Easy Potato Soup Recipe Creamy, Quick & Homemade

Potato soup is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, potato soup is the ultimate comfort food especially on chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty yet uncomplicated. The best part? This easy potato soup recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.

Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a go-to soup to add to your meal rotation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making delicious homemade potato soup without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Potato Soup

Potato Soup Recipe Easy (4) — Bowl of creamy homemade potato soup with bacon and chives on top

Potato soup is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. Here’s why this simple potato soup recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Requires basic, inexpensive ingredients
Takes less than 30 minutes to prepare
Flexible enough to suit different dietary needs
Perfectly creamy and rich in flavor

If you’re unsure which potatoes to use, check out Better Homes & Gardens’ guide on the best potatoes for soup for expert tips.

This dish is also highly customizable—ideal for transforming leftovers or pantry staples into a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a step-by-step version with visuals, Allrecipes offers an easy-to-follow potato soup tutorial that complements this recipe perfectly.

Essential Ingredients

To keep this recipe easy and accessible, here are the core ingredients you’ll need:

Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold recommended)
Onion (yellow or white)
Butter
Chicken or vegetable broth
Milk or cream
Salt and black pepper

Potato Soup Recipe Easy (3) — potato soup recipe easy

Optional add-ins for added flavor and richness:

Garlic
Cheddar cheese
Bacon bits
Sour cream
Chopped chives
Paprika or cayenne for a kick

Substitutions for dietary preferences:

Use plant-based milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
Substitute olive oil for butter to make it vegan
Use gluten-free broth for a gluten-free option

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your easy potato soup from scratch:

Sauté aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions over medium heat until soft. Add minced garlic (optional) and cook until fragrant.
Add potatoes and broth
Peel and chop potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add to the pot with broth, making sure the liquid covers the potatoes. Bring to a boil.
Simmer until tender
Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Blend or mash
For a creamy texture, blend the soup using an immersion blender. For a chunkier version, mash some of the potatoes by hand while leaving others whole.
Add milk or cream
Stir in milk, half-and-half, or cream to your preferred consistency. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Season and serve
Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to taste. Top with cheese, bacon, and chives if desired.

Potato Soup Recipe Easy (2) — potato soup recipe easy

Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup

To elevate your soup, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Don’t overcook the potatoes—they should be soft but not mushy
Avoid overblending, which can make the soup gummy due to excess starch
To thicken naturally, remove some potatoes, mash them, and stir them back in
If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few potato soup variations worth trying:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Add sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions for a rich twist
Potato Leek Soup
Swap onions for leeks and add a splash of white wine for a more delicate flavor
Spicy Potato Soup
Stir in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of curry paste
Vegan Potato Soup
Use olive oil, vegetable broth, and oat or almond milk; top with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor

Serving Suggestions

Pair your easy potato soup with these tasty additions to create a well-rounded meal:

Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
A light green salad with vinaigrette
Grilled cheese sandwich
Crackers or cornbread

For a dinner party, serve in bread bowls or garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper storage ensures your soup stays fresh and delicious:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally
Avoid boiling again after adding dairy to prevent separation

Freezing Tips:

Potato soup freezes well, but dairy can sometimes split when thawed
Consider freezing before adding milk or cream
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the ingredients for potato soup?
The basic ingredients for potato soup include peeled and diced potatoes, onions, butter, chicken or vegetable broth, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients like garlic, cheese, bacon, and herbs can be added for extra flavor.

What is a good thickener for potato soup?
Great thickeners for potato soup include mashed potatoes, instant potato flakes, flour, or cornstarch. Even blending a portion of the soup can naturally thicken it without any additional ingredients.

How to add more flavor to potato soup?
Boost the flavor by sautéing onions and garlic first, using broth instead of water, and seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding bacon, cheddar cheese, or a splash of cream can also elevate the flavor profile.

What seasonings go best in potato soup?
Ideal seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added just before serving.

Is flour or cornstarch better for potato soup?
Both work, but cornstarch is a stronger thickener and doesn’t alter the flavor. Flour provides a heartier texture. For a smooth, glossy finish, cornstarch is usually preferred.

Can I use instant potato flakes to thicken potato soup?
Yes, instant potato flakes are an excellent, quick thickening agent that also enhances the potato flavor.

How long to boil potatoes?
Boil peeled and cubed potatoes for about 10–15 minutes, or until they’re easily pierced with a fork. The time may vary depending on the size of the pieces.

Can I add flour to my potato soup to make it thicker?
Yes, mix flour with a bit of water or broth to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Cook for several minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

What happens if you add too much cornstarch to soup?
Too much cornstarch can make the soup overly thick and slightly gelatinous. It may also dull the flavor and create a gluey texture. Use it sparingly and always dissolve it in cold water before adding.

How much cornstarch to thicken 6 cups of soup?
Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water to thicken 6 cups of soup. Add gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Why is egg drop soup so thick?
Egg drop soup is thickened with cornstarch, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. The cornstarch also helps suspend the egg ribbons throughout the broth.

What’s a replacement for cornstarch?
Alternatives include flour, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, rice flour, or instant potato flakes. Each behaves slightly differently, so adjust amounts accordingly.

Conclusion

Potato soup is more than just a warm dish it’s a bowl of comfort, nostalgia, and simplicity all wrapped into one. What makes this easy potato soup recipe so appealing is that it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Using just a handful of basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, feeding a family on a budget, or looking for a cozy dish to enjoy on a cold evening, this recipe delivers. It’s incredibly versatile you can make it vegan, dairy free, or gluten free with just a few simple swaps. You can keep it classic or take it to the next level with add-ins like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, or even leeks and garlic for extra depth.

What also sets this recipe apart is how well it lends itself to leftovers. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a practical option for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Even freezing a batch for later is a breeze with the right technique.

Most importantly, this soup offers a blank canvas for creativity. With endless variations, you’ll never tire of coming back to it whether you’re craving something comforting, spicy, loaded, or light.

This is the kind of go to recipe every home cook should have in their collection simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular on your table.