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Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a bowl of potato soup. Creamy, hearty, and nourishing, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a rainy weekend, or a day when you simply want something soothing and filling, this easy potato soup recipe is the perfect answer.
For many families, potato soup carries a sense of nostalgia. Maybe it reminds you of your grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of simmering potatoes mingled with freshly baked bread. Or maybe you remember coming home from school on a cold day to find a bowl waiting for you, topped with melted cheese and paired with crunchy crackers. It’s a recipe rooted in tradition, yet flexible enough to adapt to modern kitchens and busy schedules.
This version of potato soup balances simplicity with flavor. It uses basic pantry staples, comes together in less than an hour, and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Plus, it’s one of those meals where leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
Why Make This Easy Potato Soup Recipe?
If you’re wondering why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation, here are some compelling reasons:
1. Comfort in a Bowl
The silky potatoes combined with savory broth and melted cheese create a rich, creamy texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug.
2. Budget-Friendly and Accessible
Potatoes are one of the most affordable staples you can buy, and this recipe requires ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen — broth, milk, onions, butter, and cheese.
3. Nutrient-Dense
Potatoes aren’t just filling; they’re loaded with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Paired with milk and cheese, this soup also delivers protein and calcium, making it nourishing as well as delicious.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion
This soup works beautifully as a light lunch with a salad, a hearty dinner with bread, or even as a starter for a special meal. You can keep it simple or make it “loaded” with toppings like bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
5. Beginner-Friendly
No advanced culinary skills are required here. With clear step-by-step instructions, anyone can master this recipe, even if they’re new to cooking.
If you love discovering how everyday ingredients can transform into meals that are both delicious and healthy, you’ll find a treasure trove of ideas in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
Ingredients List
Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to make this potato soup:
6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
2 cups whole milk (substitute half-and-half for a richer texture, or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the soup)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky note)
Fresh chives or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Bread, crackers, or croutons for serving
Ingredient Notes
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes give the soup a naturally creamy texture, while Russet potatoes provide a fluffier body.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and adds bold flavor. For variety, try a blend of cheddar and Gruyère.
Milk: Whole milk balances richness and creaminess. Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk if dairy-free.
Broth: Homemade broth will give the best depth of flavor, but store-bought works perfectly too.
Read More: Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear, detailed steps to make your potato soup from scratch:
Prepare the vegetables
Peel and dice the potatoes into even ½-inch cubes. Uniform size ensures they cook evenly.
Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. This builds the flavorful base of the soup.
Simmer the potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the onion-garlic mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Create a thickener
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and ½ cup of milk until smooth. This slurry prevents lumps when added to the hot soup.
Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly.
Add milk and finish cooking
Stir in the remaining milk and let the soup cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, thickening as it simmers.
Blend for creaminess (optional)
For a chunkier soup, leave the potatoes as they are.
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion to a blender, puree, and return to the pot.
Add cheese and seasonings
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve and garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with chopped chives or green onions, extra cheese, and serve alongside bread, crackers, or croutons.
If you’re curious about how different foods can complement each other to maximize nutrition, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is a fantastic resource. It explains not only the “what” but also the “why” behind food combinations.
Tips and Substitutions
For extra richness: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or add a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
To lighten the soup: Use low-fat milk, reduce the cheese, and skip the flour thickener. Mash some potatoes instead for natural thickness.
Boosting protein: Add diced ham, cooked shredded chicken, or crispy bacon crumbles. They add flavor and make the soup more filling.
Vegetarian or vegan version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use olive oil instead of butter, and substitute dairy with plant-based milk and cheese.
Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Texture control: If you like your soup chunky, mash only a few potatoes and leave the rest whole. If you prefer smooth, puree the entire pot.
Flavor depth: Add a splash of white wine after sautéing onions, or stir in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf during simmering.
Read More: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe | Comforting & Easy Homemade Meal
Recipe Variations
Loaded Potato Soup: After ladling into bowls, top with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, extra cheddar, and sliced green onions. It’s like a loaded baked potato in soup form.
Potato Leek Soup: Replace the onion with 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only). The leeks add a subtle sweetness and French-inspired flavor.
Potato Corn Chowder: Stir in 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) when adding the milk. Corn adds sweetness and extra texture.
Spicy Potato Soup: Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Potato and Broccoli Soup: Add chopped broccoli florets during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This variation adds vitamins and a pop of color.
Herbed Potato Soup: Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for aromatic depth. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
Lightened-Up Version: Use low-sodium broth, skim milk, and reduce cheese to make a healthier but still satisfying soup.
When you learn how small substitutions can transform both flavor and nutrition, cooking becomes much more exciting. That’s one of the many things The Encyclopedia of Power Foods explores in detail, giving you confidence to experiment while making healthier choices.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving, approx. 1½ cups)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Vitamin C: 25% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Potassium: 28% DV
This potato soup offers a balanced mix of macronutrients. Potatoes provide slow-digesting carbs for energy, while dairy contributes protein and calcium for bone health.
Read More: 9 Delicious Carnivore Soup Recipes for Quick & Healthy Meals
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze before adding cheese; stir in cheese after reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency.
Serving Ideas
With bread: Serve with crusty sourdough, garlic bread, or warm rolls for dipping.
With crackers: Saltine or oyster crackers add a crunchy contrast.
As a starter: Pair with roasted chicken, steak, or a light fish dish.
As a main: Round out the meal with a fresh green salad topped with vinaigrette.
In bread bowls: Hollow out round loaves of bread, fill with soup, and serve for a rustic, cozy presentation.
For more inspiration on how to pair dishes for balanced meals, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods offers practical serving ideas that bring both nutrition and flavor to the table.
Common Questions
1. Can I make this potato soup ahead of time?
Yes. Potato soup reheats beautifully. Just prepare, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
2. How do I thicken potato soup without flour?
Simply mash or blend some of the cooked potatoes. Their natural starch will thicken the soup without added ingredients.
3. Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes, though it’s best to freeze before adding cheese, since dairy can sometimes separate when frozen. Stir in cheese after reheating.
4. What are the best potatoes for soup?
Yukon Golds are ideal for creaminess, while Russets give a fluffier, thicker texture. Red potatoes work too, but they’ll hold their shape more than they break down.
5. How do I make this soup vegan?
Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.
Conclusion
This easy potato soup recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a timeless classic that delivers comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, yet versatile enough to serve at a gathering. With its creamy texture, rich taste, and endless customization options, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
And while potato soup is a perfect example of comfort food made healthy, it’s just one piece of the bigger puzzle. From potatoes to lesser-known superfoods, it reveals how everyday ingredients can transform into meals that are not only satisfying but also incredibly good for you.
Read More: 14 Best Fall Soup Recipes for Cozy Nights
