There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Cream of Potato Soup, especially on a chilly evening. The first time I made this smooth, velvety soup, I could already envision cozy nights spent with friends, laughter filling the kitchen. The earthy aroma of sautéed onions mingling with garlic was enough to draw a crowd, and soon, my family was eagerly waiting for that first taste.
This recipe makes use of simple ingredients—potatoes, broth, and cream—yet the result is a dish that feels luxurious and satisfying. With just a handful of spices and a few easy steps, you’ll create a homemade soup that not only beats the flavor of fast food but also warms the soul. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile; you can dress it up with fancy garnishes or keep it casual—either way, it’s a guaranteed hit.
If you’re ready to bring a touch of comfort to your table, let’s dive into this Cream of Potato Soup recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Cream of Potato Soup
- This Cream of Potato Soup is incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice cooks to whip up a comforting bowl in no time.
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and creamy soup that is sure to delight your taste buds.
- Its versatility shines through as you can serve it as an appetizer, a hearty main dish, or even a side alongside your favorite bread or salad.
- With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a warm and satisfying meal ready for family or friends in under an hour.
Cream of Potato Soup Ingredients
Discover how simple ingredients create heavenly comfort!
For the Soup
• 4 large potatoes – a hearty base for that dreamy creaminess.
• 1 medium onion – adds a sweet and savory depth to the flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic – infuses the soup with a fragrant aroma.
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – the foundation of flavor; use homemade for the best results.
• 1 cup heavy cream – brings luscious richness; it’s what makes this a true Cream of Potato Soup.
• 2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing, creating a lovely foundation of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds herby warmth that complements the potatoes beautifully.
• Salt and pepper – adjust to taste for that perfect seasoning balance.
For the Garnish
• Chopped chives or green onions – a fresh burst of color and flavor on top.
• Grated cheese – melt-in-your-mouth goodness that elevates every bite.
How to Make Cream of Potato Soup
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Melt the Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, letting it sizzle gently. This sets the stage for a wonderfully flavorful base!
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Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring until it’s translucent and sweet. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
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Cook the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, pouring in the vegetable or chicken broth next. Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil for a robust flavor.
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Simmer Together: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, inviting a warm, creamy texture.
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Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, carefully blend in batches to avoid splattering—your creamy masterpiece awaits!
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Incorporate Cream: Return the soup to the pot if needed and stir in the heavy cream. Heat over low until warmed through, adjusting the seasoning to ensure it’s just right for your taste buds.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the cozy soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions for that fresh touch. Sprinkle grated cheese on top if desired, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Enjoy Warm: Serve the creamy soup warm alongside crusty bread or a refreshing side salad, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors that invite you to relax and savor the moment.
Optional: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cream of Potato Soup Variations
Feel free to make this comforting soup your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture that adds a subtle sweetness.
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Herb-Infused: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of thyme for a fresh twist that brightens the flavors.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a warm heat that lingers on the palate.
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Cheesy Twist: Mix in some grated cheddar or gouda while blending for a creamy cheeseburger-inspired flavor that’s sure to please.
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Veggie Boost: Sneak in some sautéed carrots, celery, or even kale for added nutrition and a splash of color.
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Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic beforehand for a deeper, sweeter flavor that adds an irresistible depth to the soup.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or toss in some smoked paprika for that delightful, campfire essence.
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Nutty Delight: Top your soup with toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts for an added crunch and earthy flavor that contrasts the smoothness.
With these variations, each bowl can be a unique culinary journey suited to your taste and preferences!
How to Store and Freeze Cream of Potato Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Cream of Potato Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat thawed soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little cream or broth to restore its silky texture if needed. Enjoy your comforting soup again!
What to Serve with Cream of Potato Soup?
Warm up your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement every comforting spoonful.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness, crusty bread adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the rich flavors, providing a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to your table.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: This classic combo feels like a hug in a meal. The melty cheese adds extra richness and comfort alongside the soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: Earthy, caramelized roasted vegetables provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy soup, enhancing the meal’s variety.
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Cheddar Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy biscuits are just the right accompaniment, with their buttery flavor and soft texture, perfect for enjoying with your soup.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: A light, bubbly drink quenches your thirst while offering a bright citrus twist that elevates your meal experience.
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Apple Crisp: For a sweet finish, warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful, cozy dessert to round out the evening.
Make Ahead Options
There’s nothing better than having a comforting bowl of Cream of Potato Soup ready to go, especially on busy weeknights! You can chop the potatoes, onion, and garlic and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the potatoes from browning, simply toss them with a bit of lemon juice. You can also prepare the soup base (steps 1-4) a day in advance and refrigerate it; just reheat gently before blending. Finally, stir in the cream right before serving to maintain that silky texture. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Cream of Potato Soup, ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- When blending, be cautious with hot liquids to avoid splattering; using an immersion blender is the safest choice.
- Incorporating the heavy cream at the end adds richness, but heating it over too high of a flame can cause it to curdle, so keep the heat low.
- If you like a bit of texture, reserve a handful of diced potatoes to add back into the soup after blending.
Cream of Potato Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Cream of Potato Soup?
Absolutely! I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets for that wonderfully creamy texture. They break down easily during cooking and blend smoothly into the soup, creating a rich and velvety consistency.
How long can I store leftover Cream of Potato Soup in the fridge?
You can safely store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much for your liking!
Can I freeze Cream of Potato Soup, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze Cream of Potato Soup! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since soup expands when frozen. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move it to the fridge overnight, and when you’re ready, you can heat it gently on the stove. If it needs a touch of creaminess, stir in some cream or broth.
Why did my soup come out too thick?
Very common! If your soup turns out thicker than you’d prefer, don’t worry. Just add a bit more broth or heavy cream, and stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You can always adjust to your liking!
Is this Cream of Potato Soup suitable for people with dairy allergies?
For those with dairy allergies, I suggest substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious! Always double-check packaging for potential allergens, especially with pre-made broth.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omit the cream, or use a plant-based alternative. For a vegan option, simply replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cream. You’ll still relish that comforting flavor!
Cream of Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups broth vegetable or chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream for a luxurious finish
- chives or green onions chopped, optional
- grated cheese optional for extra creaminess
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine diced potatoes with the sautéed onion and garlic, then pour in the broth.
- Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat over low without boiling.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives and cheese if desired.
- Serve warm with bread or salad.
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