Enjoy a warm bowl of creamy potato soup with this easy recipe. Perfect for chilly days, it’s rich, comforting, and ready in under an hour.
Creamy Potato Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly day. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting meal the whole family will love. Whether you want a quick dinner or a cozy lunch option, potato soup fits the bill perfectly. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best creamy potato soup step by step with tips on ingredients and variations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love It
This potato soup is silky smooth and incredibly flavorful, combining tender potatoes with a touch of cream for extra richness. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and customizable with your favorite toppings or ingredient swaps. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and makes fantastic leftovers you can reheat on busy days.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced – Russets work best for a creamy texture; Yukon Golds are a great substitute.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – For sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds fragrant flavor.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for dairy-free options.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Olive oil can be used as a vegan option.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives for garnish and extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender and puree.
- Return the soup to low heat, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat just until warmed through—do not boil.
- Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls and add optional toppings like shredded cheese, crisp bacon bits, or fresh chives. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
To get the best creamy potato soup, choose starchy potatoes like Russets for a naturally smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some diced potatoes and add them back after blending the rest. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling. Using an immersion blender is quick and convenient, but a countertop blender works too—just watch out for hot splashes.
Storage
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Variations
- Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for a non-dairy milk alternative like oat or almond milk for a lighter version.
- Add Veggies: Stir in cooked corn, leeks, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
FAQ
- What potatoes are best for creamy potato soup?
- Russet potatoes are ideal because their starchy texture blends into a smooth, velvety base.
- Can I make potato soup ahead of time?
- Yes, potato soup reheats well; store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- How do I thicken potato soup if it’s too watery?
- Simmer longer to reduce liquid or add instant mashed potato flakes gradually while stirring.
- Is this potato soup gluten-free?
- Yes, this potato soup recipe contains no gluten ingredients by default.
- Can I make creamy potato soup vegan?
- Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, olive oil, and coconut or cashew cream in place of dairy for a delicious vegan version.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it, and share with friends who love comforting, easy meals! For more cozy recipes, check out Easy Weeknight Dinners, Healthy Soups, and Classic Comfort Foods.