Quick & Cozy Winter Leek Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives with this hearty winter leek potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Chilly evenings demand something smooth and satisfying like our creamy blend.

Rich potato chunks mingle with delicate leek ribbons, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Robust ingredients promise a bowl brimming with homemade goodness and nutritious warmth.

Simple techniques transform ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a gentle kitchen hug.

Each spoonful connects you to classic cooking traditions while delivering modern taste sensations.

A single ladle promises to melt away winter crisp edges and bring pure, soul-nourishing delight.

Winter Leek And Potato Soup For Chilly Days

• Warm Comfort Crafter: Perfectly designed to chase away winter chills with a rich, creamy soup that hugs you from the inside out.
• Quick Kitchen Hero: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it an ideal meal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results without complex techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like potatoes and leeks, transforming basic pantry staples into a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that won't break the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Versatile enough to serve as a starter, main course, or cozy side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its smooth texture and mild, comforting flavors.

What You’ll Need For Leek Potato Soup

• Leeks: Mild, sweet allium vegetable that provides a delicate flavor to the soup.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and savory undertones to the soup base.
• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetable that creates a creamy, hearty texture for the soup.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté the initial vegetables.
• Half-and-Half: Adds creamy smoothness and luxurious texture to the soup.
• Cheese: Brings sharp, melty richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Broth: Creates the foundational liquid and adds additional depth to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's overall taste.

Steps For Creamy Winter Leek Potato Soup At Home

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped leeks and onions, stirring frequently.

Cook until the vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

This should take about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and create a rich base for the soup.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth over the sautéed vegetables.

Add peeled and diced potatoes to the pot.

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

Cover the pot and cook until the potatoes become completely tender and start to break down slightly, which typically takes 20-25 minutes.

The potatoes will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Consistency

Slowly stir in half-and-half, bringing the soup to a gentle simmer.

Continue cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

The liquid will gradually thicken and become more luxurious, creating a smooth and velvety base.

This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Enhance with Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle in grated cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup.

Add salt, black pepper, and any additional herbs like fresh thyme or chives.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings and cheese evenly.

Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Top with extra cheese, a drizzle of cream, or fresh herbs if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty bread for a comforting winter meal.

Tips For Creamy Leek Potato Soup Perfection

• Cut leeks lengthwise and rinse thoroughly between layers to remove all sand and dirt before chopping.
• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and smoothest soup texture.
• Add half-and-half gradually and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve perfect thickness.
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper to elevate the soup's complexity without overpowering the delicate leek taste.
• Top with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or croutons to add contrasting texture and visual appeal.

Leek Potato Soup Flavor Variations For Winter

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Herbaceous Boost: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill during cooking to enhance the soup's aromatic profile and depth of flavor.
• Protein Power: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits as a topping for added protein and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to give the soup a warming, spicy element.

Serving Winter Leek Potato Soup With Bread

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, warming presentation that feels like a hug in winter.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or grated parmesan on top to add texture and extra flavor complexity.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread slices for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Transform the soup into a complete dinner by adding grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp for additional protein and substance.

Storing Winter Leek And Potato Soup Well

• Store 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 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if soup contains cream or cheese.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until soup reaches 165°F. Add splash of broth if too thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add extra broth or cream to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this winter leek and potato soup?

The key ingredients are leeks, potatoes, half-and-half, cheese, butter, onion, and broth. These create a rich, creamy, and comforting soup perfect for cold days.

• Is this soup healthy?

This soup offers nutritional benefits from potatoes and leeks, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The half-and-half and cheese add protein and calcium, making it a balanced meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the broth with vegetable broth and use a vegetarian cheese like plant-based cheddar or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.

Winter Leek Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty winter leek potato soup celebrates comfort with creamy French countryside flavors. Simple ingredients blend into a silky, warming bowl that beckons you to savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 12 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 ounces (113 grams) shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, gently sauté leeks and onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate aromatics, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Pour broth into the pot, add diced potatoes, and allow the mixture to simmer slowly. Cover and cook until potatoes are completely tender and beginning to break down, roughly 20-25 minutes.
3. Introduce half-and-half to the simmering soup, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Let the liquid gently thicken over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle in grated cheese and seasonings. Stir carefully until cheese melts completely, creating a rich and velvety texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot with crusty bread or croutons.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best soup consistency.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely during cooking.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a silkier texture while keeping some chunks for hearty appeal.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting butter with olive oil and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg