Cold weather? Empty pantry? No problem. These potato soup recipes need just a handful of ingredients to deliver maximum comfort. Warning: may cause uncontrollable bowl-licking.
1. The “Who Needs Fancy?” 3-Ingredient Potato Soup
When you’re broke or lazy (no judgment), this soup proves less is more. The potato peelings add bonus texture and nutrients, so skip the peeling—we’re rebels here.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium russet potatoes, roughly chopped (skin on!)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Simmer potatoes in broth for 20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash roughly with a potato masher—leave some chunks for personality.
- Stir in cream and simmer 5 more minutes. Salt to taste.
Top with crispy meat bits if you’re feeling extra. FYI, the soup thickens as it cools, so add a splash of broth if needed.
2. Garlic Bomb Potato Soup (For Vampire Hunters)
This one’s for garlic lovers who aren’t planning first dates. Roasting the garlic first makes it sweet and mellow—but still potent enough to keep people 6 feet away.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole head garlic, roasted
- 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a pot with butter—mash into a paste.
- Add potatoes and milk, simmer until potatoes are soft (15 mins).
- Blend half the soup for creaminess, leave half chunky.
Serve with crusty bread for maximum garlicky goodness. Pro tip: double the garlic if you’re feeling spicy (literally).
3. Cheater’s Baked Potato Soup
All the loaded baked potato flavors without actually baking anything. It’s like a baked potato had a baby with a soup—and it’s delicious.
Ingredients:
- 6 russet potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in broth until tender (15 mins).
- Mash lightly, then stir in sour cream and cheese until melted.
- Simmer 5 minutes—don’t let it boil or the dairy will revolt.
Garnish like a baked potato: extra cheese, chives, and a dollop of sour cream. Trust me, it’s 10x better than actual baking.
4. Depression-Era Potato Soup (But Make It Chic)
Your great-grandma’s survival soup got a glow-up. Water instead of broth? Yes, and it’s weirdly amazing—just add extra salt and pretend it’s “minimalist cuisine.”
Ingredients:
- 6 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Sauté onion in butter until translucent.
- Add potatoes and water, simmer until potatoes break apart (20 mins).
- Mash some potatoes against the pot to thicken the soup.
Top with black pepper and call it “rustic.” For a luxury version, add a splash of milk. IMO, it’s perfect for when payday’s still a week away.
5. 20-Minute Spicy Potato Tortilla Soup
When you want potato soup with a personality disorder. The tortilla strips add crunch, and the chili powder makes your nose run in the best way.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Simmer potatoes in broth for 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and chili powder, simmer another 10 minutes.
- Crush tortilla chips directly into your bowl like you’re 12 years old.
Garnish with avocado if you’re fancy, or just eat it straight from the pot. No one’s watching.
6. French Onion Potato Soup Mashup
Two classic soups had a love child, and it wears a beret. Caramelized onions + potatoes = a soup so fancy, you’ll pretend you meant to make it this way.
Ingredients:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Cook onions in butter on low heat for 30 minutes until caramelized (don’t rush this!).
- Add potatoes and broth, simmer until potatoes dissolve into the broth (15 mins).
- Season aggressively—this soup needs confidence.
Top with toasted bread and melted cheese if you want to full French experience. Or just eat it in sweatpants—we won’t tell.
7. The “I Forgot to Grocery Shop” Potato Soup
When your fridge contains a single potato and questionable milk. This recipe is so forgiving, you could probably use that dusty can of soup in the back of your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 2 potatoes, any kind, chopped
- 2 cups water or any liquid (milk, broth, even watered-down cream)
- 1 tbsp any fat (butter, oil, beef grease—we’re desperate here)
- Salt and pepper (or whatever seasonings are in your drawer)
Instructions:
- Cook potatoes in fat for 5 minutes to give them some color.
- Add liquid and simmer until potatoes are mushy (15 mins).
- Mash with a fork, spoon, or whatever’s clean. Season with whatever doesn’t smell expired.
Congrats, you’ve made soup from nothing. Add shredded cheese if you find some hiding in the fridge. Survival mode: activated.
See? Potato soup doesn’t need 20 ingredients or chef skills. Pick one, grab a spoon, and let the carb-loaded comfort begin. Your sweatpants will thank you.
