Cream of Potato Soup

This thick, rich cream of potato soup recipe doesn’t actually contain a drop of cream. Instead, it uses a clever cooking technique that combines butter and flour together to make a roux. Though the French term may sound fancy, the process is completely simple. You’ll stir butter and flour together over low heat until they mix to become thick and smooth. As with this cream of potato soup recipe, many classic comfort foods call for a roux; think macaroni and cheese, gumbos and chowders.

Creamy potato soup is cozy and warming, making it a perfect dish to add to your menu rotation in the fall and winter. Serve this soup when you need a light lunch, or dish out bowls alongside dinner.

Ingredients for Cream of Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Make sure to use a type of potato that mashes well, such as russets or Yukon Golds. Look for firm potatoes without bruises or green spots on the skin.
• Water: Using water rather than broth allows the flavors of the potatoes and milk to shine.
• Onion: Chopped onions add a depth of flavor to the broth and draw out the sweetness of the potatoes. We like using a basic yellow onion over other onion varieties since the flavor is more mild.
• Flour and butter: A bit of flour cooked in butter thickens the soup. You can use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
• Milk: Our cream of potato soup recipe calls for whole milk, but you could also use a mix of half-and-half, cream and low-fat milk if that’s what you have in the fridge.
• Seasonings: This classic potato soup recipe keeps it simple, calling only for salt, celery salt, pepper and paprika. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to the bowls for color and brightness.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

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Place the potatoes and water in a saucepan; bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and cook the potatoes until tender, then drain them and set them aside.

Step 2: Make a roux

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In the same pan, saute the onion in the butter until tender (the chopped onion bits will usually turn translucent).

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Stir the flour into the butter and onions until you no longer see dry white clumps. Gradually stir in the milk. Bring it to a boil, then cook and stir for two minutes or until the mixture is thickened.

Step 3: Heat the soup through

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Reduce the heat, then add the potatoes, salt, celery salt and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika before serving.

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Recipe Variations

• Mash or blend the potatoes: For a thicker soup, mash or blend the potatoes to break them up into the soup.
• Add cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic with potato soup, but don’t ignore other possible types of cheese. Any meltable cheese will work. Try Gruyere, Colby, Monterey Jack, pepper jack or mozzarella.
• Make loaded potato soup: Add bacon bits, minced chives and a dollop of sour cream to make a loaded potato-style dish.
• Try some herbs: In such a simple soup, fresh herbs will really stand out. Include thyme, dill or chives.
• Swap in broth: For a more flavorful soup, swap in chicken or vegetable broth for the water, or jazz up the water with a bit of bouillon.

How to Store Cream of Potato Soup

One of the best parts of making homemade soup recipes is the leftovers! Soup often tastes better after a day or two, as the flavors have a chance to develop. Store leftover cream of potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for five to six days. It may thicken over time, so go ahead and add a splash of water, broth or milk to return it to the ideal texture.

Can you freeze cream of potato soup?

Most soups freeze well, but a cream of potato soup recipe is a rare exception since it is rich in dairy. When frozen, milk often separates or becomes grainy. We’d suggest skipping the freezer for this one.

How do you reheat cream of potato soup?

Reheat cream of potato soup in a sauce pan on the stovetop or in individual bowls in the microwave (cover each bowl with a paper towel to avoid splattering).

Cream of Potato Soup Tips

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How can you thicken potato soup?

This cream of potato soup recipe should be nice and thick thanks to the milk and added flour. If you like an even thicker soup, try mashing some or all of the potatoes. You could also add an extra potato or two to the recipe for a higher potato-to-liquid ratio.

What can you serve with cream of potato soup?

This creamy potato soup makes a perfect half for a soup-and-salad combo. We especially enjoy pairing it with a Caesar salad, kale salad or chopped salad. If you prefer the soup and sandwich pairing, try grilled bacon and cheese, a classic turkey club or chicken salad.

When salads and sandwiches aren’t cutting it, go for cornbread, mixed vegetables or crusty bread for something simple. If you’re hungrier, serve the cream of potato soup recipe as a starter for a cozy supper of pork chops or roast chicken.