Creamy, Comforting Potato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Classic

There’s something about a big bowl of creamy potato soup that just feels like home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a day when you just want something hearty and comforting, this recipe hits the spot. You’ll find yourself making this easy potato soup over and over again, especially since it’s so quick to whip up and packed with all the creamy, savory goodness you love.

Let me tell you, this potato soup recipe has been a family favorite for years. I’ve made it countless times for dinners, get-togethers, and even for a cozy night in. It’s one of those recipes you can’t help but feel good about. It’s just that perfect combination of comforting, creamy, and flavorful.

I’ve made this soup so many different ways, but today I’m sharing my favorite version — the one that gets everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In fact, I bet you could have it ready in about 40 minutes, which is just enough time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the warmth of a homemade meal.

Let’s dive into the details of this soup (but not too deep, because that’s what makes it so easy!).

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Potato Soup

Before you start, gather up these simple ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen, which makes this recipe even better! There’s nothing worse than wanting to make something and realizing you have to run to the store for something you’ll rarely use. But with this potato soup, everything is pretty basic and pantry-friendly.

• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer, I’ve tried both and they work great)
• 2 cups heavy cream (for that amazing creaminess)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter (because butter makes everything better)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (more if you love garlic)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because who doesn’t love cheesy soup?)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: Green onions, bacon bits, extra cheese, and sour cream (these are the “optional” toppings, but I’m not sure why you’d skip them)

How to Make This Easy, Delicious Potato Soup

This potato soup couldn’t be simpler to make. Trust me, even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can totally nail this. I’ve made this so many times, and it always turns out perfectly. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about making a meal from scratch that just tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Let’s get started:

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Veggies

First things first — you’ll need to peel and dice your potatoes. Don’t skip the peeling part; it really adds to the creamy texture. Dice them into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces). The smaller the cubes, the quicker they’ll cook. This is your first step toward the creamy, comfort-food goodness that’s coming your way.

Next, chop up your onion and mince the garlic. Don’t worry if everything’s not perfectly uniform — this soup is forgiving, and it all blends together in the end. I like to dice the onion a bit smaller so it can cook down and soften nicely. You don’t want big chunks of onion in your soup unless you’re really into that (which is totally cool, by the way).

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook! In a large pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll know it’s time to move to the next step when the smell of garlic and onion starts to fill your kitchen. Honestly, this is the best part — that savory scent is the first sign that something amazing is on its way.

Once the onions and garlic are softened, toss in the diced potatoes. Stir them around for about 2 minutes so they can absorb that buttery goodness. The potatoes will begin to take on that golden hue from the butter, and your kitchen will smell even better.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

At this point, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour in the 4 cups of broth and give everything a good stir. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You can test them by poking a piece with a fork; if it easily slides in, you’re good to go!

Now, here’s where you can relax. Let the soup simmer while you take a breather. Maybe get the kids settled, or curl up on the couch with a good book. The soup is doing its thing, and it’ll be ready before you know it.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the potatoes are soft and fully cooked, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir everything together, and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. The soup will take on a smooth, velvety texture that’s just irresistible.

Pro Tip: If you like your potato soup extra creamy (who doesn’t?), you can use an immersion blender to give it a quick puree. This step is optional, but it adds a silky-smooth texture that’s next level. You don’t need to puree the whole thing — just blend a few of the potatoes to thicken the soup and make it even richer.

Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese

At this point, you should be looking at a rich, creamy soup. But we’re not done yet! Now, add in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in slowly until it’s completely melted. The cheese will melt right into the soup, giving it that extra layer of flavor that’s sure to make everyone smile. It’s the kind of cheesy soup you just want to spoon up and savor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Now that your soup is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, and here comes the fun part — the toppings! You can’t skip the toppings on this soup. They’re what take it from great to absolutely amazing.

Top your soup with sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon bits, and a little more shredded cheese for good measure. Those little extras are what make each bite feel like a treat. Trust me, once you add those garnishes, you’ll be hooked. The contrast of the creamy soup with the crunchy bacon and cool sour cream is just heavenly.

Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup

Okay, let’s talk about a few tips that will take your potato soup to the next level.

• Adjust the thickness: If you like a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash up some of the potatoes after they’re cooked. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture without adding any extra cream. I love doing this because it really makes the soup feel hearty without having to load it up with extra ingredients.
• Add extra toppings: You can’t have enough toppings when it comes to potato soup. Bacon bits, shredded cheese, and sour cream are always a hit. I sometimes throw in some chives or fresh herbs like parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
• Make it a meal: This soup can totally be a meal on its own, but it’s also amazing alongside a fresh green salad or some warm, crusty bread. You can dip the bread right into the soup and savor every bite. It’s the perfect combo!
• Make it ahead: Potato soup is actually even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, if you have leftovers, it’s the perfect lunch for the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Potato Soup

There’s so much to love about this potato soup. First off, it’s super easy to make — you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or cooking skills. Plus, it’s so comforting and filling, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. It’s a great recipe for busy nights when you need something that’s both quick and satisfying.

But what really makes this potato soup stand out is its versatility. You can easily tweak it based on what you have in your fridge or personal preferences. Not into bacon? Skip it! Want to make it extra cheesy? Go for it! The options are endless.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty, and satisfying soup, this creamy potato soup recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes them feel warm and cozy, no matter the season. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the leftovers (if you have any) are just as amazing the next day.

So grab your potatoes, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it.