Potato soup recipe

This potato soup recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a deep breath at the end of a long day. Soft potatoes simmer into a creamy, comforting bowl that’s filling without being heavy. People love it because it’s simple, forgiving, and made with everyday ingredients that are usually already in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy evenings when dinner needs to be warm and reliable, for family meals where everyone wants seconds, and for cold nights when comfort matters most. I usually start chopping potatoes while the kitchen is quiet, knowing the soup will slowly come together with very little effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly reassuring about a pot of soup gently simmering on the stove. This recipe delivers rich, cozy flavor without complicated steps or fancy ingredients. It’s weeknight-friendly, easy to stretch for extra servings, and works well for leftovers the next day. The texture is creamy but still hearty, making it feel satisfying for both kids and adults. It’s also budget-friendly, built around potatoes, milk, and pantry basics. This potato soup recipe is flexible enough to adjust based on what you have, which makes it a great one to save and come back to whenever comfort food is calling.

Ingredients

Tip: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they soften nicely and create a creamy texture.

Potatoes, peeled and diced – 2 pounds
Butter – 3 tablespoons
Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
Milk – 1½ cups
Heavy cream – ½ cup
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Optional toppings: green onions, shredded cheese, cooked bacon

potato soup recipe all the ingredients of 1

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. The potatoes should look clean and uniform, ready to soften quickly once they hit the pot.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and stir until it turns soft and smells sweet. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then add potatoes and broth, covering everything comfortably.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are very tender and easy to mash with a spoon. Gently stir in the milk and cream, watching the soup turn pale and creamy as everything blends together smoothly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot for thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then let the soup simmer a few more minutes. The surface should look velvety and slightly thickened before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup fits easily into real schedules. You can prep the vegetables ahead of time, let it simmer while you handle other things, and reheat leftovers without losing flavor. It’s comforting, filling, and reliable, which makes it perfect for days when cooking needs to feel calm and manageable.

Tips & Tricks

Cut potatoes evenly. Uneven pieces cook at different speeds, leaving some mushy and others firm. Keeping the cubes similar in size helps everything soften together, creating a smoother, more consistent soup without overcooking.
Don’t rush the onions. Let them soften slowly in butter until they smell sweet, not sharp. Rushing this step can leave the soup tasting flat instead of warm and comforting.
Mash gently, not fully. Over-mashing can make the soup gluey. Aim to break down just enough potatoes for thickness while leaving some chunks for a cozy texture.
Season gradually. Potatoes absorb salt slowly. Taste near the end and adjust, rather than adding too much early and ending up with an overly salty soup.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham near the end of cooking. The smoky, savory flavor blends into the creamy base and makes the soup feel heartier, especially for cold evenings or bigger appetites.
Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth and finish with extra cream or a splash of milk. Top with green onions or sautéed mushrooms for depth while keeping the soup fully meat-free and comforting.
Ingredient Swap
Replace half the milk with sour cream or plain yogurt for a gentle tang. Stir it in slowly off the heat to keep the texture smooth and prevent curdling.
Flavor or Herb Boost
Add dried thyme or fresh parsley near the end. These herbs lift the richness and add a fresh note without overpowering the soft potato flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Cozy Bowl
Serve hot with a simple slice of buttered bread. The bread is perfect for dipping and makes the meal feel complete without extra effort.
Family Dinner Plate
Pair with a crisp side salad for balance. The contrast of fresh greens and creamy soup works well for casual family meals.
Loaded Soup Night
Set out toppings like cheese, green onions, and bacon so everyone customizes their bowl. It turns dinner into a relaxed, fun moment.
Light Lunch Option
Serve smaller portions with crackers or toast. It’s filling without being too heavy, ideal for a comforting midday break.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup will thicken as it sits, which is normal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth while warming to loosen the texture and stir well for even heat.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but dairy may slightly change texture. Freeze in portions for up to two months, thaw overnight in the fridge, and stir well when reheating.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the soup a day ahead for deeper flavor. Reheat slowly before serving, adjusting consistency with milk or broth as needed.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains approximately 280–380 calories, depending on toppings. Protein ranges from 7–11 grams per serving. Key nutrients include potassium and calcium. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Over-mashing the potatoes, which makes it gluey.

Yes, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.

Add warm milk or broth and stir gently.

Up to four days refrigerated in a sealed container.

Conclusion

This soup is meant to be easy, comforting, and flexible enough to fit your kitchen and your mood. You can keep it simple, dress it up with toppings, or adjust the texture to your liking. That’s what makes it worth saving and coming back to again and again. A good potato soup recipe doesn’t need much to feel special, just a little time and a warm bowl. It’s the kind of meal that quietly brings everyone back to the table and makes the evening feel settled and cozy.