5 Simple Potato Soup Recipes You'll Love

Why Potato Soup?

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of potato soup. It’s a culinary delight that transcends seasons, offering both the warm embrace on a chilly night and the creamy, savory goodness that fits into the heart of any family meal. Whether you’re in search of a simple recipe for a busy weeknight or craving something a bit more indulgent, these five potato soup recipes will surely satisfy your taste buds. Let’s explore why this staple dish should find its way to your table regularly.

Recipe 1: Classic Potato Soup

This classic potato soup recipe is the epitome of simplicity, requiring only basic pantry staples to produce an incredibly creamy texture that blankets your palate in warmth.

Ingredients:

• 6 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by heating a pot on medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, then immediately add the cubed potatoes, stirring to coat them with onion and garlic flavors.
3. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Once cooked, use an immersion blender or potato masher to partially blend the soup, ensuring some chunks of potatoes remain for texture.
5. Stir in the cream, season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to heat through but do not boil.
6. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve hot.

🔄 Note: For a thicker soup, remove some potatoes, mash them, and return them to the pot.

Recipe 2: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup takes everything you love about a loaded baked potato and turns it into a hearty, indulgent dish. It's perfect for those evenings when only something extra can satiate your appetite.

Ingredients:

• 5 large Russet potatoes, baked
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 can of chicken broth
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Scoop out the insides of the baked potatoes, leaving the skins aside.
2. Combine the potato flesh, sour cream, garlic powder, and half the chicken broth in a pot. Use an immersion blender to create a smooth base.
3. Stir in the remaining broth, and cook over medium heat until the soup is hot, avoiding boiling to keep the potatoes intact.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
5. Serve in bowls, topped with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.

Recipe 3: Creamy Potato Leek Soup

The combination of potatoes and leeks in this recipe offers a luxurious texture with a subtle onion flavor, making it an elegant yet comforting choice.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 3 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 1 quart of heavy cream or whole milk
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
• Fresh thyme or bay leaf
• Butter for sautéing
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté shallots until they are soft, then add the leeks, cooking until they’re tender.
2. Add the sliced potatoes, stock, and your choice of thyme or bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are soft.
3. Remove the thyme or bay leaf, then purée the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
4. Stir in the cream or milk and continue to heat without boiling. Season with salt and white pepper.
5. Serve warm, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish.

Recipe 4: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

For those looking for an easy, hands-off approach, the slow cooker potato soup recipe is a lifesaver, providing rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except for the milk or cream to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Once cooked, remove some of the potatoes, mash them, and return to the pot to thicken the soup.
3. Stir in the milk or cream, re-cover the pot, and cook for an additional 15 minutes on low.
4. Season to taste before serving.

Recipe 5: Vegan Potato Soup

This version keeps the creamy appeal of potato soup while offering a plant-based alternative, perfect for those following a vegan diet or looking to cut down on dairy.

Ingredients:

• 5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup of cashews, soaked and blended
• Nutritional yeast (optional for cheesy flavor)
• Fresh dill or chives (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add the diced potatoes and cook for a few minutes.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are cooked through.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the coconut milk for creaminess.
4. Add the cashew cream, and if desired, a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast for flavor.
5. Reheat the soup but do not boil, garnish with fresh dill or chives, and serve.

These five potato soup recipes show the versatility of this humble vegetable. Each offers a unique take, from simple to indulgent, or vegan-friendly, ensuring there’s a potato soup for every occasion and palate.

To conclude, potato soup’s charm lies in its adaptability. It can be rustic or refined, hearty or delicate. Here are the key takeaways from our journey through these recipes:

• Classic potato soup uses basic ingredients to create a creamy, comforting dish.
• Loaded baked potato soup brings the joy of a baked potato into a bowl, loaded with toppings.
• Creamy potato leek soup introduces a subtle elegance with the addition of leeks.
• Slow cooker potato soup is perfect for busy cooks, offering ease and rich flavor with little hands-on time.
• Vegan potato soup proves that you can still enjoy a creamy, satisfying soup while sticking to a plant-based diet.

In the end, whether you’re craving something simple or a bit more luxurious, potato soup is a welcoming dish that can adapt to your needs and tastes. So, embrace the warmth, savor the flavor, and enjoy a bowl of potato soup today.