How to Make the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup
American · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
A thick and comforting potato soup made with russet potatoes, onion, and a creamy broth base. It is a simple and budget-friendly recipe that feels indulgent without requiring expensive ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Potato Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 stalks green onions chopped for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute aromatics
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add potatoes and broth
Add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are completely fork-tender.
Step 3: Mash or blend
Use a potato masher to mash about half the potatoes directly in the pot for a chunky texture. For a smooth soup use an immersion blender to blend fully.
Step 4: Add dairy and season
Stir in the whole milk and sour cream over low heat. Do not boil after adding dairy or it may curdle. Season with salt and black pepper and stir until smooth.
Step 5: Serve with toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions. Optional toppings include shredded cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sour cream → plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy tang
- whole milk → heavy cream for a richer soup or unsweetened oat milk for dairy-free
- chicken broth → vegetable broth to make the recipe fully vegetarian
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not add dairy while the soup is still boiling as it will cause the milk and sour cream to curdle
- Do not cut potatoes into large uneven pieces as they will cook at different rates
- Do not skip the mashing step as blending entirely can make the starch too thick and gluey
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 9g protein, 48g carbs, 13g fat, 4g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →