Creamy, Cozy Quick Potato Soup

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Potato soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, delightfully simple, and comes together in almost no time at all. This version leans heavily on classic flavors—aromatic onions, velvety potatoes, and a hint of cream—to create a recipe that’s both soothing and satisfying. From weeknight dinners to lazy weekend lunches, this soup is perfect when you crave something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

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  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits

Instructions

Begin by warming the butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, stirring gently for another minute to release its fragrance, being careful not to let it burn.

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Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Bring the soup to a brisk simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, allowing it to gently bubble until the potatoes are fork-tender—usually about 15 minutes, depending on the size of your potato chunks.

Once the potatoes are soft, remove the pot from the heat. If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender (or transfer to a standard blender) to purée until silky. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving some diced potatoes intact.

Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a blender), then stir in the milk or half-and-half, plus the salt and black pepper. Warm the soup gently over low heat until it’s heated through, adjusting the seasoning to taste. If desired, serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, chopped chives, and crispy bacon bits for extra flair.

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The beauty of this recipe is its ability to satisfy just about everyone—from busy parents needing a quick meal to those craving a comforting dish on a cold day. It’s easily adaptable: swap the dairy for a non-dairy alternative or skip the bacon for a vegetarian spin. Experiment with different toppings, like roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or even croutons, to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, speed, or just a soul-warming bowl of goodness, this quick potato soup checks all the boxes.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.