A good potato soup recipe is one of those kitchen essentials that never loses its appeal. It’s the kind of meal that fits almost any moment—quiet evenings, chilly afternoons, or days when you want comfort without complication. Potato soup doesn’t try to impress with bold spices or fancy techniques. Instead, it relies on patience, balance, and familiar flavors that feel grounding and reassuring. For many people, this recipe is tied to home cooking at its best: a pot simmering gently, simple ingredients coming together, and the promise of a warm bowl that satisfies every time. This potato soup recipe is all about honoring that tradition while keeping the process easy and approachable.
Classic Potato Soup Recipe
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 light 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 This Potato Soup Recipe Step by Step
This potato soup recipe starts with building flavor slowly and simply. Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Butter creates a rich base and helps soften the onion evenly. Add the diced onion and cook gently until it becomes translucent, releasing a mild sweetness that balances the soup. Stir in the garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown.
Next, add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Cutting the potatoes into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and break down at the same rate. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. During this time, the potatoes soften and naturally thicken the broth as they release starch. This step is essential for creating a creamy texture without relying on heavy thickeners.
After about 20 to 25 minutes, the potatoes should be tender. Decide on your preferred texture at this stage. For a rustic soup, mash the potatoes lightly, leaving some chunks. For a smoother finish, use an immersion blender and blend partially or fully. Stir in the milk or cream slowly, keeping the heat low so it warms without boiling. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors feel balanced. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer a few more minutes uncovered. Serve hot and enjoy.
Conclusion
This potato soup recipe is a reminder that classic comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward method, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bowl. It’s flexible, forgiving, and easy to make your own, whether you prefer it smooth or chunky. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a dependable favorite—one you’ll return to whenever you need a simple, comforting meal made from scratch.