The Best Creamy Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Cold winter nights call for warm comfort, and this creamy potato soup recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Hearty potatoes blend seamlessly with rich, velvety textures that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of smooth ingredients and subtle seasonings.

Homemade soups have a special way of warming both body and soul.

Creamy and satisfying, this recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry staples.

Crispy bacon bits and fresh chives add delightful crunch and color to the bowl.

You’ll savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming soup that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Potato Soup So Silky It’s Comforting

• Whip Up Comfort: A soul-warming dish that wraps you in cozy, delicious flavors perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal.
• Master with Ease: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal cooking skills, with simple steps anyone can follow successfully in their kitchen.
• Customize Your Bowl: Incredibly versatile soup that allows endless topping variations like crispy bacon, sharp cheese, or fresh green onions to match personal taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this soup an ideal solution for busy families wanting a nutritious, satisfying meal in minimal time.

Ingredients for Creamy Potato Soup Magic

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Broth: Liquid that helps cook the potatoes and adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Cream: Adds richness and smooth, velvety consistency to the potato soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile and aromatic base for the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for sautéing aromatics and adds depth to the soup.
• Bacon, Cheese, Green Onions: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Steps for Making Creamy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring constantly until they become soft and translucent, releasing their warm, inviting aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Add in your diced potatoes and pour in the broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become perfectly tender and start breaking down.

Step 3: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches.

Blend until the soup reaches a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency, with no potato chunks remaining.

Step 4: Enrich and Season

Stir in rich cream to give the soup its signature velvety texture.

Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors pop.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to marry all the delicious ingredients.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

For extra indulgence, top with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or freshly chopped green onions.

Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.

Kitchen Tips for Smooth Potato Soup

• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Lower heat before adding cream and stir gently to maintain smooth, silky consistency without separating.
• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop rich, caramelized undertones that elevate the soup's overall taste profile.
• Reserve some potato chunks before blending to add rustic, hearty elements for those who enjoy more substance in their soup.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a less caloric version without compromising creamy richness.

Mix-In Ideas for Potato Soup Enthusiasts

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil. Add roasted cauliflower and nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version. Use heavy cream and add crispy bacon bits on top.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. Top with cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Herb Garden Blend: Use gluten-free vegetable broth and add fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and nutrition.

Serving Creamy Potato Soup Warm

• Cozy Winter Comfort: Pair this creamy potato soup with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic toast for a delightful and filling meal.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add texture and extra flavor layers.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and create a complete, satisfying dinner experience.
• Soup and Wine Pairing: Complement the creamy texture with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to enhance the overall dining pleasure.

How to Store Creamy Potato Soup Best

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream, as it may separate when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup is thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the butter with olive oil and skip bacon toppings. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and any optional toppings are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat cream or substitute with milk, add extra vegetables like carrots or celery, and use less butter or a healthier oil alternative like olive oil.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they create a creamy texture and break down easily when cooked, making the soup smooth and rich.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Creamy Potato Soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with rich, velvety goodness. Warmth and flavor combine in this simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 large russet potatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic

Thickening and Flavor Agents:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Garnishes:

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Cooked bacon crumbles
• Croutons or toasted bread

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium warmth, gently sweating chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce cubed potatoes and vegetable broth into the pot, elevating temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender.
3. Transform soup’s texture using an immersion blender or carefully transfer contents to a standard blender, processing until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency without lumps.
4. Incorporate heavy cream into the smooth potato mixture, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile, then allow gentle simmering for an additional 5 minutes to meld ingredients.
5. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings such as crispy bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, or finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Maximize creaminess by using starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a richer texture.
• Prevent burning by stirring occasionally and keeping heat at medium-low when sautéing onions and garlic.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain a creamy consistency.
• Enhance flavor by roasting potatoes briefly before adding to the broth, which deepens the soup’s overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg