Name: Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 leeks, sliced or 2 medium/large onions, diced; 6 medium-sized potatoes, diced (about 6 cups); 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable); 1 8oz block of cream cheese; Olive oil, for cooking; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Bacon bits; Scallions; Shredded cheese; Fresh herbs

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe. I first stumbled upon this gem on a chilly evening, and ever since, it’s become my go-to whenever I want something simple, satisfying, and totally delicious. You’ll find it’s super easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this creamy, dreamy potato soup, you’ll be making it again and again.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You’ll be surprised how just a few pantry staples come together for huge flavor.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like it silky smooth or a bit chunky, this recipe works your way.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this soup—perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Quick & Cozy: Ready from start to finish in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy days you want comfort fast.

A large white pot filled with creamy corn soup is shown on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth underneath. The soup has a thick, smooth texture with a pale yellow color, dotted with small pieces of bright yellow corn, bits of green herbs, and crispy brown bacon bits scattered on top. A metal ladle is lifting a scoop of soup, clearly showing its creamy consistency and the colorful toppings. The background is softly blurred to keep the focus on the soup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Potato Soup, Potato Soup Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Potato Soup, Homemade Soup Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is all about balancing hearty potatoes with the gentle sweetness of leeks or onions, plus the rich creaminess of cream cheese. Shop for fresh, firm potatoes and vibrant leeks for the freshest flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh whole white potatoes with natural earthy skin, a few bright green leek stalks with white bases sliced neatly, a medium yellow onion with smooth skin, an uncut block of creamy white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse sea salt, another small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, and a white ceramic bowl of clear vegetable broth, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Potato Soup, Potato Soup Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Potato Soup, Homemade Soup Ideas

Leeks or Onions: Leeks bring a milder, slightly sweet flavor, while onions add a sharper bite; either works beautifully.
Potatoes: I prefer starchy potatoes like Russets for that perfect soft texture once cooked.
Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): Choose your favorite or what fits your diet—this gives the soup depth without overpowering it.
Cream Cheese: This gives the soup its deliciously creamy, tangy richness without needing heavy cream.
Olive Oil: For sautéing your veggies and adding a subtle richness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to make all those flavors pop.
Toppings of Choice: Bacon, scallions, cheese, or herbs add fun texture and flavor—get creative!

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is—you can tailor it to whatever you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. It’s a great base to experiment with flavors and textures.

Make it extra smooth: When I want a perfectly silky soup, I puree all the potatoes instead of saving some chunks.
Dairy-free version: Swap cream cheese for a plant-based cream or coconut milk—I’ve done it and still got great creaminess.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a cozy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Add veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or celery with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Leeks or Onions Until Soft and Golden

Heat some olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. I like to gently soften the sliced leeks or diced onions until they’re tender and just starting to get a little golden around the edges—that caramelization adds so much depth of flavor. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and pepper here—it helps them break down and release their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes in Broth Until Tender

Next, add your diced potatoes into the pot and pour in just enough broth to cover them. I save the rest of the broth to adjust thickness later. Turn the heat up and bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Check after 15-20 minutes by poking a potato piece with a fork; if it slides through easily, your potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready for the next step.

Step 3: Puree Some Potatoes with Cream Cheese for That Creaminess

Using a slotted spoon, scoop out a few potatoes from the pot and set them aside for adding back in later. To the remaining potatoes and cooking liquid, break off pieces of softened cream cheese and blend everything together with an immersion blender until silky smooth. I love this step because the cream cheese melts in perfectly, making the soup silky without heaviness. Then stir the reserved potato chunks back into the pot for some nice texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, and add more broth if you want it soupier. Let it all simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sauté: Letting your leeks or onions brown slowly really builds flavor, so be patient and stir occasionally.
Keep Broth Handy: Add extra broth gradually to control soup consistency—you can always thin it, but it’s hard to fix if it gets too watery.
Use an Immersion Blender: I find this tool perfect for blending right in the pot—no mess and more control over texture.
Save Some Potato Chunks: Adding back chunks after pureeing gives your soup a wonderful, hearty feel that I’ve fallen in love with.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like to pile on grated sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits to top off my bowl of creamy potato soup. Some snipped scallions add a fresh, oniony crunch that brightens each spoonful. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley really elevates it visually and flavor-wise. Your call here—toppings are where you can have a little fun!

Side Dishes

To make a meal out of this soup, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for dipping. A warm baguette, garlic knots, or even some buttery cornbread are perfect companions—great for soaking up every last bit of delicious soup!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in little bread bowls—always a crowd-pleaser. Or try layering toppings in a clear glass mug so guests see the bacon, cheese, and herbs on the surface. It’s simple but makes the presentation feel extra thoughtful and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover potato soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had more time to mingle. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well, but keep in mind that the texture of potatoes can change slightly. To help with that, I usually freeze it in portions and add a splash of fresh broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat my Creamy Potato Soup Recipe gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, adding a little broth or milk helps loosen it while keeping it rich and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of cream cheese in the creamy potato soup recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with regular cream or half-and-half. However, cream cheese adds a subtle tang and thickens the soup beautifully without extra fat, so you might notice a difference in texture and flavor if you swap it out.
How do I make this soup vegan-friendly?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken and swap the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative or silken tofu blended in for creaminess. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy note if you like.
Can I prepare the soup a day ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors develop even more overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving. You might want to loosen it with some broth upon reheating if it thickens up.
What’s the best potato for creamy potato soup?

Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best as they break down nicely when cooked, creating that luscious creamy base everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe turns out every time—a perfect balance of cozy comfort and simple, wholesome ingredients. When I first tried making potato soup, I struggled with getting the texture just right, but this method has been a game changer. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why my family keeps asking for it again and again!