Easy Potato Soup Recipe: Simple Homemade Comfort Food

The simplest easy potato soup recipe requires just 6 basic ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes, 4 cups broth, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 cup milk. Cook chopped potatoes and onions in butter until softened, add broth and simmer 15-20 minutes until tender, then blend until smooth. Stir in milk and season. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples.

Nothing beats a bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly day, and the best part? You don't need culinary expertise to make a delicious batch. This easy potato soup recipe delivers rich, comforting flavor with minimal effort and common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Unlike complicated versions requiring specialty equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, this approach focuses on simplicity without sacrificing taste.

Why This Easy Potato Soup Recipe Works

Many potato soup recipes overcomplicate a naturally simple dish. Our version eliminates unnecessary steps while maintaining that signature creamy texture. The secret lies in proper potato selection and cooking technique rather than adding excessive cream or cheese. Russet potatoes provide the perfect balance of starchiness for natural thickening, while yellow potatoes offer a buttery flavor. This easy creamy potato soup recipe achieves restaurant-quality results without specialty equipment—just a standard pot and immersion blender (or regular blender).

Simple Potato Soup Ingredients

This beginner friendly potato soup recipe uses straightforward ingredients with no hard-to-find items:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Russet potatoes	2 lbs (about 4 medium)	Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
Vegetable or chicken broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Yellow onion	1 medium	Finely chopped
Garlic cloves	3	Minced
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	Or olive oil for dairy-free
Milk or cream	1 cup	Whole milk recommended
Salt and pepper	To taste	Start with 1 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Easy Potato Soup Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables: Peel and dice potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop onion and mince garlic.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook potatoes: Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Blend soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree soup until smooth. (Alternatively, cool slightly and blend in batches in a regular blender.)
5. Finish soup: Return to low heat and stir in milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 5 minutes (do not boil after adding milk).
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives, bacon bits, or shredded cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Soup Every Time

Follow these simple techniques to elevate your easy potato soup recipe from good to exceptional:

• Uniform dicing: Cut potatoes to the same size for even cooking—uneven pieces lead to some being mushy while others remain undercooked
• No boiling after adding dairy: High heat causes milk to curdle, so keep temperature low when finishing the soup
• Reserve cooking liquid: Before blending, remove 1/2 cup broth and set aside to adjust consistency if needed
• Double the recipe: This simple potato soup with few ingredients freezes beautifully for future meals

Easy Variations for Different Diets

This basic recipe adapts easily to accommodate various dietary needs while maintaining that comforting potato soup essence:

• Creamier version: Replace milk with heavy cream for extra richness (add after blending)
• Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of dairy milk
• Loaded potato soup: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 4 slices cooked bacon after blending
• Vegetable boost: Add 1 cup diced carrots with the onions for added nutrition
• Herb infusion: Add 2 sprigs fresh thyme while potatoes simmer, removing before blending

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures your homemade potato soup in 30 minutes stays delicious for later enjoyment:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze without dairy for up to 3 months; add milk when reheating
• Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splashes of broth if too thick
• Reviving texture: If soup separates after storage, blend briefly with immersion blender

Common Questions About Easy Potato Soup

Can I make potato soup without a blender?

Yes, you can make a chunky potato soup without blending. Simply cook the potatoes until very tender and mash some against the pot with a spoon to thicken the broth naturally. This creates a rustic texture while maintaining the easy preparation of this beginner friendly potato soup recipe.

Why did my potato soup turn out grainy?

Grainy texture usually happens when using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which don't break down smoothly. For the creamiest results with this easy creamy potato soup recipe, stick with starchy russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Over-blending can also cause a gluey texture, so blend just until smooth.

How can I thicken potato soup without adding flour?

The natural starch in potatoes provides excellent thickening. For a thicker soup without flour, try these methods: simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, blend more of the potatoes, or add a peeled and diced potato to the simmering soup (it will break down and thicken the broth naturally). This keeps your simple potato soup with few ingredients completely gluten-free.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! This is a great way to repurpose leftovers. For every 2 cups of mashed potatoes, use 3 cups broth. Heat the broth, then gradually whisk in the mashed potatoes until smooth. Add sautéed onions and garlic for extra flavor. This shortcut creates an even quicker potato soup using pantry staples you may already have.

What's the best potato variety for creamy soup?

Russet potatoes provide the creamiest texture for this easy potato soup recipe due to their high starch content. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and smooth consistency. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes, which maintain their shape rather than breaking down into a creamy texture. For the best results with this simple potato soup with few ingredients, stick with starchy potato varieties.