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Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews

Easy Potato Soup Recipe

Published: Aug 10, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 80 Comments

Jump to Recipe

An Easy Potato Soup Recipe made with simple ingredients, this soup is savory and delicious, a thick, creamy filling stew that is easy to make! This is the BEST Potato soup recipe and is delicious any time of year!

It's hearty and filling and simply scrumptious AND on your table in just 30 minutes! 

Next time try Instant Pot Potato Soup with Ham - this one is DE-lish!!!

Easy creamy potato soup in a blue bowl topped with minced chives.
Easy Creamy Potato Soup takes only 30 minutes to make!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • 🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
  • 🔪 Equipment
  • 👍 Tips
  • Soup must haves
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Serving suggestions
  • Related recipes
  • Homemade Potato Soup
  • Recipe backstory

Why you'll love this recipe

It's quick and easy to make - about 30 minutes! It tastes as yummy the next day as it did the day you made it, YUM!

Because it's made with ingredients you probably have on-hand, it's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements for this easy Potato Soup Recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • russet potatoes - starchy potatoes are your best bet for this recipe, it helps thicken the soup.
  • yellow onion - I prefer yellow onions because they are quite mild, but you can certainly use a white onion.
  • celery and garlic
  • vegetable broth if you'd like to keep it vegetarian or chicken stock works great as well.
  • sharp cheddar cheese - provolone cheese or Monterey Jack cheese would be delicious as well.
  • Parmesan cheese for a salty bite.
  • sour cream adds creaminess and tang.

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions for this easy soup. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

Stovetop instructions

  1. Chop the onion and celery, peel and dice the potatoes.
  2. Place dutch oven on the stove over medium heat.
  3. Heat oil and butter, then add the onions, celery and season.
  4. Next, add the potatoes and minced garlic to the pot and continue to sautée all of the ingredients for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the veggie broth and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil - stirring quite often. This will release the starch in the potatoes and help thicken the soup. 
  6. Depending on the size of the dice of the potatoes, it will take 14-18 minutes. Cook the potatoes until they are fork tender. The stew will be quite thick.
  7. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender. Make it as creamy or leave it as chunky as you desire.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in both kinds of cheese and the sour cream. That's it! So thick and creamy and an easy meal to put together in a short amount of time!
  9. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or minced fresh herbs.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Sauté the onions and celery in butter and olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the onions, celery, peeled, diced potatoes and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in vegetable broth. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours until they are fork tender.
  3. When the potatoes are tender mash with a potato masher. Stir in cheese and sour cream. Serve and enjoy!

This is an easy vegetarian soup and rather than purée it with an immersion blender or food processor, I leave it chunky and so it is thick and satisfying. 

Also, I prefer adding sour cream instead of heavy cream or milk - the sour cream gives it a nice tang and depth of flavor. It tastes like it's been simmering all day long!

Soup in bowl topped with chives.
An easy potato soup recipe that tastes like it simmers all day on the stove, this is perfect comfort food!

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

Can you leave the skin on potatoes for soup?

I do not recommend leaving the skin on the potatoes unless you're using a potato with really thin skin like red, white or Yukon Gold Potatoes. If the skin doesn't completely disintegrate during cooking, it will not be as appealing. Take the time, peel the potatoes!

Can I freeze potatoes soup?

Nope, I do not recommend freezing this soup. The texture of the potatoes becomes mealy and it just doesn't freeze well. Eat and enjoy when fresh!

How do I make loaded potato soup?

Loaded potato soup will be filled with bacon, cheese and sour cream, basically, everything that you stuff into your favorite twice-baked potato in a soup! It's delicious and you can find my recipe for Loaded Potato Soup here on the blog.

Now I hesitate to say this is a 30-minute soup, but I do make this in 30 minutes from start to finish. But I'm truly hustling the whole time.

🔪 Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • This lovely soup pot is just gorgeous and of course... it's dishwasher safe!
  • An old fashioned potato masher is what I use when the potatoes are tender. I love this rather than a puree because it leaves some texture in the soup.

👍 Tips

What are the best potatoes to use in potato soup?

  • Russet Potatoes - first choice, hands down! The only downside is you'll need to peel them. But that will only take a few extra minutes. A russet potato is very starchy and will help you thicken the soup without having to add flour or cornstarch. It's also the most affordable option
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes - another great potato that you won't have to peel. These potatoes have a great creamy texture. They are a little starchy and would help thicken the soup. This variety is my second choice for a creamy easy potato soup.
  • Red Potatoes - when scrubbed well, you won't have to peel them (always a bonus), these work if you don't want to run to the store.

Dicing the potatoes small will lessen the cooking time. Bonus? You can get a big scoop on your spoon! Simple, basic ingredients - you probably have everything in your fridge and pantry - so why not make this for dinner tonight?

Want all of my tips and tricks to make the BEST soups from scratch? Click here!

Soup must haves

Click here for my soup gift guide! 10 MUST have items for making your own soups and stews at home! And if you want to learn how to make all of your favorite soups and stews at home, click here for Homemade Soup; A Complete Guide.

I hope you give this recipe a try. I think after tasting this, it may be your favorite too!

Creamy Potato Soup in blue bowl with spoon.
Grab your spoon because you're going to want to dive right into this bowl of easy creamy potato soup!

Variations

Top this old-fashioned potato soup with crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream with some extra cheese for the ultimate comfort food!

Storage

Place leftover potato soup in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator 3-4 days.

This soup does not freeze well.

Serving suggestions

This recipe for Rhodes Dinner rolls (made with frozen bread dough) is so simple and it's perfect with potato soup.

If you want something a little more substantial make Cuban Sliders or this recipe for a vegetarian sandwich.

Related recipes

Looking for more delicious potato soup recipes? 

  • Sweet Potato Soup - full of delicious flavor!
  • Crock Pot Cream Cheese Ham & Potato Soup - easy crock pot soup loaded with ham and potatoes!
  • Turkey Corn Chowder - don't let the name fool you, this tasty soup is filled with potatoes!
  • Loaded Baked Potato Soup - topped with cheese, green onions and crispy bacon pieces, this is hearty and tasty!

If you enjoy creamy soups here are a few more recipes perfect for a cold winter night!

  • Cream of Zucchini Soup - rich, smooth and velvety this simple soup is so good!
  • Creamy Mushroom Soup - this is so much better than the canned version!
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup - one of my very favorites, it's easy to make and delicious!

This is one of my favorite soup recipes, I hope you love it too! Please leave a comment with a five-star rating below, or pop me a note. I love hearing from you! If you make this, be sure to tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over

Chunky potato soup in bowl garnished with sliced green onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.99 from 93 votes

Homemade Potato Soup

Hearty Vegetarian Potato Soup Recipe - this creamy soup is a great family meal for busy weeknights!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 395kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 6-8 cups russet potatoes peeled and chopped (3-4 large potatoes
  • 1 yellow onion peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream or cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Begin by chopping the onion and celery. 
  • Heat a large pot on the stove over medium heat add the butter & olive oil then add the onions & celery - season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Next peel and dice the potatoes - add the potatoes and minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté all of the ingredients for about 5 minutes. 
  • Add the vegetable stock and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil - stirring quite often - this will release the starch in the potatoes and help thicken the soup. Depending on the size of the dice of the potatoes it will take 14-18 minutes. Cook the potatoes until they are fork tender. The stew will be quite thick.
  • Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Make it as creamy or as chunky as you desire. 
  • Remove from heat and stir in both cheeses and the sour cream. That's it! So thick and creamy and an easy meal to put together in a short amount of time!

Notes

Crockpot instructions 
  1. Sauté the onions and celery in butter and olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the onions, celery, peeled, diced potatoes and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in vegetable broth. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours until they are fork tender.
  3. When the potatoes are tender mash with a potato masher. Stir in cheese and sour cream. Serve and enjoy!
 
Best potatoes for potato soup
  • Russet Potatoes - first choice, hands down! The only downside is you'll need to peel them. But that will only take a few extra minutes. A russet potato is very starchy and will help you thicken the soup without having to add flour or cornstarch. It's also the most affordable option
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes - another great potato that you won't have to peel. These potatoes have a great creamy texture. They are a little starchy and would help thicken the soup. This variety is my second choice for a creamy easy potato soup.
  • Red Potatoes - when scrubbed well, you won't have to peel them (always a bonus), these work if you don't want to run to the store.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1432mg | Potassium: 758mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1015IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 420mg | Iron: 1.7mg
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Recipe backstory

Dan and I decided to go rogue for V-Day. No perfume or roses, no pressure either. We both had a crazy busy week and because we were traveling to Sacramento on Friday, we decided we'd do Valentine's Day then.

That works, right?

So instead, I thought I'd make soup for dinner Thursday night. This is one of our favorites so I knew Dan would love it.

I was busy making soup and had it just about finished when Dan came home with dinner - a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. He said it's no big deal, but I thought if I did this you wouldn't have to cook, but it's ok... we can eat soup instead.

Meanwhile, he was unwrapping the sandwich and put it on a plate. I took my half and enjoyed a big bite.

Soup and sandwich for dinner instead! Life is what happens when you're busy planning, right? 🤣

Potato soup recipe in a blue bowl with a cat watching. He wants a taste!
I'm telling you this easy creamy potato soup is really popular at our house!

The furry family comes out of the woodwork for this soup, can you see Sylvester sitting on the windowsill wishing he could get a bite?

Potato_Soup_Dudley

One last picture of Mama's little helper.....I've mentioned this before, but we have dogs & cats - it's often challenging to take a picture with so many helpers nearby. Dudley was just dying for a taste! 😀 This picture is too cute not to share!

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue Schulherr

    March 11, 2023 at 10:16 am

    Can this be made a day ahead?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 11, 2023 at 1:09 pm

      Absolutely, you can certainly make this one to two days ahead. Enjoy the recipe Sue!

      Reply
  2. Rhonda

    January 20, 2023 at 8:20 am

    5 stars
    This soup is so delicious! Do you be chance have instapot instructions?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 20, 2023 at 1:11 pm

      It's a favorite here too Rhonda! I don't have instant pot instructions for it, but I do have this recipe. It's SO good! Instant Pot Potato Soup with Ham.

      Reply
  3. Erika

    November 15, 2022 at 4:44 am

    Hello. Can I substitute the sour cream for heavy whipping cream? I dislike sour cream, haha.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 15, 2022 at 5:52 am

      Hey Erika - cream cheese would be my first choice for substitute because it still has a bit of a tang, flavor-wise, but heavy whipping cream would be amazing too as it would add incredible richness. Enjoy the soup!

      Reply
  4. Rachel

    October 24, 2022 at 7:24 pm

    5 stars
    I followed your recipe except for half the cheddar cheese. It is delicious! I will be making it again soon!! Thank you:)

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 24, 2022 at 7:33 pm

      Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it - we love that potato soup recipe!

      Reply
  5. Dee

    January 19, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    5 stars
    This very easy soup 🍲 to make and it is delicious as well. It takes about 45 minutes including chopping the potatoes, and other veggies. I like red onions and I added a little serrano for just a hint of spice. Nice slice of cornbread. AWESOME 👌

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 19, 2022 at 7:29 pm

      Thanks Dee for sharing, it's one of our favorites. I'm so glad you enjoyed the potato soup recipe!

      Reply
      • Sandee

        November 16, 2022 at 12:45 pm

        5 stars
        Just made this potato soup very good, thank you for the recipe

        Reply
        • Bowl Me Over

          November 16, 2022 at 5:01 pm

          I'm so glad you enjoy the soup Sandee! Thanks for stopping by the blog to share, much appreciated!

          Reply
  6. Diane

    April 26, 2021 at 10:16 am

    Southern Utah isn’t usually cold the end of April, but we are a little cool today with a chance of rain, so...we’re having this soup for dinner tonight. I’m sure it will be a hit. Thanks for posting!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      April 26, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      You're so welcome Diane! I hope you really enjoy this soup, it's really one of my favorites! Cheers for spring and warm weather on the way!

      Reply
    • Laura Nance

      September 08, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a winner with my family! Tysm. I do have one question. Do you think it would be okay to peel the potatoes two hours before I begin the cooking process, even if I can’t put them in water to slow the oxidation? Sorry for the weird question, but I have to bring my crock pot to work with me and have limited ability, and am struggling to find a satisfactory answer online.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        September 08, 2021 at 6:45 pm

        Hey Laura - I'm so glad you & your family enjoyed this recipe, we love it as well! Unfortunately I'm pretty sure if you peel them two hours before they will most certainly turn brown. Another option just might be to use Yukon Gold Potatoes the skins are thin and you just might be able to get away with no peeling at all! And it's a great question Laura, thanks for stopping by!!

        Reply
  7. Valerie

    February 25, 2021 at 3:25 am

    what is a serving size?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 25, 2021 at 6:53 am

      About two ladles - I'm sorry but the nutritional program does not compute serving sizes.

      Reply
  8. Lynn

    February 22, 2021 at 6:52 am

    5 stars
    Excellent! I liked it so much, I sent the recipe link to my friend. She liked it so much, she sent it to her daughter! And so it goes. Spreading the word, one bowl at a time.

    Reply
  9. Julie Menghini

    October 30, 2020 at 8:12 am

    It's cold here already and I put a pot of this soup on last night and we loved it. I love that we have leftovers for tonight too!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 01, 2020 at 7:07 am

      I love this soup! I'm so glad it's a hit with your family as well. Thanks for letting me know and enjoy!!!

      Reply
  10. Gayle

    December 14, 2019 at 11:21 am

    5 stars
    I have made this numerous times--pretty much my absolute most FAVORITE soup! Mine never gets as thick looking as yours, but that's okay! I love a little soup with my crackers. I also appreciate that you didn't have bacon in this. Do you know how hard it is to find a potato soup that doesn't have bacon? (And those recipes never really work without it either). On winter days like today, when the windchill factor is 15 degrees below zero, this soup is REALLY amazing.
    I did have a stringy/"grainy" cheese problem this time around. I probably added the cheese while the soup was too hot or added the sour cream too soon. Who knows. But I didn't panic. I already knew that the sour cream is the magic ingredient with this soup. So I kept adding a dollop more of sour cream and stirring until it smoothed right out. Tasted as fantastic as it always does!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 15, 2019 at 3:52 pm

      Thank you Gayle, I really appreciate hearing from you! I love this soup and you're right the sour cream really makes it. The perfect tang and creaminess. I'm so happy to hear this is one of your go-to meals!!

      Reply
    • Patricia

      September 24, 2020 at 11:28 am

      can I put in the cheese and sour cream, let it cool and then heat it up?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        September 24, 2020 at 1:11 pm

        Hey Patricia! You can add the cheese and sour cream and reheat it, but just so you know, this soup doesn't freeze well, the potatoes breakdown when frozen. Good news, it will keep in the refrigerator for at least three days.

        Reply
  11. Mishka

    October 27, 2019 at 6:26 pm

    5 stars
    Love this soup and I'm not a soup person! We modified it for our spicy-loving household by adding 3 fresh roasted hatch green chiles along with some dehydrated habanero. We also added Quorn pieces for a little protein boost. Only other modification was we swapped out all the cheese for 10 oz of sharp white cheddar because that's what we had that needed to be used up. Huuuge hit. It's barely been a week and we're doing a second batch tonight. Thanks for the great recipe, I can see it becoming part of the house menu ?

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 30, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      I'm so happy you enjoy this soup Mishka! I love the flavors you've combined, I'm such a fan of anything chile, you're a gal after my own heart! Sounds delicious, I've going to give this a try too - thank you!!

      Reply
  12. Brittney

    December 17, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for my meat loving boyfriend who is not a big fan of soups. He inhaled it and even got seconds. Thank you for the recipe. Happy holidays to you.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 18, 2018 at 8:08 am

      I think this is the most lovely soup and I'm so glad you came back to post your review. Thank you so much and I hope your holidays are magical!!!

      Reply
      • Sam

        October 17, 2019 at 11:49 am

        How much butter and olive oil? It wasn't in the ingredients that I saw

        Reply
        • Bowl Me Over

          October 17, 2019 at 2:45 pm

          Hey Sam - if you scroll down to the bottom you'll see the recipe card with the amounts - it's 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil. Thank you for checking and enjoy the soup!

          Reply
  13. kathy

    December 06, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    5 stars
    Freezing cold in Michigan today, so I thought I'd try this soup. It's delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 09, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      Wonderful! I love this soup, it's one of our favorites and I make it often!

      Reply
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Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I'm the Soup Queen! I send warm greetings from sunny California.

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