Discover the South’s Favorite Soup Recipe Everyone’s Talking About!

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This Is the Most Popular Soup Recipe in the South

During my childhood in southwest Virginia, I was immersed in the culinary traditions of the South. Iconic dishes like salty country ham, deviled eggs, and flaky biscuits were staples, but it was the lesser-known delights, like the humble potato soup, that also captured my heart.

My grandmother Winnie crafted a simple yet soul-warming potato soup with nothing more than russet potatoes and water. Discovering that potato soup is the most searched-for recipe in the South on Google Trends didn’t come as a shock to me.

My peers at Simply Recipes, who also hail from the South, concur that potato soup is a regional favorite.

Senior Editor Megan Scott, raised in North Carolina, recalls her family’s version of potato soup during the cold months. “Honestly, I’m not exactly sure of all the ingredients, but it was predominantly potatoes,” Meg shared. “I’m fairly certain there wasn’t any dairy involved. The potatoes would simmer in broth until they began to break down, and you’d find chunks of potato throughout. Occasionally, my grandma would serve it with crispy fatback, which was incredibly salty.”

If you’re one of the many searching for potato soup recipes online, you’ll find yourself among over 100 million results, showcasing the wide variety of ways to prepare this comforting dish.

Senior Editor Laurel Randolph from Tennessee shares that her family’s take includes evaporated milk, onions, broth, and potatoes that are cooked until they disintegrate. “We’d garnish hot bowls with shredded cheddar cheese and scallions,” mentions Laurel. “And if there was leftover bacon from breakfast, we’d toss that in for extra flavor. Just the thought of it makes me feel cozy.”

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Alana Al-Hatlani, Associate Food Editor at Southern Living, points out that Southern-style potato soups are great examples of Southern culinary philosophy: using simple, budget-friendly ingredients to create something extraordinary.

She highlights Southern Living’s Baked Potato Soup, which is made with just 10 basic ingredients. “You don’t need any fancy gadgets, not even a blender—the potatoes are just mashed with a fork—and yet, it’s creamy, soothing, and perfectly satisfying without any unnecessary extras,” Alana explains.

“Potato soups are made worldwide, and across the U.S., but the Southern versions are distinctly straightforward, focusing heavily on the potatoes.”

Feeling inspired to try making your own potato soup? Here are some of Simply Recipes’ top picks:

  • Potato Soup With Bacon
  • Baked Potato Soup
  • Potato Leek Soup
  • Ham and Potato Soup
  • Potato Cheddar Guinness Soup

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