This Canning Potato Soup Recipe is designed to help you preserve a comforting, homemade soup using safe, tested canning methods. Learn how to prepare a shelf-stable base that maintains flavor, texture, and food safety for long-term storage.
1. How to Make
Potato soup for canning is prepared as a broth-based soup, packed into jars, and processed in a pressure canner. Dairy and thickeners are added only when reheating to ensure safety and quality.
2. Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes, peeled and diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, chopped
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt (canning or kosher)
- Black pepper
- Dried thyme or bay leaf
Optional Add-Ins (Add After Opening, Not for Canning)
- Heavy cream or milk
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chives or green onions
3. Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Canning Time: 75–90 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2½ hours
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash, peel, and dice potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Chop vegetables evenly for consistent heat penetration.
- In a large stockpot, combine potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but not soft.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and herbs. Do not thicken.
- Ladle hot soup into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and apply lids and bands fingertip-tight.
- Process jars in a pressure canner only at 10–11 PSI (adjust for altitude).
- Process pint jars for 75 minutes and quart jars for 90 minutes.
- Allow canner to cool naturally before removing jars.
- Let jars rest 12–24 hours, then check seals before storage.
5. Servings
- Makes approximately 6–7 quart jars or 10–12 pint jars
6. Presentation & Decoration
When serving, heat the soup and stir in cream or cheese for a rich finish. Garnish with chopped chives, crispy bacon, or shredded cheddar for a fresh, homemade look.
7. Best Time to Eat
Ideal for cold-weather meals, emergency pantry use, camping trips, or quick weeknight dinners when time is limited.
8. Portion Guide
- Light meal: 1 cup per person
- Hearty meal: 1½–2 cups per person
- Family serving: 1 quart feeds 2–3 adults
9. Storage & Shelf Life
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place
- Shelf life: Up to 12 months for best quality
- Refrigerate after opening and use within 3–4 days
10. Allergy Guide
- Dairy-free when canned as instructed
- Gluten-free if using gluten-free broth
- Add dairy or cheese only after opening for allergen control
This Canning Potato Soup Recipe ensures safe preservation while keeping your pantry stocked with comforting, versatile meals ready whenever you need them.
FAQs – Canning Potato Soup Recipe
1. Can potato soup be safely canned at home?
Yes, potato soup can be safely canned only using a pressure canner. Potatoes are low-acid, so water-bath canning is unsafe.
2. Why can’t dairy or thickeners be added before canning?
Dairy, flour, and starches prevent proper heat penetration during canning and increase the risk of spoilage. Add them only when reheating.
3. How long does canned potato soup last on the shelf?
Properly sealed jars stored in a cool, dark place maintain best quality for up to 12 months. Always check seals before use.
4. Can I customize vegetables in canned potato soup?
Yes, you may substitute similar low-acid vegetables like parsnips or turnips, but avoid purees and keep pieces uniform for safety.
5. What is the safest way to reheat canned potato soup?
Empty the jar into a pot, bring to a full boil for 5 minutes, then reduce heat and add dairy, cheese, or seasonings as desired.
Emily is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate home cook who finds joy in creating comforting meals straight from her kitchen. When she’s not busy managing the household or helping out on her husband’s farm, she spends her time baking delicious treats that have become a favorite among friends and neighbors. Emily believes that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a freshly baked pie or a hearty home-cooked dinner, her love for cooking shines through in every dish she makes.