There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup to make you feel cozy. As the weather cools down, I find myself craving these comforting meals more and more. If you’re looking for simple, delicious ways to enjoy potatoes, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve put together three fantastic potato soup recipes that I think you’ll really love. From using up leftovers to a hearty meal in a single pot, there’s a potato soup here for every occasion. Get ready to make some easy, wholesome food!
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Quick Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
This soup is your go-to for using up any mashed potatoes you have left. It comes together quickly for a warm, truly comforting meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mashed Potato Soup
- Mashed Potatoes: You can use cold leftovers directly from the fridge. They will melt into the soup perfectly.
- Broth Choice: Both chicken or vegetable broth work well here. Use what you have on hand to make it simple.
What You Need for Mashed Potato Soup
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese for serving
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, warm a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine and Heat
Add the leftover mashed potatoes and broth to the pot. Stir well, breaking up any potato clumps, until the soup is smooth and warm through. Pour in the milk or half-and-half and heat gently, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with cheese if you like.
📝 Final Note
This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Hearty Loaded Potato Soup With Bacon
This soup is packed with potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon for a truly satisfying bowl. It feels like a full meal all on its own.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Loaded Potato Soup
- Crispy Bacon: Cook your bacon extra crispy and crumble some extra for a topping. It adds great texture.
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are fantastic here because they break down easily, making the soup extra creamy.
What You Need for Loaded Potato Soup
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
⏱️ Time: 50 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Loaded Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Potatoes
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Finish and Serve
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
📝 Final Note
For an even creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream right before serving each bowl. It adds a nice tang!
Easy One Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Make this delicious potato soup using just one pot from start to finish. It’s simple, quick, and cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Tips for One Pot Potato Soup
- Prep Ahead: For the easiest “one pot” experience, chop all your vegetables before you start cooking. This makes the process much smoother.
- Simple Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end makes this soup look especially inviting with minimal effort.
What You Need for One Pot Potato Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 5 servings
How to Make One Pot Potato Soup
Step 1: Cook Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Add the diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Thicken and Serve
Use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes in the pot directly. This will help thicken the soup naturally. Slowly stir in the milk and the flour/cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the soup has thickened to your liking. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the easy cleanup!
📝 Final Note
If you want an even richer soup, swap out the regular milk for heavy cream. It adds a wonderful creamy texture.