By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on December 6, 2023 | Last Updated on December 6, 2023
If you’ve ever dined at one of our French-inspired cafés, you know that this hearty and creamy soup is a customer favorite. But now, with the help of this guide, you can enjoy the comforting taste of la Madeleine potato soup from the comfort of your own home.
This dish is perfect for a chilly day or when you simply need a warm and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this potato soup will have your kitchen smelling like a French bistro in no time.
Keep reading for the complete guide to making this delicious and indulgent potato soup, with tips on variations. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions. Let’s get cooking!
What is La Madeleine Potato Soup?
La Madeleine potato soup is a classic French-inspired dish that has gained popularity all around the world. It is a delicious and hearty soup featuring creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
The soup gets its name from La Madeleine Café – a chain of French-style cafés known for their delicious soups and pastries. This potato soup is a signature dish at the café, loved by customers for its rich and indulgent taste.
Why You’ll Love This La Madeleine Potato Soup?
There are many reasons to love this la Madeleine potato soup. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. You don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary skills to whip up a bowl of this comforting soup at home.
Secondly, the flavors in this dish are simply irresistible. The mild onion flavor from the leeks, the earthy and savory taste of thyme, the salty and crispy bacon, and the rich and creamy cheese all come together to create a perfectly balanced soup that will leave you wanting more. Plus, the addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious touch to this already indulgent dish.
And lastly, this soup is highly customizable. You can adjust the levels of saltiness and creaminess to suit your taste preferences, and you can even add in some of your favorite vegetables or meats to make it even heartier.
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The Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for making a creamy and hearty soup. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer.
- Bacon: The crispy and salty bacon adds a delicious texture to the soup, making it even more satisfying.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in your soup.
- Chicken broth: This provides the base for the soup and adds a depth of flavor.
- Leeks: These mild and slightly sweet vegetables are a staple in French cooking and add a subtle onion flavor to the soup.
- Thyme: A classic herb used in many French dishes, thyme adds a delicious earthy and savory taste to the soup.
- Onion: The addition of yellow onion adds more depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cheddar cheese: This creamy and sharp cheese is the perfect finishing touch to the potato soup, adding a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Heavy cream: The key to making this soup ultra-creamy and decadent. You can also use milk if you prefer.
- Salt: Use salt to taste, as the broth and bacon will already add some saltiness to the soup.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove from the pot and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Leeks
- In the same pot, add butter and melt over medium-high heat.
- Add leeks and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend Soup
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot if using a blender.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add thyme, onion, and grated cheese to the soup.
- Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the onions are cooked through.
Step 5: Finish Soup
- Stir in heavy cream and add salt to taste.
- Serve hot with crumbled bacon on top for garnish.
Notes
Before getting started, here are a few notes to keep in mind for the perfect La Madeleine potato soup experience:
- Make sure to use russet potatoes for their starchiness and ability to create a creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the step of cooking the bacon separately before adding it to the soup. This will ensure that it stays crispy and adds a delicious crunch to each bite.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful not to overfill and blend in short pulses to avoid any accidents.
Nutrition Information
How to store La Madeleine Potato Soup?
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until heated through. But it is best to enjoy this soup fresh as it tastes the best when served immediately.
If you want to freeze the soup, leave out the heavy cream and add it in after reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, omit the bacon and cheese, and use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy and dairy-free version.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top with additional toppings such as sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese to make it even more indulgent.
- Add some protein: You can add in some cooked chicken or ham to make this soup even heartier and more filling.
La Madeleine Potato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 lb Russet Potatoes: Creamy and hearty base for the soup contributing a velvety texture.
- 4 tbsp Cooked and Diced Bacon: Infusing a smoky and savory flavor adding depth to each spoonful.
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Enhancing richness and providing a subtle buttery undertone.
- 3/4 quart Chicken Broth: Forming the savory essence of the soup marrying all flavors together.
- 1.5 cups Thinly Sliced Leeks: Offering a mild onion flavor complementing the heartiness of the potatoes.
- 1 Sprig Fresh Thyme: Infusing a fragrant and earthy aroma elevating the overall sensory experience.
- 1/2 cup Sliced Yellow Onion: Adding a sweet and caramelized note enhances the soup’s complexity.
- 1/2 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese: Melting into the broth creating a rich and cheesy consistency.
- 4 tbsp Heavy Cream: Providing a luxurious and silky mouthfeel contributing to the soup’s indulgence.
- Salt to Taste: Balancing and heightening all the flavors ensuring a perfectly seasoned delight.
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove from the pot and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease.
- In the same pot, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium-high heat. Add in the leeks and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Next, add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if using a blender.
- Finally, add in the thyme, onion, and grated cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the onions are cooked through. To finish, stir in the heavy cream and add salt to taste. Serve hot with crumbled bacon on top for an added touch of indulgence.
Notes
- Make sure to use russet potatoes for their starchiness and ability to create a creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the step of cooking the bacon separately before adding it to the soup. This will ensure that it stays crispy and adds a delicious crunch to each bite.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful not to overfill and blend in short pulses to avoid any accidents.
FAQs
Is this soup safe for those with gluten allergies?
Yes, this La Madeleine potato soup is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of your ingredients, such as chicken broth and bacon, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster.
What is the best type of cheese to use for this soup?
Cheddar is traditionally used in this recipe, but you can also experiment with other types of sharp cheeses such as gruyere or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Wrapping Up
We hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting La Madeleine potato soup recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a fancy dinner party. And with its customizable flavors and easy cooking process, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your family and friends, and leave a comment below if you try this.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
