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 (about 6 cups diced); 6 cups broth (chicken or vegetable); 1 8oz block cream cheese; Olive oil; Salt & pepper; Bacon; Scallions; Cheese; Herbs

If you’re craving a cozy bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to want to stick around for this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become my go-to when I need something comforting and easy. It’s rich, smooth, and—you’ll love this—a little bit indulgent without being complicated. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy potato soup will totally win you over.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry, making it a quick weeknight winner.
Versatile Texture: Whether you like it silky smooth or a bit chunky, this soup adjusts perfectly to your mood.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or casual meals, it’s always a hit.

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, easy potato soup, comforting potato soup, hearty potato soup recipe, homemade creamy soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a rich and comforting soup that’s all about bright flavors balanced with creamy indulgence. Keep an eye out for fresh leeks or good-quality onions—they really set the base for this soup’s flavor.

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, easy potato soup, comforting potato soup, hearty potato soup recipe, homemade creamy soup

Leeks or Onions: Leeks add a subtle sweetness, but onions are a great accessible substitute that caramelize beautifully.
Potatoes: Choose medium starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds—they mash up nicely for that creamy soup texture.
Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): Using a homemade broth amps up the flavor, but store-bought works perfectly fine.
Cream Cheese: This sneaky ingredient adds that velvety creaminess without the heaviness of cream.
Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Simple staples, but don’t skimp—seasoning is key for depth.
Toppings of Choice: Think crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, or fresh scallions to add texture and pops of flavor.

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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 tweaking my Creamy Potato Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. You’ll find that it’s super flexible, so have fun experimenting with add-ins or different broths.

Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip bacon toppings for a delicious meat-free bowl.
Extra Creamy: For an ultra-rich soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk right at the end before serving.
Chunky vs Smooth: I discovered mixing some puréed potatoes with whole chunks keeps it hearty and satisfying.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a lovely layer of flavor that my family really enjoys.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Leeks or Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your sliced leeks or diced onions—whatever you’re using—and cook them slowly until soft and just beginning to brown. This is where the flavor base builds, so don’t rush this step! Add a pinch of salt and pepper here to enhance those flavors early on.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Next, toss in your diced potatoes and pour in just enough broth to cover them. Hold back the rest—you might want to add it later depending on your preferred soup thickness. Bring this to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, usually about 15 minutes. This part smells amazing, and you’ll start feeling the comfort vibes right away.

Step 3: Purée and Finish the Soup

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove some of the potatoes and set them aside. Then, add chunked cream cheese to the pot and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until lovely and smooth. Toss those reserved potato chunks back in and season with more salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick for your liking, stir in more broth and let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your creamy potato soup into bowls and top with all your favorites—crisp bacon bits, shredded cheese, scallions, or fresh herbs. These final touches make every spoonful delightful and satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Use Yukon Golds: These potatoes give the perfect balance of creamy and starchy. Russets can get too grainy.
Don’t Over Purée: Leaving some potato chunks creates great texture and adds to the heartiness of the soup.
Season Gradually: Add salt in stages—before cooking and after blending—to build depth without oversalting.
Keep the Cream Cheese Soft: Cut it into cubes and let it warm up a bit for easier blending and smoother texture.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my soup with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped scallions for a savory crunch. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley brighten the bowl. These simple garnishes really elevate the soup and add little bursts of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pairing this creamy potato soup with a crunchy green salad or a warm, crusty bread makes for a complete and satisfying meal. I especially love serving it alongside garlic bread or soft dinner rolls that soak up every last bit of soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls—the kids think it’s a fun treat! Another time, I garnished with a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of chives, which really made the flavors pop. Presentation like this makes it feel like a restaurant dish even on a casual night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover creamy potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I do this, the flavors deepen even more, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works, but a quick tip: because of the cream cheese, the texture can get a bit grainy after thawing. To avoid this, I like to freeze the soup before adding cream cheese and stir it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving unless you want uneven heating—stovetop gives you the best creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, skip the bacon toppings, and instead of cream cheese, try a vegan cream cheese alternative or a splash of coconut milk to maintain creaminess.
What’s the best potato to use for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for this recipe because they break down beautifully without getting too gummy, giving the soup that perfect creamy texture.
How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

If you want thicker soup, purée more of the potatoes and add less broth. For a thinner soup, keep more of the potatoes whole and add extra broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use an immersion blender substitute?

Yes! A regular blender works too—just be careful with the hot soup. Blend in batches and allow steam to escape to avoid splatters.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is one of those kitchen secrets I treasure because it’s so easy and satisfying. I love how you get that balance of comforting creaminess with a bright kick from the leeks or onions. The best part? It’s adaptable to whatever you have on hand, and you can make it as fancy or as rustic as you like. So next time you want to whip up something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it.