday soup course impresses. Rainy weekend lunches hit spot. Any cozy moment works.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Bags up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.
- Reheat: Stovetop low heat with splash milk.
- Microwave: Stir halfway, covered loosely.
- Don’t boil leftovers. Cheese separates easy.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 30g | 38% |
| Carbs | 28g | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugar | 5g | – |
| Sodium | 1200mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 300mg | 23% |
*Based on 2,000 calorie diet. Values approximate.
Is This Dish Good for You?
McAlister’s Potato Soup recipe comforts without guilt. Potatoes provide potassium for heart health. Dairy adds calcium for bones. Bacon brings protein power.
Moderate portions fit balanced meals. Use low-sodium broth to cut salt. Load veggies in toppings. Wholesome bowl fuels happy days.
McAlister’s Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 900g russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable for veggie version
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 lbs 900g russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable for veggie version
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions sliced
- Extra bacon bits
- Sour cream optional
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- Heat large pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 8 minutes. Scoop out bacon. Leave fat in pot. This builds rich flavor base. Drain on paper towels. Takes no time.
Sauté the Veggies
- Melt butter in same pot with bacon fat. Add onions. Cook 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown. Veggies add sweet depth to soup.
Make the Roux
- Sprinkle flour over onions. Whisk constantly 2 minutes. Cook out raw flour taste. Slowly pour in 1 cup broth. Whisk smooth. No lumps allowed. This thickens your creamy soup perfectly.
Add Potatoes and Simmer
- Dump in diced potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour remaining broth and milk. Bring to boil. Reduce to simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes until potatoes fork-tender. Stir often. Builds cozy flavor.
Blend and Finish
- Turn off heat. Use immersion blender to puree half the soup. Leave some chunks for texture. Stir in heavy cream and cheese. Heat gently until melted. Taste. Adjust salt. Ladle into bowls. Top generously.
Notes
- Russet potatoes hold shape best. Yukon gold works too.
- Blend only half for chunky texture like original.
- Vegan swap: Use coconut milk and no bacon.
- Spicy kick: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne with thyme.
- Make it lighter: Swap cream for half-and-half.
- Slow cooker: Cook low 6 hours, blend at end.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup more cheddar. Melts dreamy.
FAQs about McAlister’s Potato Soup
Can I make McAlister’s Potato Soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip bacon. Use veggie broth. Add mushrooms for umami. Cream stays same. Tastes rich and satisfying still.
Why blend only half the soup?
Keeps chunky texture like restaurant version. Smooth base with potato bites. Puree all if you prefer silky. Both ways delicious.
How to make McAlister’s Potato Soup thicker?
Cook roux longer or add extra potato. Cornstarch slurry works too. Simmer uncovered 5 extra minutes. Perfect consistency.
Can I freeze this potato soup?
Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge. Reheat gently with milk. Freezes better blended smooth.
What potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russets absorb cream best. Starchy texture thickens naturally. Red potatoes get mushy. Choose right spud for success.
Final Thoughts
There it is—your homemade McAlister’s Potato Soup recipe ready to warm bellies. Creamy, cheesy and loaded perfection in every spoonful. I’ve made it through countless winters now.
Family requests it weekly. Ladle up a bowl tonight. Share your tweaks and toppings below. What’s your soup ritual? Keep cooking love into every pot, friends. These bowls create memories that’ll last!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!