So you’ve decided to learn how to make potato soup. There are many reasons why someone might want to learn how to make this classic dish. Maybe you’re looking for an easy recipe that you can use when you have company over. Or maybe you’re looking for a comforting dish. No matter your reason, we’re here to help you learn how to make the best potato soup possible.
Potato soup is one of those things that you can find the world over. It has an incredible heartiness that can’t be replicated when made just right!
There are numerous ways that this dish can be made, but what the world eats comes from a very easy potato soup recipe that is later modified to personal taste.
One of the challenges people face when learning how to make potato soup is figuring out the right ingredients. This recipe is simple, but there are some variations that you can try depending on what you have on hand.
For example, you can use vegetable broth or water instead if you don’t have access to chicken broth. Add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots or peas. And if you want a creamier soup, add milk or cream instead of water.
Show Table of Contents
- Homemade Potato Soup Recipe #1
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Homemade Potato Soup Recipe #2
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Best Potato Soup Recipe Toppings
- What is Potato Soup?
- How to Thicken Potato Soup
- What do you serve with potato soup?
- How to Store Leftover Potato Soup
- Variations of Potato Soup
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Herb and Vegetable Potato Soup
- Spicy Potato Soup
- Creamy Potato Soup
- FAQs
- What is the best way to make potato soup?
- What are some tips for making potato soup?
- Can you freeze creamy potato soup?
Homemade Potato Soup Recipe #1

If you want to make the ultimate potato soup, the first thing you’ll need is a slow cooker, like a Crock-Pot. You can make the soup on the stovetop if you wish in a large saucepan, but you won’t get the consistent results that you’ll want.
Ingredients
Here are the following ingredients for this simple recipe:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 leek
- 6 green onions/scallions
- 2 carrots
- 1 garlic clove
- Milk
Instructions
Unlike other soups, you actually want to start cooking the ingredients in your slow cooker before you add in the milk. Dice the potatoes and put the diced potatoes in first to get them cooking. If your slow cooker has a high setting, then use it.
Then add in the remainder of the ingredients, finely chopped based on your preferences. However, you’ll need to mince the garlic so that you don’t overwhelm someone if they bite into a big chunk of it.
Add the salt at the end and let the ingredients cook on medium heat in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours. It is at this point you can add the milk. If you start cooking the milk and the ingredients together at the same time, the milk will actually separate and you’ll be left with a curdled, icky mess that still tastes fine, but doesn’t look very good.
Add enough milk to add some substance to the dish, usually just a cup or two at most. Mix it well and then add any extra salt you may need to have it seasoned properly.
Turn the settings to low to prevent the milk from separating, and let it warm up over the next 60-90 minutes. Then you’re ready to serve!
Homemade Potato Soup Recipe #2
The first thing you’ll need to do is gather your ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, celery, salt, pepper, and heavy cream for this recipe. You’re ready to start cooking once your ingredients are assembled.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions
Instructions
Peel and chop the potatoes. Place them in a large pot with the chopped onion. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, or until the potatoes are tender.
Drain the water from the pot and add the milk and butter—season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and/or chopped green onions, if desired. Also, you can add sour cream to you
This easy potato soup recipe is simple to follow and yields the best potato soup your friends and family will love.
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Best Potato Soup Recipe Toppings

When it comes to potato soup, the best part is that there are so many delicious toppings to choose from! This makes the soup completely customizable to your personal preferences.
Additionally, it seems like the soup is not a garnish. It’s quite filling and satisfying, but toppings add an extra level of flavor and texture.
Some of the best toppings for potato soup include:
- Cheddar cheese,
- Ham,
- Rotisserie chicken (shredded),
- Smoked sausages,
- Crispy bacon,
- Scallions,
- Sour cream,
- Green onions, and
- Roasted vegetables.
Since potato soup is so filling, it’s a great way to reduce calorie intake and eliminate food waste.
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What is Potato Soup?
Potato soup is a type of soup that typically contains potatoes, milk, butter, and onions. It is often garnished with cheddar cheese, bacon, and/or green onions. Potato soup can be thick or thin, depending on the liquid used.
How to Thicken Potato Soup
If you find that your potato soup is too thin or you want creamy potato soup, there are a few things you can do to thicken it up.
One option is to add some cooked rice or pasta to the soup. This will absorb some of the liquid and make the soup thicker. Another option is to add some instant mashed potatoes to the soup. This will also help to thicken it up.
Finally, you can try adding some flour or cornstarch to the soup. This will help to absorb some of the liquid and make the soup thicker.
If you find that your soup is still too thin, you can always cook it for a longer period. This will allow some of the water to evaporate, making the soup thicker.
What do you serve with potato soup?
When it comes to toppings, the sky is the limit. Some popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled crispy bacon, diced onions, chives, green onions, scallions, and sour cream. But feel free to get creative and top your soup with whatever you like.
If you are looking for a potato soup side dish, you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad or a piece of crusty bread.
And if you want to make this meal even more filling, add some shredded chicken or ham to the soup. No matter what you serve with it, this potato soup is sure to be a hit with everyone.
How to Store Leftover Potato Soup
If you’re planning on storing your potato soup for later, there are a few things you should know. First, your potato soup should be kept at room temperature before it’s transferred into a sealed container. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Second, your leftover potato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. Then, the best way to reheat it is on the stovetop under medium heat before serving. If you are short on time, use a microwave, but as always, things taste much better from the stovetop.
And finally, if you’re traveling with potato soup, it’s best to keep it in a thermos or other insulated container. That way, you can enjoy your soup hot and fresh, no matter where you are.
We do not recommend freezing potato soup since it will lose its creaminess since potatoes absorb moisture, so when you go to thaw the frozen soup it will absorb all the flavor.
You’ll end up with runny soup. If you try to add heavy cream, the balance of the flavors won’t be as prevalent as when you make the soup on your own.
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Potato Soup Recipe: How to Make This Classic

Potato soup is a much-loved dish the world over. Although there are many variations, start off with this easy potato soup recipe.
Type: Soup
Cuisine: German or American
Keywords: potato soup, potatoe soup, classic potato soup, german potato soup, creamy potato soup
Recipe Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: PT1H30M
Cooking Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT2H
Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 leek
- 6 green onions/scallions
- 2 carrots
- 1 garlic clove
- Milk
Recipe Instructions: Unlike other soups, you actually want to start cooking the ingredients in your slow cooker before you add in the milk. Dice the potatoes and put the diced potatoes in first to get them cooking. If your slow cooker has a high setting, then use it. Then add in the remainder of the ingredients, finely chopped based on your preferences. You’ll need to mince the garlic, however, so that you don’t overwhelm someone if they bite into a big chunk of it. Add the salt at the end and let the ingredients cook on medium heat in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours. It is at this point you can add the milk. If you start cooking the milk and the ingredients together at the same time, the milk will actually separate and you’ll be left with a curdled, icky mess that still tastes fine, but doesn’t look very good. Add just enough milk to add some substance to the dish, usually just a cup or two at most. Mix it in well and then add any extra salt you may need to have it seasoned properly. Turn the settings to low to prevent the milk from separating and let it warm up over the next 60-90 minutes. Then you’re ready to serve!
4
Variations of Potato Soup
Plenty of different types of potato soups, so if you want to customize your homemade soup to suit your friends and family’s tastes.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup

The primary variation you’ll find is the addition of cooked bacon and baking the potatoes. This combination makes Make sure to fry the bacon before adding it to the soup because otherwise, you’ll end up with a fatty, soggy mess.
The crispier the bacon, since it will hold better in the creamy potato soup. Take 6-8 thick applewood smoked bacon strips, make them into crispy bacon bits, and add them just as you’re about to serve the soup for the best results.
Then, present this soup with toppings, including cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onion, and additional crispy bacon to taste.
Herb and Vegetable Potato Soup
Another popular variation is to add seasonal herbs/vegetables to the soup. Squash, zucchini, celery, anise, basil, and lemongrass all work well.
Spicy Potato Soup
A spicier version includes habanero peppers, chili powder, and radishes, which should definitely be tried at least once. It’ll clean out your sinuses, though.
Creamy Potato Soup

The cream is an easy substitute if you want a thicker soup. It will also separate easier, so be careful! If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a milk-based soup, you can use chicken stock as your liquid instead.
Chicken stock can be added at the same time as the vegetables into the slow cooker, but be careful about much salt you add. Many stocks have high levels of sodium included with them if they are pre-made – even if they don’t taste like it.
Potato leek soup is one of the most popular soups around. It’s easy to make, and its creamy and decadent flavor makes it a favorite among many. The combination of potatoes, leeks, and cream makes this soup delicious.
The potatoes add a hearty texture and flavor, while the leeks add a touch of sweetness and creaminess. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day or when craving something comforting and delicious.
On a cool evening, nothing satisfies like a warm bowl of potato soup. That’s why it is one of the essential dishes that the world eats. Make your own and tell us about the results.
FAQs
What is the best way to make potato soup?
The best way to make potato soup is by boiling the potatoes and adding them to a blender with the other ingredients. You can also use an immersion blender to make the soup.
What are some tips for making potato soup?
Some tips for making potato soup include using Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a buttery flavor that goes well with the other ingredients. You can also add some chopped bacon to the soup for extra flavor.
Can you freeze creamy potato soup?
Yes, creamy potato soup can be frozen. However, like most soups, potato soup is not recommended to be frozen. The best enjoyment can occur within three to four days of production.
Potatoes are starchy and absorb much moisture. This results in the addition and accumulation of moisture during the thawing stage. Also, soups with dairy are often separated or lose their creaminess if frozen. It is recommended to enjoy it instantly.
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Kyle Kroeger is the Founder and Owner of ViaTravelers.com. He is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur. Kyle started ViaTravelers.com to help travelers find their next adventure, whether it’s exploring new places or revisiting old favorites.
He’s a converted finance nerd and Excel jockey turned world wonderer (and may try to get lost on purpose). He loves listening to people’s stories from around the world as well as sharing his own experiences traveling the globe. He loves travel so much that he moved from his hometown of Minneapolis to Amsterdam with his small family to travel Europe full-time.
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