The humble potato gets a gourmet makeover in this rich, silky Cream of Potato Soup. With sautéed onions, fresh garlic, and Yukon Gold potatoes simmered until tender, this recipe blends comfort and flavor in every spoonful. The addition of sour cream and heavy cream brings a luxurious texture, while fresh chives provide a vibrant pop. Whether served as a cozy starter or a standalone dinner, this soup is perfect for chilly nights and lazy weekends. Add toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or extra herbs to personalize your bowl. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying just the kind of dish you’ll return to all season long.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 large yellow onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
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2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
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Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, extra chives for garnish
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until translucent.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
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Slowly pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
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Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth (or blend in batches in a blender).
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Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
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Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives, cheese, and bacon if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Beloved Staple in the World of Comfort Food
There’s a reason Cream of Potato Soup has remained a timeless favorite in kitchens across the globe. It’s warm, hearty, and velvety smooth the kind of meal that offers both physical nourishment and emotional comfort. Rooted in traditional European and American cuisine, this soup is built on humble pantry staples yet can be elevated into a restaurant-worthy dish with just a few tweaks. From its rustic origins to modern gourmet interpretations, this creamy concoction has found its way into family dinners, café menus, and even high-end culinary creations.
Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a rainy fall afternoon, there’s hardly anything more soul-soothing than a bowl of rich, creamy potato soup. With its luscious texture, subtle layers of flavor, and satisfying nature, it bridges the gap between simple home cooking and elegant dining.
Why Yukon Gold Potatoes Are the Star
One of the biggest secrets to achieving the perfect Cream of Potato Soup lies in the choice of potato. While russet potatoes are commonly used in soups and stews due to their starchiness, Yukon Gold potatoes provide an ideal balance of creaminess and firmness. Their naturally buttery flavor enhances the richness of the soup without requiring an excessive amount of dairy or seasoning.
Yukon Golds break down just enough during cooking to lend a smooth texture when blended, yet maintain enough structure to give the soup body. They’re also known for their vibrant yellow hue, which adds a visually appealing golden tint to the final dish a small but meaningful detail when it comes to presentation.
Layers of Flavor: Beyond the Basics
What sets a truly delicious potato soup apart from a bland one is depth of flavor. The building blocks begin with aromatics typically onions and garlic sautéed in butter to form a flavorful base. This simple process releases natural sugars and oils that infuse the entire pot with warmth and savoriness. The use of a roux, made from butter and flour, not only thickens the soup but adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the potatoes beautifully.
For added richness, heavy cream and sour cream are often introduced near the end of the cooking process. These creamy components give the soup its signature silky texture and a mild tang that brightens the overall flavor. Fresh chives or other herbs offer a contrasting burst of freshness, cutting through the heaviness and bringing balance to the bowl.
Optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a swirl of sour cream transform a basic soup into a luxurious treat. These customizations allow for personalization and creativity, which is part of the soup’s enduring charm.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
Though it’s known as a comfort food, Cream of Potato Soup doesn’t have to be unhealthy. In fact, when made from scratch, it can offer a surprising array of nutrients.
Potatoes are often misunderstood in dietary discussions, but they’re a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids. When prepared without excess cream or cheese, the soup remains relatively low in fat and calories especially when made with vegetable broth and reduced-fat dairy alternatives.
The addition of garlic and onions contributes not only to flavor but also to heart health, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. By incorporating herbs like chives or parsley, you can also boost the soup’s vitamin K and folate content.
For those following a vegetarian diet, this soup is easily adaptable by using vegetable broth and omitting meat-based garnishes. It’s a flexible dish that aligns with a range of nutritional preferences and dietary restrictions.
A Soup for All Seasonso And All Occasions
While Cream of Potato Soup is traditionally seen as a cold-weather staple, it has year-round appeal. Serve it chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and a dollop of crème fraîche in the summer, or go the classic hot-and-hearty route in the colder months. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a light sandwich making it suitable for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a multi-course meal.
It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping. This soup stores well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen in batches for convenient reheating. Because of its relatively neutral flavor profile, it can be dressed up with different spices or mix-ins to create variety throughout the week.
Tips for the Perfect Texture and Taste
Achieving the right texture in potato soup is a bit of an art. For a classic creamy finish, an immersion blender is your best friend. It allows for partial blending, which means you can control the consistency fully pureed for smoothness or partially mashed for a chunkier, rustic appeal.
If you’re aiming for an ultra-silky consistency, strain the soup after blending for an extra-smooth result. A final swirl of cream or a pat of butter added just before serving can also enhance the velvety mouthfeel.
In terms of seasoning, be cautious with salt. Since many broths (especially store-bought) and added cheeses contain sodium, it’s wise to start with a lighter hand and adjust after tasting. A dash of freshly ground pepper, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg can offer unexpected depth.
Variations to Explore
One of the reasons this soup remains so beloved is its adaptability. Here are a few fun and flavorful variations to explore:
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Leek and Potato Soup: Add sautéed leeks to the base for a French-inspired twist.
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Bacon & Cheddar: Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and top with crispy bacon bits.
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Vegan Version: Swap out the dairy for coconut milk and plant-based sour cream.
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Loaded Baked Potato Style: Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese.
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Spicy Kick: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
Each variation allows you to cater to different palates, dietary needs, and creative preferences, making it a versatile and reliable recipe for any cook.
Conclusion:
Cream of Potato Soup is more than just a warm bowl of food it’s a culinary embrace. It brings together simple, affordable ingredients to create something that feels special and satisfying. Its creamy texture, gentle flavors, and endless adaptability make it a staple for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Whether you’re preparing it for a quiet dinner at home, a festive gathering, or a weekly meal prep, this soup delivers every time. It can be dressed up or down, made in large batches or small servings, and always leaves room for creative twists. In a world where food trends come and go, Cream of Potato Soup remains a classic dish that continues to warm hearts and fill bellies with every spoonful.