Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than a steaming bowl of potato soup on a chilly weekend? I think not! Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting, a little bit fancy, or unbelievably easy to throw together, this list has you covered. Forget elaborate meals – who has time for that? We’re talking ultimate cozy vibes and seriously delicious flavor, all packed into a bowl of potato-y goodness. I’ve rounded up 7 recipes that are guaranteed to become your new go-to. Grab your spoon (and maybe a crusty bread roll!), because we’re about to get cooking!
1. Classic Creamy Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food
This is the potato soup. The one your grandma probably made, the one you instinctively reach for when you need a hug in a bowl. It’s pure, unadulterated comfort. Don’t skimp on the butter – it’s what makes it truly sing.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russet or Yukon Gold both work great)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth if you prefer)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk is best for richness)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but highly encouraged!)
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully puree the soup using an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender – be very careful with hot liquids!).
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Heat through, but don’t boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chives or green onions and serve.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s simple, classic, and unbelievably satisfying. I once tried to skip the heavy cream…huge mistake. Trust me on this one. 😉
2. Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Because Why Not?
If you love loaded baked potatoes, you need this soup in your life. It’s basically a baked potato, transformed into a creamy, cheesy soup. Prepare for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe +
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-7 for the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Divide the soup into bowls.
- Top with bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s like a party in your mouth! Seriously, the combination of creamy potato soup, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon is hard to beat.
3. Spicy Southwestern Potato Soup – A Kick of Flavor
Need a little heat in your life? This Southwestern version is packed with flavor thanks to chili powder, cumin and a little bit of jalapeño (adjust to your spice preference!). It’s vibrant, warming, and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe +
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, and jalapeño (if using).
- Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Proceed with steps 5-8 from the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: This soup has a serious flavor punch! FYI, a squeeze of lime juice at the end really brightens it up – give it a try.
4. Leek and Potato Soup – Elegantly Simple
Leeks add an unexpected depth of flavor to this soup. Don’t be intimidated by leeks – they’re worth the effort! Just be sure to rinse them really well, as they tend to trap dirt.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced leeks and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: The subtle sweetness of the leeks combined with the creamy potatoes creates a surprisingly elegant and comforting soup.
5. Vegan Potato Soup – Creamy Without the Dairy!
Don’t feel left out if you’re avoiding dairy! This vegan potato soup is unbelievably creamy, thanks to the magic of plant-based milk and a little bit of nutritional yeast (trust me on the nutritional yeast – it adds a cheesy flavor that’s surprisingly spot-on!).
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the almond milk and nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: It proves that delicious vegan comfort food is totally possible! I was skeptical about the nutritional yeast at first, but it genuinely adds a cheesy depth that I love. 🙂
6. Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup – Adding Some Greens!
Sneak in those veggies! This soup combines the creaminess of potato soup with the goodness of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a great way to get some extra greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe +
- 1.5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 of the Classic Creamy Potato Soup recipe.
- Add the broccoli florets and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a sneaky way to get more veggies – even picky eaters will love it!
7. Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup – Deep, Smoky Flavor
Roasting the garlic beforehand intensifies the flavor and adds a subtle smokiness that takes this soup to another level. It’s a bit more effort, but totally worth it.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until cloves are soft.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a pot.
- Add the vegetable broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: The roasted garlic adds a depth and complexity that you won’t find in regular potato soup. Honestly, this is my personal favorite!
The Perfect Weekend Starts with a Bowl of Soup!
So, there you have it – 7 delicious potato soup recipes to warm your soul this weekend. From classic comfort to spicy Southwestern flair, there’s a soup here for everyone. The best part? They’re all relatively easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing and enjoying the cozy vibes. Happy soup-ing!
