Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy Potato Soup is one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. I’ve been making this velvety bowl of comfort for years, and it never disappoints.

Last winter, I made a big pot of this soup when my family came over unexpectedly. The potatoes transformed into this silky, golden mixture that had everyone asking for seconds. What I love about creamy potato soup is how forgiving it is. You can make it your own with different toppings or add-ins. The base recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably already have, making it perfect for those nights when you need comfort food fast.

Ingredients for the Creamiest Potato Soup

I always use Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor. Pro tip: Russets work too if you prefer a fluffier texture.

• 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, scallions, sour cream, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 2: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them around to coat them in the butter mixture. This step helps develop deeper flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should break apart easily when you press them.

Step 4: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency. For a velvety smooth texture, blend completely. For a chunkier, rustic finish, blend only half the soup. Pro tip: if you don’t have an immersion blender, use a potato masher for a chunkier style.

Step 5: Stir in milk or cream gradually until you reach the consistency you like. Start with less and add more as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering that toppings like bacon and cheese will add saltiness.

Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, crispy bacon crumbles, sliced scallions, or a dollop of sour cream.

What to Serve with Creamy Potato Soup

This rich soup pairs wonderfully with lighter, crunchy sides that balance the creamy texture.

Crusty Sourdough Bread: A thick slice of toasted sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of the creamy broth.

Simple Green Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette cut through the richness and add brightness to your meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combo works because the crispy, buttery sandwich complements the smooth soup perfectly.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized vegetables add a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully.

More Cozy Comfort Soup Recipes

This Creamy Potato Soup delivers rich, velvety comfort in every spoonful. For a bold Cajun twist on potato soup, the Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup adds spicy, smoky flavors to the creamy base. Pair this soup with the hearty Cowboy Soup for a Western-inspired meal, or serve alongside the Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole for an ultimate comfort food feast.

Complete the meal with fresh-baked Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins for dipping into the creamy broth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store your creamy potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, which is completely normal.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to thin it back to your preferred consistency. I recommend stirring frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.

Pro tip: this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s one of those recipes that improves with time, making it ideal for meal prep.

Your Potato Soup Questions Answered

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