If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that’s both simple to whip up and totally satisfying, you’re in the right place. My Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is one of those trusty weeknight meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day — it’s creamy, homey, and packed with flavor without being fussy. I can’t wait to walk you through it, share some tips, and help you make a batch your whole family will beg you to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The homemade white sauce adds a velvety comfort that’s way better than canned soup.
- Flexible & Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite herbs, toppings, or veggie additions.
- Family Approved: My crew goes crazy for this soup, and it’s always a winner for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the balance of creamy and hearty textures right is what makes this soup a standout. Here’s a look at what you’ll gather to bring this comforting bowl to life — plus a few tips to make sure each ingredient shines.

- Russet potatoes: These are perfect for soup—they break down just enough to thicken it while still holding some chunks.
- Carrots: Add a subtle sweetness and color; diced similarly to the potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Garlic: Just one clove gives a nice, gentle kick without overpowering the soup.
- Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base: This concentrate gives a deeper, richer flavor than plain broth—roasted chicken or turkey flavor both work wonders.
- Fresh or dried parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the soup beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, but remember to taste and adjust as you go.
- Butter: For making that silky white sauce that transforms the soup into creamy heaven.
- All-purpose flour: Perfect thickening agent for the béchamel (white sauce).
- Black pepper: Adds just the right subtle heat and complexity.
- Whole milk: Provides richness and body to the soup’s base—don’t skimp on it!
- Optional garnishes: Think sharp cheddar, chopped green onions, or more parsley to jazz things up when serving.
Variations
I love how versatile this Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is. You can tweak it to fit whatever mood you’re in or whatever you have in your fridge — that’s part of what makes it so friendly and forgiving.
- Add bacon or ham: For a smoky twist, I’ve tossed in crispy bacon bits or diced ham—gives the soup a wonderful depth and makes it feel extra special.
- Make it veggie-packed: Sometimes I sneak in celery or leeks when I have them for added flavor and texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute plant-based milk (like oat or cashew) for a creamy but allergy-friendly option.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can warm things up beautifully.
How to Make Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes. I like them fairly consistent in size so they cook evenly and give that lovely balance between soft and chunky. Toss the diced potatoes into a large pot along with similarly diced carrots and the mashed garlic clove. Add enough water—about 3 cups—to just cover the veggies. This water will become part of the soup, so don’t drain it later!
Next, stir in a good tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken or turkey base (I love the turkey for extra richness) and sprinkle in some chopped or dried parsley plus kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let those veggies get tender for about 20 minutes. Test with a fork – the potatoes should mash up easily but still have some texture.
Step 2: Mash the Veggies to Your Desired Texture
Once the veggies are tender, remove the pot from heat and give everything a rough mash with a potato masher. I personally like it velvety but still with some chunks for texture, but you can totally make it smooth by blending it with an immersion blender if you prefer.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy White Sauce
While the veggies are simmering, get started on your béchamel. Melt a stick of butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in half a cup of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly to cook the flour out—about 1 to 3 minutes—until it smells toasty but hasn’t browned.
Next, gradually whisk in 4 cups of whole milk—adding it slowly in increments to prevent lumps. If you’re short on time, warming the milk in a microwave beforehand works wonders. Keep stirring on medium heat until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil; then give it one more minute to cook through before removing from heat.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Your Soup
Pour your creamy white sauce into the pot with the mashed veggies and stir everything together until beautifully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now your Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is almost ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets are my go-to because they break down nicely and help thicken the soup naturally.
- Add Milk Slowly: Pouring your milk slowly into the roux and whisking constantly prevents lumps and gives you that silky béchamel texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup feels too thick after cooling, stir in a splash more milk or warm broth to get it just perfect.
- Avoid Overcooking: Simmer the veggies until tender but not mushy to keep texture; overcooking can make the soup gummy.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes
When serving, I love to pile on freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese—it melts into the soup creating little pockets of yum. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a nice pop of color and freshness, while an extra handful of parsley brightens the whole bowl. If you want a little indulgence, crispy bacon bits are a total winner in my book.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a warm baguette or fresh sourdough to mop up every last drop. I also love popping some simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad on the side to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in elegant crocks topped with a parmesan crisp or even inside hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a fun twist. It’s a showstopper that feels fancy but is truly easy to pull off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 5 days. Stir it once or twice while cooling to maintain texture. You’ll notice it thickens as it chills, so just warm it gently later and add a splash of milk if needed.
Freezing
I usually avoid freezing this soup because the potatoes pull in moisture and can make the creamy sauce separate and grainy upon thawing, which isn’t as pleasant. If you want to freeze, consider leaving out the dairy and adding cream or milk fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. If it’s thickened overnight, add a bit of milk or broth to loosen it up and keep the texture silky smooth. Avoid boiling it again as that can cause separation.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato for this soup?
Absolutely! While Russets are ideal for their fluffy texture and ability to thicken the soup, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too for a creamier, buttery flavor. Just keep in mind that waxy potatoes like red potatoes won’t break down as much, so your soup might be chunkier.
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How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken base for vegetable broth or a vegetarian bouillon paste. Also, use vegetable stock and the rest of the recipe remains the same. This doesn’t sacrifice flavor, especially if you use fresh herbs and good seasoning.
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Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
You can use low-fat or 2% milk, but the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Whole milk really helps create that luscious texture that makes this soup so comforting, so I recommend sticking with whole milk when you can.
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Can I add cream to make it richer?
Definitely! If you want an ultra indulgent version, stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end of cooking. Just be aware it will add extra calories and richness, but it’s a lovely treat for special occasions.
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What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup feels too thin after combining all ingredients, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold milk or water until smooth, then stir it into the hot soup and simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something cozy and homemade without a ton of fuss. It’s the kind of dish that comforts you and brings everyone around the table together, no matter the season. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so rich and satisfying. So go ahead—gather those ingredients, get your pot boiling, and dive into this bowl of creamy potato goodness. You’re going to love it just as much as I do.
Print
Easy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy potato soup recipe combines tender Russet potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth with a rich homemade white sauce to create a comforting, creamy soup perfect for any season. Garnish with cheddar cheese, green onions, and fresh parsley for added freshness and taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes (about 2 large potatoes, 2 pounds)
- 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
- 1 clove garlic, mashed and diced
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (or turkey flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
White Sauce (Bechamel)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups whole milk
Optional Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into about 1/2 inch pieces. Peel and dice the carrots similarly. Smash and mince the garlic clove. Place potatoes, carrots, and garlic into a stock pot or similar-sized pot.
- Add liquid and seasoning: Add 3 cups of water to just barely cover the vegetables. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (or turkey flavor), fresh or dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Simmer the vegetables: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer with the lid tilted to vent for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are very tender and easily mashed with a fork.
- Mash the vegetables: Remove from heat and use a potato masher to mash to your desired texture — either chunky or velvety smooth. An immersion blender can be used for a very smooth texture.
- Make the white sauce (bechamel): In a separate 2-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour to form a paste, whisking constantly. Add salt and black pepper and cook for 1-3 minutes to remove raw flour taste, stirring continuously.
- Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated to avoid lumps. Continue stirring frequently and heat until the sauce reaches a boil. Allow it to boil gently for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, then remove from heat.
- Combine soup and sauce: Pour the white sauce into the pot with the mashed vegetables and stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup warm into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley as desired.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Do not freeze as the texture and quality will be compromised.
Notes
- If short on time, warm the milk in the microwave before adding to the flour and butter to speed up the white sauce preparation.
- The Better Than Bouillon base enhances flavor; if cooking with bouillon cubes or granules, reduce salt accordingly as they are saltier.
- For a smoother soup texture, use an immersion blender after simmering the vegetables.
- Do not freeze this soup because the potatoes absorb moisture and the white sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
- Adjust thickness by adding more water or milk if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg


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