Cream of Potato Soup

Featured in: Cozy Kettle Soups & Stews

This classic American potato soup combines russet potatoes with sautéed onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in a flavorful broth. The vegetables simmer until tender, then get blended into a silky smooth base. Whole milk and heavy cream create that luxurious texture everyone loves. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg, each bowl delivers pure comfort. Perfect for meal prep and even better the next day, this soup comes together in just 45 minutes with minimal effort.

Updated on Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:20:29 GMT
Creamy Cream of Potato Soup in a rustic bowl, topped with fresh chives and shredded cheddar. Save
Creamy Cream of Potato Soup in a rustic bowl, topped with fresh chives and shredded cheddar. | wheatkettle.com

Experience the ultimate comfort of a velvety Cream of Potato Soup. This rich and soothing dish is finished with a touch of heavy cream, making it the perfect choice for warming up chilly winter evenings with minimal effort.

Creamy Cream of Potato Soup in a rustic bowl, topped with fresh chives and shredded cheddar. Save
Creamy Cream of Potato Soup in a rustic bowl, topped with fresh chives and shredded cheddar. | wheatkettle.com

This easy American-style soup is a household staple that balances nutrition and indulgence. With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can transform simple russet potatoes, celery, and carrots into a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 900 g (2 lbs) russet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 medium yellow onion (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium carrot (peeled and chopped)
  • Liquids: 1 L (4 cups) vegetable or chicken broth, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
  • Fats & Seasonings: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Garnishes: Chopped fresh chives or parsley, cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese
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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Simmer Soup
Add the diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
Step 3: Blend to Smoothness
Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer more texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Dairy
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Return the pot to low heat and warm through, stirring occasionally. Do not let the soup boil after adding the dairy.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired with chives, parsley, bacon, or cheese.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For those who enjoy a little warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper during the simmering stage for a subtle hint of heat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make a vegan version of this soup, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk and cream alternatives. Ensure you use vegetable broth to keep the dish entirely plant-based.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this creamy potato soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping to create a heartier and more complete meal.

Velvety Cream of Potato Soup simmering in a pot, with diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Save
Velvety Cream of Potato Soup simmering in a pot, with diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. | wheatkettle.com

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Cream of Potato Soup whenever you need a simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table. It is a versatile classic that never fails to please.

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Common Recipe Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

What potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal here because their high starch content creates a naturally thick, creamy texture. Yukon Golds work well too if you prefer slightly more texture in your spoonfuls.

How do I prevent the dairy from curdling?

Always remove the pot from heat before adding milk and cream. Warm through gently over low heat without boiling. This simple step keeps your soup silky smooth every time.

Can I freeze this potato soup?

Freezing works better before adding the dairy. Blend the vegetable base, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in fresh milk and cream when ready to serve.

What garnishes complement this soup?

Fresh chives or parsley add bright color and mild onion flavor. Crumbled bacon brings smoky crunch, while shredded cheddar melts beautifully into hot spoonfuls. A swirl of extra cream creates an elegant finish.

How can I make this vegan?

Swap butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, and replace dairy milk and cream with oat or almond milk. Coconut cream adds richness though it will add subtle coconut notes to the flavor profile.

Cream of Potato Soup

Velvety smooth potatoes simmered with vegetables, finished with cream for the ultimate cold-weather comfort.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Lillian Roberts


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
02 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 2 celery stalks, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
02 1 cup whole milk
03 ½ cup heavy cream

Fats & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
03 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnishes

01 Chopped fresh chives or parsley
02 Cooked, crumbled bacon
03 Shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, celery, carrot, and garlic, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 02

Simmer potatoes: Add diced potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

Step 03

Blend soup: Remove pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth or leave slightly chunky according to preference.

Step 04

Finish with cream: Stir in milk and heavy cream. Return pot to low heat and warm through, stirring occasionally. Do not allow soup to boil after adding dairy products.

Step 05

Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives, bacon, or cheddar cheese as desired.

Essential Gear

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Ladle

Allergy Notice

Read each ingredient label for allergens and talk to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk and cream
  • Verify broth is gluten-free for gluten-free preparation
  • Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details here are for general info and aren't meant as medical advice.
  • Kcal: 320
  • Fats: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 43 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams