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 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter; Fresh chives for garnish; Crispy bacon bits for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love making a warm bowl of creamy potato soup during the colder months. It's a heartwarming dish that fills the house with an irresistible aroma, inviting everyone in for a taste. The smooth texture combined with the rich flavor makes it a perfect comfort food. I usually top it with crispy bacon and fresh herbs, which elevates the dish and adds a wonderful crunch. Whether it's a rainy day or just a cozy evening, this soup always hits the spot.

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:57:36.118Z

As I ventured into perfecting my creamy potato soup recipe, I experimented with various ingredients to achieve the ultimate flavor. I found that using a mix of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes created a fluffy consistency that is unmatched. I always add a splash of cream towards the end to give it that velvety touch that wraps around your taste buds, transporting you to a comforting place.

What truly made a difference was balancing the seasonings. I tend to incorporate freshly chopped chives and a hint of garlic, which transforms the basic soup into a savory delight. The method of sautéing the onions gave the soup a deeper flavor that’s simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture that warms your soul
Simple ingredients that come together effortlessly
Customization options galore—add your favorite toppings!

The Creamy Base

The creamy texture of this potato soup is achieved through the combination of heavy cream and the natural starches released from the potatoes during cooking. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly effective in thickening the soup due to their waxy texture, while russet potatoes add fluffiness. This duo not only contributes to the soup's smooth consistency but also enhances the overall flavor profile. For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, but be mindful to adjust seasoning accordingly.

When blending the soup, using an immersion blender is the best choice as it allows for controlled blending directly in the pot. This prevents the mess of transferring hot liquid to a stand blender. For those who prefer chunkier soup, simply blend until the mixture achieves a texture that meets your preference. Aim for a consistency that is smooth, yet still has some potato pieces for texture; this can add a heartier feel to the dish.

Customizing Your Soup

One of the best features of creamy potato soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with various toppings beyond just crispy bacon and chives. For instance, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a delightful smokiness, while crumbled feta or goat cheese can introduce a tangy richness. Additionally, sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic also make excellent additives that complement the creamy base beautifully. Don't hesitate to personalize the soup based on what you have available or your flavor preferences.

If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding in sautéed carrots, celery, or even kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color. Just make sure these additions have sufficient time to soften; about 5-7 minutes of simmering is usually enough. This way, your creamy potato soup can transform into a hearty veggie-infused delight, without sacrificing its signature smoothness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up a delicious creamy potato soup:

Ingredients

4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh chives for garnish
Crispy bacon bits for serving (optional)

You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite toppings, like cheese or scallions!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your creamy potato soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced Yukon Gold and russet potatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend partially or mash with a potato masher.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup gently without boiling, then serve hot with bacon bits and chopped chives on top.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness of your homemade potato soup!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the soup just before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This creamy potato soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, do so on medium heat on the stovetop while stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup thickens over time, you can easily thin it out with a little additional vegetable broth or cream to restore its desired consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the soup. Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, taking care to leave a little space for expansion. When ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Keep in mind that reheating frozen soup may alter its creaminess slightly, so additional cream or seasoning may be necessary to balance the flavors after thawing.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your potato soup turns out too thin, you can thicken it by returning it to medium heat and letting it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to release more starch, effectively thickening the mixture. Conversely, if you find your soup to be too thick, a splash of vegetable broth or water can help reach the desired creaminess without compromising flavor.

Another common issue is a bland taste. Be generous with the seasoning, especially with salt and pepper, to bring out the flavors of the ingredients. You can also experiment by adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking for an aromatic twist. Just remember to remove any whole herbs before serving. Balancing the flavors is crucial, so taste and adjust as you go to ensure a satisfying final dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! You can use any type of potatoes you have, but the texture might vary.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the vegetable broth with water or a vegan broth.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley work great!