Creamy Potato Soup

Name: Creamy Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Bliss

I absolutely love making Creamy Potato Soup, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. This recipe is incredibly simple, yet it offers a satisfying richness that warms my soul. The combination of soft potatoes, fragrant herbs, and a splash of cream gives this soup its delightful texture and flavor. Just a hint of seasoning brings all the elements together, making it a dish everyone in the family looks forward to. Grab a bowl and let's get cooking!

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:37:36.071Z

When I first made Creamy Potato Soup, I was surprised at how easy it was to create something so hearty and delicious. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients—using fresh herbs and quality potatoes enhances the natural flavors. One tip that I’ve found helpful is to let the soup simmer gently; this softens the potatoes and brings out their creamy texture without making them mushy.

I often customize this soup by adding different toppings like crispy bacon or fresh chives, which elevate its taste and presentation. It’s versatile, allowing me to experiment while still enjoying a classic flavor. You can even make it vegan by substituting the cream with coconut milk!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and velvety texture that warms the heart
A perfect balance of flavors that pleases everyone
Quick to make, great for busy weeknights

Selecting the Perfect Potatoes

When making creamy potato soup, the type of potato you choose can significantly impact the texture. I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, as they break down easily and create a smooth consistency. Waxy potatoes, like red or new potatoes, tend to hold their shape and can result in a less creamy soup. If you're unsure, go for a mix of both to achieve a hearty and creamy outcome.

Make sure to peel and dice your potatoes uniformly, roughly about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and helps the potatoes cook through at the same time. If you find peeling a hassle, you can scrub them well and leave the skin on for added nutrition and texture, though it may slightly change the soup's appearance.

Mastering the Blend

To achieve that velvety texture, using an immersion blender is my favorite technique. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot, reducing cleanup time. Blend until the soup reaches a consistent silky texture, but be cautious not to over-blend if you wish to keep some potato chunks. Alternatively, you can transfer portions to a countertop blender, but remember to let the soup cool slightly first to avoid steam buildup.

If you're blending in batches, always return the blended soup to the pot before adding cream and seasoning. This process not only helps in maintaining the desired consistency but also allows you to taste the soup before the final seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

The base flavors of this creamy potato soup rely heavily on the aromatic sauté of onion and garlic, which brings depth. For an extra flavor kick, consider adding diced celery or carrots during the sauté step. These additions will create a nuanced base that complements the potato's sweetness beautifully.

Don't hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate your soup, adding a fragrant quality. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving can also brighten up the flavors, creating a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and return it to the pot.

Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chives if desired, and serve hot.

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk. You can also add vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy potato soup stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens upon cooling, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to reach the desired consistency before serving.

If you're planning to make the soup ahead of time, consider leaving out the cream until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain the soup's texture and freshness. You can add the cream during the final heating stage, ensuring a rich and creamy finish.

Freezing Your Soup

While creamy soups can be tricky to freeze due to their dairy content, this potato soup can be frozen successfully if you adjust the preparation. First, prepare the soup but omit the heavy cream. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly in a pot. After warming, stir in the heavy cream, and season to taste for a freshly made flavor. This method allows you to enjoy your homemade soup anytime without compromising on texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this creamy potato soup with crusty bread or a light salad. Offering toppings like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of truffle oil can take the soup experience to a new level. I love to add a dollop of sour cream on mine, which not only adds creaminess but also a nice tang.

If you want to elevate your soup even further, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their acidity and light flavor profile complement the richness of the potato soup perfectly, making for an enjoyable dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, Creamy Potato Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they won't yield the same creamy texture.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth.