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Easy Creamy Potato Soup: A Comforting and Flavorful Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup is a classic comfort food that combines hearty ingredients with a luxuriously creamy texture.

Packed with tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a versatile serving style—keep it brothy for a light texture or blend it into a thick, creamy delight.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This potato soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it an excellent option for regular meals.

The combination of fresh ingredients, aromatic seasonings, and customizable serving options ensures that every bowl is both comforting and satisfying.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Potatoes

Any variety works, but Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended. They don’t require peeling and cook to a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Vegetables

While potatoes are the star, additional vegetables enhance flavor and texture.

  • Onions: Essential for a savory base.
  • Carrots: Add sweetness and a pop of color.
  • Celery: Provides depth and crunch.

Garlic and Rosemary

These aromatics elevate the flavor profile, creating a well-balanced soup.

The combination ensures the soup is flavorful without being overly rich.

Butter and Flour

A traditional roux made from butter and flour thickens the soup.

For a gluten-free alternative, the flour can be omitted using the tips provided in the recipe.

Stock or Broth

Use high-quality chicken stock or broth for a robust flavor. Opt for low-sodium varieties or homemade broth for better control of seasoning.

Bone broth is another excellent choice for added depth.

Cream

Adds a luxurious texture to the broth. Half-and-half, sour cream, or plain yogurt can also be used as substitutes.

Cheese (Optional)

For an extra layer of richness, incorporate sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or parmesan. Cheesy potato soup resembles the comforting flavor of loaded baked potatoes.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup

Making homemade potato soup is simple and rewarding. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a flavorful, creamy soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting butter (or heating olive oil) in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning

Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

3. Thicken the Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.

This creates a roux to thicken the soup.

4. Incorporate Stock and Simmer

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of stock, ensuring no lumps remain. Once smooth, add the remaining stock.

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and stir in potatoes and a bay leaf.

Cook partially covered for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Finish with Creaminess

Remove the bay leaf and lower the heat. Stir in cream (or a substitute like yogurt or sour cream) and cheese, if desired.

6. Blend or Serve as Is

For a creamier texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender or mash the potatoes with a masher.

Leave the rest chunky for texture, then stir everything together.

Storing and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Tip: If the soup separates after reheating, simply whisk it to restore its creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Potato Soup

  • Bread: Perfect for dipping—try focaccia, roasted garlic bread.
  • Salad: Pair with a light, refreshing salad like a strawberry balsamic salad or chopped salad.
  • Toppings: Add fresh chives, scallions, fried shallots, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Potato Soup Recipe Details

Servings: 4–6 | Yield: About 7 cups of soup

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) potatoes, peeled and chopped (4 cups)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (2 cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
  • 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cream, half-and-half, sour cream, or plain yogurt
  • 1 cup (2 oz) shredded cheese (optional)
  • Optional toppings: fresh herbs, sour cream, fried shallots, or hot sauce

Tips for Customization

  • Gluten-Free Option: Skip the flour. Instead, whisk 1 tbsp of cornstarch into the cream or blend half the soup for thickness.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and a non-dairy cream alternative. Omit cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
  • Make It Your Own: Adjust seasonings, add extra veggies, or try smoked paprika or thyme for a twist.

Enjoy this creamy potato soup as a cozy and satisfying meal.