If you’ve ever craved a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a warm hug in a spoon, then this Cream of Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that classic, creamy potato soup that’s rich, satisfying, and wonderfully smooth, making it perfect for chilly days or any time you want to cozy up with something delicious. Each spoonful offers the perfect balance of tender potatoes, silky broth, and a hint of sweetness from sautéed onions. Once you make this recipe, it’ll become one of those timeless favorites you keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Cream of Potato Soup Recipe requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a luscious, comforting dish. Each ingredient plays a key role: from the tender potatoes that give body to the soup, to the butter and flour that build the silky base, and the broth and milk that add depth and creaminess.
- Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and diced): The star of the soup, providing that hearty texture and mild flavor perfect for creaminess.
- Onion (1 cup, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich, smooth sauté base and enhances flavor.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its velvety consistency.
- Milk (4 cups): Brings creamy softness and balances flavors with its subtle richness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1 cup): Infuses an extra layer of savory goodness, making the soup more flavorful.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that elevate and round out the overall taste.
How to Make Cream of Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Potatoes
Start by placing peeled, diced potatoes in a pot with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes become tender—this usually takes about 15 minutes. The magic here is that you don’t drain the potatoes because the broth doubles as part of the soup base, adding a robust flavor that seeps into every bite.
Step 2: Sautéing the Onions
While the potatoes are softening, melt the butter in a separate pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds a sweet, savory foundation that enriches the soup’s flavor and aroma.
Step 3: Making the Roux
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and stir it in well. Cook the mixture for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste, creating the base that will thicken your soup into a luscious, creamy texture.
Step 4: Whisking in Milk and Potatoes
Slowly whisk in the milk to the onion-flour mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, carefully pour in the potato and broth mixture along with any remaining liquid from that pot, combining everything evenly. This step brings all the flavors together, allowing the soup to develop its thick, creamy character.
Step 5: Simmer and Season
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens up beautifully. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until it perfectly suits your palate.
How to Serve Cream of Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of creamy potato soup is like a blank canvas ready to be dressed up. Try topping it with shredded cheddar cheese for a melty, sharp contrast or a sprinkle of crispy bacon to add a smoky crunch. For fresh pops of color and flavor, chopped green onions or chives work wonders, adding a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs amazingly well with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad makes a nice light side to balance the creaminess, or you could serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—a fun and edible touch that adds texture and novelty. Another idea is to drizzle a little herb-infused oil or swirl in some sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving, creating an elegant look and an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal during busy weeks.
Freezing
This Cream of Potato Soup Recipe freezes well, but for the best texture, freeze it without any added cream or cheese garnishes. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Cream of Potato Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based margarine, use vegetable broth, and replace the milk with a dairy-free milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. The soup will be just as creamy and flavorful.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes creates a smoother soup texture, but if you prefer a more rustic feel and don’t mind a bit of potato skin, you can leave them unpeeled—just make sure to scrub them well before dicing.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh diced potatoes give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but in a pinch, some people do use instant mashed potatoes to thicken soups. Keep in mind that it may alter the soup’s consistency and flavor slightly.
How thick should the soup be?
The perfect Cream of Potato Soup Recipe is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in additional milk or broth until you reach your desired creaminess.
What variations can I try with this soup?
Feel free to mix things up by adding cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, roasted garlic, or a dash of smoked paprika. You can also blend part or all of the soup for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for more bite.
Final Thoughts
This Cream of Potato Soup Recipe is truly a beloved classic that feels like home with every spoonful. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress family and friends. I encourage you to dive in, embrace the cozy vibes, and enjoy this thick, creamy, and utterly delicious soup. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll soon become a staple on your table!
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Cream of Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, creamy potato soup that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for cold days. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes with sautéed onions and a smooth, creamy broth to create a warming dish ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups milk
Other
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the peeled and diced potatoes in the chicken or vegetable broth until they become tender but do not drain the liquid; this allows the broth and potato starch to combine for a richer soup base.
- Sauté Onions: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour to the sautéed onions and cook for about 1 minute. This step ensures the flour loses its raw taste and begins to thicken the soup when the liquids are added.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk followed by the potato and broth mixture. Combining the liquids gradually prevents lumps and creates a smooth texture.
- Simmer Soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, optionally garnished with shredded cheese or bacon for added flavor.
Notes
- For a richer taste, add shredded cheddar cheese or crispy bacon as toppings.
- You can substitute milk with heavy cream for an even creamier texture.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make the soup thicker, mash some of the cooked potatoes before combining them with the milk mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
