When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup to comfort and satisfy. This classic dish is hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect meal for a cozy evening at home. Whether served as a main course or a side, potato soup is a beloved dish that never goes out of style.
The beauty of potato soup lies in its simplicity. The key ingredients – potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth – come together to create a rich and satisfying base. You can go the creamy route by adding milk or heavy cream, or keep it lighter with broth-based versions. The potatoes break down slightly as they cook, creating a naturally thick and velvety texture that is both comforting and indulgent.
What makes potato soup so versatile is the ability to add your own twist. Some like to throw in a little bacon for that savory crunch, while others may add cheese for an extra layer of richness. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley bring a touch of freshness to balance the creamy potatoes, and a dash of black pepper and salt rounds it out perfectly. For extra flavor, some recipes even call for sautéing the onions and garlic in butter or olive oil before adding the potatoes and liquid.
Another great thing about potato soup is its flexibility. You can use any type of potato, from russet to Yukon gold, depending on your preference. You can even make it ahead of time – it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.
With its creamy texture, comforting flavor, and endless customization options, potato soup is the ultimate comfort food that will always hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes medium, peeled and diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp thyme dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley chopped fresh for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the potatoes until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the potato soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Potatoes in soup? Isn’t that in the name already? Lol.
Did you really need both milk and cream? Seems like overkill to me.
I think the cream adds richness! But yeah, it’s a bit much for some. I usually skip one.
Honestly, I thought potato soup would taste bland but the onion + garlic carried it. My whole kitchen smelled good while it cooked.
I followed it exactly and my soup was kinda thick? Like more stew than soup. Maybe my potatoes were bigger than “medium.” Any tips to thin it out?
I kind of messed it up. Shouldn’t you add milk before blending? Idk. It was okay.
Yeah, adding milk before blending would make it creamier! But no worries, it still sounds good! Just try again next time.
Not bad, but I think 20 minutes isn’t enough for bigger potato chunks. Mine weren’t fully tender until closer to 30. Otherwise solid.
This is like a hug in a bowl! So comforting on a cold day. I could eat it all week!
I dunno, it sounds good but isn’t heavy cream kinda too much? 😕 I prefer lighter soups.
Totally agree! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Perfect for winter nights!
Too many potatoes for my taste. I prefer my soup less chunky.
I totally get that! You could try making a smoother version by blending it more. Less chunks, more yum! 🍲
How many potatoes? I used too many, it was too thick. 😩
The recipe says 4 medium potatoes. Maybe try that next time? Good luck! 🍲
I didn’t have chicken broth, so I used vegetable broth and it still worked! Not the same but still good.
Made this tonight and it’s ridiculously comforting. I mashed it less than usual so it stayed a little chunky—perfect. The thyme with the cream is such a good combo.
Took me forever to cook. The potatoes just wouldn’t become tender! Maybe my pot is bad.
5 minutes wouldn’t be enough to steam em. You sure you didn’t leave em in longer? 🤔
Maybe try cutting the potatoes smaller next time? That helps them cook faster. Good luck!
This is the best potato soup I’ve made. But I put the garlic in with the onions and it burned a little—had to start over. Learn from my mistake haha.
Haha I’m glad you caught it before it got too bad 😅 Burning garlic is the worst—next time I’ll add it a little later so it doesn’t scorch. Thanks for sharing!
Made this last night and it turned out so creamy without being too heavy. The thyme really shows up in a good way—will definitely make again.
Yes! Creamy but not heavy is exactly what I’m looking for—glad the thyme came through too. 😄 What potato kind did you use (russet or Yukon gold)?
Potatoes, milk, and cream… how could it go wrong? Love it!!
This soup is a lifesaver during winter! Super cozy. Love it!
It was okay, but mine turned kinda gluey when I mashed too much. Could be user error, but if you like smooth soup, watch the consistency—add more broth if it gets thick.
Didnt work for me. Potatoes were still hard after 20 mins. What did I do wrong?
Maybe your potatoes were too big? They need to be diced smaller for faster cooking!
The steps are clear and the flavor is nice, but I wish it said how much oil to use in step 1. I ended up guessing and it was fine, just annoying.
Totally agree—Step 1 saying “heat some oil” is super vague. Even a quick “1–2 tbsp” would’ve saved me from guessing 😅 Glad it still turned out fine though!
I actually just used a splash of olive oil and that’s how my grandma did it. “Some oil” is fine—potatoes always sort it out. But yeah, measurements would be nicer.
So good, but my kids were like ‘ew soup!’ Guess they not fancy. 😅
So easy to make! I added some bacon bits on top for extra flavor. Yum!
Bacon bits sounds so good! I gotta try that next time. Did you put a lot? 🥓
This soup is just potato and some milk, right? I dunno how that can be so easy, seems too simple…
5 stars! This recipe is a keeper. Great for winter nights!
I thought this was going to be good, but it was actually bland. I added more spices but still missing something.
Easy to make, but I feel like it needs more flavor. I added a bit of cheese on top to make it better. Not bad, but not great!
This soup is so creamy and delish! Perfect for winter nights. My family loved it!
This potato soup is AMAZING! So creamy and flavorful. Will make it again for sure!
I completely agree! This soup is so rich and satisfying. I can’t get enough of it.
Mine turned out a bit thick, like mashed-potato soup. I think I simmered too long. Still ate it, but I’d add more broth next time.
Potatoes in soup? No way! I just can’t heleve it. That’s gotta taste weird.
I used veggie broth instead and forgot the garlic. Still turned out okay, but not great.
Veggie broth is a good swap! Garlic does add flavor tho. Glad it worked out somewhat!
Forgot garlic? Isn’t that like pizza without cheese? 😂 But hey, at least it was edible!
Pretty good, but I think 1 cup milk + 1 cup cream is a little too rich for my taste. Next time I’ll cut the cream in half. Still flavorful though.
This soup is super creamy and delicious! My family devoured it.
I love creamy soups! Your family must’ve loved it, I know mine would! ❤️
Potato soup is life! Love it simple like this, thanks!
Really? I think it’s kinda bland. I’d toss in some cheese or something to spice it up. Just potatoes and broth sounds boring.
Absolutely! Potato soup is so comforting and easy to make. I often add some bacon bits for extra flavor. Thanks for sharing!
This recipe is pretty good, but shouldn’t you put more thyme? I couldn’t taste it at all.
More thyme? Really? I felt like that was just right. Are you sure you used dried thyme? Maybe it was old?
I think 1/2 tsp is enough for a soup. Maybe you just need to let it cook longer to develop the flavor?
potato??… soup?? tasty!!!!!!!!!!!
Best potato soup ever!!! I used sweet onion and it was amazing. Also, I forgot to garnish with parsley but it still ate like restaurant food.
Glad you loved it! Sweet onion is such a good tweak—adds a nice little sweetness. And hey, even without the parsley, “restaurant food” is still a win 😄
I made this and my kids didn’t eat it. Maybe add more spices next time?
I think garlic should have been optional. Too strong!
I disagree! Garlic gives it a great flavor! Maybe try less next time?
Potato soup? More like potato slop! No flavor, way too bland for my taste. Yuck!
I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about! This soup is good! You must’ve messed it up somehow. Maybe add more salt or something next time?
Impressive recipe, but I wish it had more vegetables. Maybe add some carrots next time.
Super easy to make, I added some bacon bits and it was delish! Thanks for sharing!
Not gonna lie, it sounded kind of basic. But wow, it actually tastes better than expected. Next time I’ll add a little extra garlic.
Potato soup? More like potato mush! I didn’t like the texture at all. No thanks!
Not sure about the thyme. Seemed weird in a soup. Wouldn’t make again.
The instructions are straightforward, but it’s missing directions for quantities of oil. I just guessed and it was fine, but still—why no oil amount?
I don’t get why people love soup. I’m more of a solid food kinda person. This does smell nice tho.
I’m no chef, but I nailed this recipe! Thanks for making it easy!
My garlic burned a little (oops) but I scraped the bottom and continued. Soup still came out okay—could taste the roast garlic though.
Made this last night and it was super cozy. I used a mix of Yukon gold and russet and the texture was perfect after mashing. The thyme + parsley combo is spot on.
I tried this recipe, but my soup was too watery. What did I do wrong?
Pretty good, but I think it needs a bit more salt at the end. I followed the steps exactly and it tasted slightly bland until I adjusted. Also, don’t rush simmer time.
Glad you said that—mine always needs a final pinch of salt too. I agree, if you rush the simmer the flavor just doesn’t come together. I usually taste at 15-20 min and then adjust.
Pretty good base recipe. I used garlic powder instead of fresh (oops—forgot the cloves) and it was still tasty, just a little less aromatic. Next time I’ll do it properly.
Potato soup is overrated tbh. It’s always just potatoes and milk. Not bad, just not mind-blowing. Could use something like bacon or smoked paprika.
I get what you mean—classic potato soup can be pretty plain. Bacon (or even pancetta) would add a ton of flavor, and smoked paprika sounds perfect. If you mash it a bit less, it also stays more interesting texture-wise.
Not bad, but my kids didn’t like it at all. They want pizza instead!!
This soup is so creamy and delicious! Perfect for a cold day. My family loved it!
I’m so glad to hear that! I made it last week and my kids wouldn’t stop asking for more. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy? I thought potato soup should be more chunky? I dunno just sounds weird to me.
Made this last night—so creamy without being heavy. The thyme is subtle but really brings it together. I added a little extra pepper and it was perfect.
I didn’t have chicken broth so I used water instead. Still turned out good!
That’s awesome! Water works in a pinch. I’ll have to try it your way next time!
I usually don’t cook, but this was easy! I added some bacon and wow!
I tried this but it was too bland for my taste. I had to add more spices. Wont make again.
I totally get that! I usually add a lot more garlic and some chili powder to kick it up a notch! 🤷♀️
I tried to mash with a blender and it turned into puree soup… like way too smooth lol. But flavor was still good. Next time I’ll mash less!
Loved this soup! Creamy and comforting. I used fresh herbs instead of dried thyme, and it was amazing!
This soup is amazing! I loved how creamy it turned out. Perfect for winter nights!
Where’s the celery? You can’t make soup without celery!! 😤
You don’t always need celery for soup! This is a classic potato soup recipe. It’s delicious without it! 🍲
I’m not sure about the heavy cream amount—mine got super thick. Maybe I overheated it after adding the dairy? Still good though, just adjusted with extra broth.
Yummy! Quick and easy. The parsley on top makes it look fancy for no effort.
Totally agree—adding fresh parsley really makes it look restaurant-level without extra work. Making this tonight!
Looks good, but I’m skeptical about using both milk and heavy cream—won’t it get too rich? Also, do you mash before adding the dairy or after? 😅
I’m not sure about using both milk and heavy cream—feels kinda overkill? But I tried it and it definitely tasted richer. Would make again, just maybe reduce one.
Soup is soup. This one is creamy. End of story.
Creamy soup is definitely the best kind! Love those potatoes!
Ok, but you forgot to mention how many servings this makes. I can’t plan for meals!
You’re right, it would be super helpful to know the servings! Maybe around 4? Just a guess though.
Potato? More like potato-soup-sipation. LOL, but it was good.
Haha, I love that! Potato-soup-sipation is a fun name for it. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I’m honestly skeptical about the heavy cream part. Seems a bit much, but if you like it rich, go for it!
Yummy! So filling and warm for winter days! 👌
Ugh, I followed it and it tastes kinda bland to me. Might be my salt? Also I didn’t blend enough so there were chunks. I’ll try again with more seasoning.