Thick potato soup is for those moments when you want a bowl that truly satisfies. This is not a light, brothy soup—it’s rich, hearty, and filling, the kind that warms you all the way through. For many people, thick potato soup brings back memories of winter evenings, slow dinners, and recipes passed down because they simply worked. The beauty of a thick potato soup lies in its texture: soft potatoes, a creamy base, and enough body that every spoonful feels substantial. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t need much on the side because it already feels complete. When done right, thick potato soup becomes comfort food at its most grounding and reliable.
Thick Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 5 potatoes peeled and diced
- 3 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 25–30 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
- Mash or blend heavily, then stir in milk, salt, and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Thick Potato Soup Step by Step
Making thick potato soup is all about controlling texture from start to finish. Begin by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Butter gives the soup richness and helps soften the onion slowly without browning. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in the garlic and let it release its aroma without burning. This base layer is essential for depth of flavor.
Add the diced potatoes next, followed by the broth. Notice that this recipe uses slightly less liquid than lighter soups—this is intentional. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Allow the potatoes to cook until they are extremely tender, not just fork-soft. This extra cooking time helps them break down more easily, which is key for thickness.
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, it’s time to build the texture. Instead of fully blending the soup, mash most of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher. This creates a dense, rustic consistency. You can blend a small portion if you want a creamier base, but resist over-blending or the soup can become gluey.
Lower the heat and stir in the milk or cream slowly. Keeping the heat gentle prevents thinning and preserves the thick texture. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting carefully. If the soup is thicker than you like, add a small splash of broth; if it’s perfect, let it rest for a few minutes—it will thicken even more as it cools slightly. Serve hot and hearty.
Conclusion
Thick potato soup is comfort food that truly delivers. Hearty, creamy, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a full meal rather than a starter. With simple ingredients and careful texture control, you get a bowl that’s rich without being heavy and filling without being complicated. When you want real comfort in a spoon-standing form, thick potato soup is always the right choice.