Easy Potato Soup Recipe: Simple Homemade Comfort Food

The easiest way to make potato soup is by simmering diced potatoes with onions, garlic, broth, and a few simple seasonings for 20-25 minutes until tender, then blending until smooth. This basic method requires just 7 common ingredients, takes under 30 minutes total, and creates a creamy texture without heavy cream.

Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade potato soup on a chilly day, and the good news is you don't need culinary expertise to make a delicious version. This straightforward recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food without complicated techniques or specialty ingredients.

Why This Easy Potato Soup Recipe Works

Many potato soup recipes overwhelm beginners with lengthy ingredient lists or complex steps, but this approach focuses on simplicity without sacrificing flavor. By using basic pantry staples and smart cooking techniques, you'll create a creamy, satisfying soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The secret lies in properly cooking the potatoes and using the right ratio of liquid to solids.

Essential Ingredients for Simple Potato Soup

One reason this recipe qualifies as an easy potato soup recipe for beginners is its short ingredient list. You likely have most of these items already:

Ingredient	Amount	Why It Matters
Yukon Gold potatoes	2 pounds	Naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked
Yellow onion	1 medium	Provides essential savory base flavor
Garlic	2 cloves	Adds depth without overpowering
Vegetable or chicken broth	4 cups	Flavorful liquid base (low-sodium preferred)
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons	Enhances richness and carries flavors
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	Thickens soup naturally (creates roux with butter)
Fresh thyme or rosemary	1 teaspoon	Adds aromatic complexity (dried works too)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Foolproof Potato Soup

Preparation (5 minutes)

Peel and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking (mise en place) makes the simple homemade potato soup process much smoother.

Cooking Process (20 minutes)

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—don't let it brown.
Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in broth, ensuring no lumps form.
Add potatoes and herbs, bringing to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some texture, or blend half in a regular blender.

Avoiding Common Potato Soup Mistakes

Even with this quick potato soup with few ingredients, certain pitfalls can ruin your results:

Overcooking potatoes: They'll become waterlogged. Check tenderness at 15 minutes.
Adding cold dairy to hot soup: This can cause curdling. Our recipe avoids this issue entirely by creating creaminess through blending.
Skipping the roux: The flour-butter mixture creates a stable base that prevents separation.
Not seasoning between steps: Season lightly when cooking onions and again after blending.

Customizing Your Easy Potato Soup

The beauty of this basic potato soup is how easily you can adapt it:

Make it creamy without cream: Blend all potatoes for ultra-smooth texture
Add protein: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or white beans
Veggie boost: Add shredded carrots or celery with the onions
Spice it up: Include a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika
Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter

Serving and Storage Tips

This easy weeknight potato soup recipe serves 4 and pairs perfectly with crusty bread. For best results:

Let soup rest for 10 minutes after blending to allow flavors to meld
Garnish with fresh herbs, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
Reheat gently on stove—avoid boiling which can make potatoes grainy

Why This Method Creates the Best Easy Potato Soup

Unlike many recipes that rely on heavy cream or complicated techniques, this approach leverages the natural starches in Yukon Gold potatoes to create creaminess. The roux provides stable thickening without flour clumps, while the partial blending gives you the perfect balance of smooth texture with some potato chunks for interest. This how to make potato soup in 30 minutes method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 release their starches and thicken the broth naturally. This creates a rustic, hearty texture perfect for cold weather.

What potatoes work best for easy potato soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for easy potato soup because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Russet potatoes work too but may require additional thickening, while waxy potatoes like red potatoes hold their shape too well for a creamy soup texture.

How can I fix watery potato soup?

If your potato soup turns out too thin, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Whisk this into the simmering soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid, or blend more of the potatoes to release their natural starches.

Can I make this potato soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the onions, garlic, and roux in a skillet first, then transfer to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender, then blend as desired. The slow cooking enhances the flavors while maintaining the easy preparation.

How do I prevent my potato soup from turning brown?

Potatoes can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. To prevent this, keep cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water until ready to use. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the water helps further. When cooking, make sure to cover the pot while the potatoes simmer, and avoid overcooking which can cause discoloration.