Homemade potato soup has a special kind of magic that store-bought versions can never replicate. It’s the warmth that fills the kitchen as it simmers, the familiar aroma of potatoes and onions, and the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself from scratch. For many people, homemade potato soup is tied to childhood memories, quiet evenings, and meals that didn’t need to be fancy to feel special. It’s a recipe that adapts to your pace and your pantry, turning basic ingredients into something deeply nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, homemade potato soup offers comfort, simplicity, and a sense of home in every bowl.
Homemade Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 potatoes peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mash or blend to desired texture, then stir in milk, salt, and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Homemade Potato Soup Step by Step
Making homemade potato soup starts with slowing down just enough to let flavors develop naturally. Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Butter forms the foundation of the soup, giving it richness right from the start. Add the diced onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is important because it brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which balances the starchiness of the potatoes. Stir in the garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Next, add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and create a consistent texture. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. As it cooks, the potatoes soften and release starch into the broth, naturally thickening the soup without the need for flour or heavy thickeners. After about 20 to 25 minutes, the potatoes should be tender enough to mash easily.
At this point, choose your preferred texture. For a rustic homemade feel, mash the potatoes lightly with a masher, leaving small chunks. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender and blend partially or fully. Stir in the milk or cream slowly, keeping the heat low so it warms gently. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. Serve hot, knowing every spoonful reflects the care and simplicity of homemade cooking.
Conclusion
Homemade potato soup is a reminder that the most comforting meals are often the simplest ones. Made from scratch with basic ingredients, it delivers warmth, flavor, and a sense of home that’s hard to beat. It’s flexible, forgiving, and easy to adapt, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Once you make it yourself, homemade potato soup becomes more than a recipe—it becomes a tradition you’ll return to again and again.