Prepare to fall in love with comfort food at its coziest! This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe delivers a velvety bowlful of rich, cheesy goodness, steamy and satisfying from the very first spoonful. With its luscious texture, savory depth, and just the right hint of herbs, this soup turns humble potatoes into pure magic—perfect for chilly nights, family table gatherings, or anytime you need a little edible hug. Trust me, one taste and you’ll understand why this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe has a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation!

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is chosen to ensure the soup is blissfully creamy, ultra-satisfying, and layered with savory flavors. Simple and classic staples shine when treated with the right touch—get ready for a pot of pure delight!

Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): The base of flavor—adds richness and helps soften the onions for a mellow, buttery backbone.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Brings gentle sweetness and a little savory depth to round out the creamy potato taste.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just the right punch of aromatic goodness to keep each bite interesting and inviting.
Russet Potatoes (4 cups peeled and diced): The heart of the soup—russets break down beautifully for that ultra-creamy texture.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (3 cups): Adds comforting flavor and helps create that perfect soup base—choose veggie broth to keep it vegetarian!
Whole Milk (1 cup): For a lighter creaminess and just enough body in each spoonful.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to that velvety, dreamy mouthfeel—don’t skip it if you love indulgently creamy soup!
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and lifts all the flavors so nothing tastes flat or bland.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and gentle heat to cozy up the soup.
Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle herby aroma that pairs beautifully with potatoes and cheese.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): For that luscious, melty finish and a hint of sharp cheddar tang in every bite!
Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled, optional): For added smoky crunch and extra flavor—totally optional, but oh-so-worth it if you have some!
Green Onions (2, sliced for garnish): Pops of color, crunch, and fresh oniony zip to finish your soup with flair.

How to Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent—not browned. Stir in those fragrant minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds, just until aromatic. This simple step lays down the irresistible savory backbone of your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Build the Potato Foundation

Next, toss in the diced russet potatoes, giving everything a good mix so the potatoes are coated in that buttery, oniony goodness. Pour in your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. This is where the flavor magic starts to build! Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let your potatoes simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. When the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender, you’re ready to move on.

Step 3: Cream, Blend, and Season

For the creamiest result, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes right in the pot—or blend a portion with an immersion blender for extra silkiness. Now, stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible by this point!

Step 4: Add Cheddar and Finish

Drop in that generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese and give your soup a nice, steady stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup glistens. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you’d like. The soup should be wonderfully creamy and cheesy, with a rich, comforting flavor to match.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your gorgeous Creamy Potato Soup Recipe into bowls. Top with crispy crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and an extra sprinkle of cheddar if you’re feeling cheesy. Serve piping hot—and watch as it disappears in record time!

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can take your bowl from simple to showstopper. A scattering of fresh green onions adds brightness and crunch, while a handful of shredded cheddar melts on contact for pure cheese heaven. And don’t forget the optional bacon—it’s smoky, salty, and the perfect crispy contrast for an already decadent Creamy Potato Soup Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe with a warm, crusty sourdough or baguette to mop up every delicious drop. Light green salads with a tangy vinaigrette balance out the soup’s richness beautifully. For extra comfort, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich—classic, but always a winner!

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle mini servings of the soup into espresso cups or shot glasses for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a dinner party. For a rustic, farmhouse feel, serve in small bread bowls with the tops perched jauntily on the side. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a swirl of sour cream on top is a fun touch that makes your Creamy Potato Soup Recipe extra special for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Creamy Potato Soup Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days—just the thing for easy lunches or a cozy midnight snack. The flavors even deepen a bit as it sits, making each bowl more irresistible!

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, though because of the dairy, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool the soup fully, divide into freezer-safe containers (leaving an inch of space for expansion), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you know ahead of time that you’ll freeze it, consider leaving out the cheese and adding it after reheating for the best melt and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it seems especially thick after chilling, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stopping to stir every minute for even heating. Don’t forget to add fresh garnishes just before serving for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and skip the bacon garnish or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. The soup will still be wonderfully hearty and comforting.

What potatoes work best in this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe because their high starch content breaks down beautifully, creating that perfect creamy texture. Yukon Golds are a fine substitute if you prefer a silkier mouthfeel.

Can I make this soup lighter?

You sure can! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or additional milk for a lighter—yet still delicious—version. Just keep in mind, it will be less rich, but still satisfyingly creamy.

Is this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, it’s naturally gluten-free! Always double-check your broth and add-ins to be certain, but potatoes and dairy make this a great option for gluten-free meals.

How do I thicken or thin the soup?

If you like a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or reduce the milk slightly. For a thinner soup, just add extra broth or milk a little at a time, stirring until you reach the right consistency for your tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a soul-soothing, ultra-creamy dinner that’s as easy to make as it is craveable, this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is the answer every time. Try it out, top it with your favorite garnishes, and let it bring a little warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Here’s to happy cooking and even happier slurping!

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of rich and creamy potato soup, perfect for chilly days. This easy recipe is a hearty blend of tender potatoes, savory broth, and decadent cheese, topped with crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Potato Soup:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and broth. Simmer until tender.
Blend or Mash: Mash some potatoes for creaminess or blend part of the soup.
Finish Soup: Stir in milk, cream, seasonings, and cheddar. Simmer until cheese melts.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.