When the weather cools down, nothing warms you up like a big bowl of potato soup. Creamy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
The beauty of potato soup is that it’s simple at its core—just potatoes, broth, and cream—but can be adapted in countless ways. From light and healthy versions to over-the-top loaded bowls, there’s a potato soup for every craving.
Here’s one master recipe you can adapt to fit any of the variations below.
One Adaptable Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients (Base Recipe):
- 5–6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (or substitute plant-based milk)
- 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream
Directions:
- Heat butter in a large pot. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Add potatoes and broth. Simmer 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Mash or blend some of the potatoes for creaminess, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in milk or cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Top with cheese, bacon, or herbs before serving.
Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 25 min | Servings: 6
15 Potato Soup Variations
1. “The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Soup”
Topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, this tastes just like your favorite baked potato in soup form.
2. “The Creamiest Potato Soup (No Flour)”
Thickened by blending the potatoes themselves—no roux or flour needed. Smooth, rich, and naturally gluten-free.
3. Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup
Packed with extra cheddar and smoky bacon, this version is indulgent and perfect for game day.
4. Classic Ham and Potato Soup
A great way to use leftover ham. The smoky, savory flavors make it cozy and hearty.
5. Elegant Leek and Potato Soup
A French-inspired favorite (a.k.a. vichyssoise). Smooth and light, served hot or chilled, with delicate leek flavor.
6. “5-Ingredient” Potato Soup
For busy nights: potatoes, broth, onion, butter, and milk. Simple, quick, and satisfying.
7. Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
Hands-off comfort—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer all day.
8. “30-Minute” Weeknight Potato Soup
Quickly simmer potatoes, blend part of them, and stir in cream for a fast dinner.
9. Instant Pot Potato Soup
Perfect for pressure cooker fans—creamy and flavorful in under 20 minutes.
10. Healthy & Creamy Potato Soup (No Cream)
Swap in blended cauliflower or cashew cream for a light but velvety soup.
11. The Best Vegan Potato Soup
Use veggie broth, olive oil, and plant milk. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
12. Gluten-Free Potato Soup
Naturally thickened with potatoes and cornstarch—comforting without gluten.
13. Spicy Jalapeño Popper Potato Soup
Cheesy, creamy, and kicked up with fresh jalapeños. Optional: top with crushed tortilla chips.
14. Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup
Two comfort food icons in one bowl—loaded with broccoli florets and melted cheddar.
15. Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Potato Soup
Oven-roasted garlic and fresh rosemary transform potato soup into a fragrant, gourmet dish.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup
- Choose the right potato: Yukon Golds are naturally creamy, while russets make it fluffier.
- Blend strategically: For silky soup, puree most of the potatoes. For chunky soup, only mash part.
- Don’t skip toppings: Bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives take it from simple to spectacular.
- Make ahead: Potato soup reheats well but may thicken—just thin with extra broth or milk.
- Freeze smart: Leave out dairy before freezing, then stir it in when reheating.
Why Potato Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food
Potato soup is budget-friendly, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. It works for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even entertaining. Once you master the base recipe, you’ll never run out of ways to reinvent it.
