Name: Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups potatoes – peeled and cubed; 5 cups water; 3 chicken bouillon cubes; 1/4 cup diced onion; 1/4 cup diced celery; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 5 tablespoons butter; 5 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of comforting, velvety soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. Imagine tender potatoes mingling with aromatic celery and onion, all wrapped up in a luscious, homemade creamy base that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.

A white bowl filled with creamy yellow soup, topped with a layer of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, scattered pieces of crispy brown bacon, and sprinkled with fresh green chopped scallions, placed on a white marbled surface with part of another identical bowl and small white bowls of shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions in the background, and a wooden-handled spoon and a white cloth with black stripes nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy potato soup over and over, especially when I want something quick but satisfying that just feels like home. It’s downright simple to prepare, yet delivers so much comfort with every spoonful.

Simple Ingredients: You won’t need fancy or hard-to-find items; all the essentials come together beautifully.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, bacon, or green onions to make it your own.
Perfectly Creamy: Thanks to a homemade roux and milk mixture, it’s silky without being too heavy.
Comfort Food Classic: A warm meal that’s ideal for cozy nights or anytime you crave something soothing.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping and stirring, let’s go over the key ingredients that make this soup so delicious—and a few tips to pick the best ones at the store.

Flat lay of peeled cubed potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, three whole chicken bouillon cubes, two small white ceramic bowls — one with white pepper, one with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with salt, five tablespoons of butter arranged as solid sticks, a small white ceramic bowl with flour, a small white ceramic bowl with milk, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Potatoes: I always peel and cube them for even cooking and creamy texture once blended with the soup base.
Water and Chicken Bouillon Cubes: These give a flavorful broth foundation—chicken bouillon brings a savory depth that's simply unbeatable.
Onion and Celery: Classic aromatic veggies that add subtle layers of flavor and a hint of crunch.
White Pepper, Black Pepper, and Salt: The trio balances the flavors perfectly without overpowering the creamy goodness.
Butter and Flour (Roux): This homemade roux is key to thickening the soup without needing heavy cream, keeping it rich and smooth.
Milk: Slowly whisked into the roux, milk creates that velvety, creamy texture that makes this soup truly stand out.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tailor it to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want to keep it classic or add some flair, it welcomes your personal touch with open arms.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the chicken bouillon cubes for vegetable bouillon to make this dish vegetarian-friendly without compromising on depth of flavor. I love this switch for a lighter, meat-free option that’s just as satisfying.
Thicker Soup Twist: For a heartier texture, I sometimes gently mash a few of the cooked potatoes before adding the creamy milk mixture. It adds a lovely thickness that feels extra comforting on chilly days.
Seasonal Additions: Adding roasted garlic or a handful of sautéed mushrooms can bring a seasonal twist and deepen the flavor profile beautifully. This is a fun way I like to experiment with autumn flavors.
Toppings Galore: Don’t hesitate to pile on those classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. I’ve found these add such a nice contrast in texture and elevate the whole bowl to something special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick creamy soup that has a pale yellow color. On top, there is melted bright orange cheese, small crispy brown bacon pieces, and chopped fresh green onions scattered evenly. A spoon lifting a scoop from the bowl shows a mix of soft potato chunks covered in creamy soup with cheese stretching slightly, bacon bits, and green onions. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a second bowl of soup blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes and Aromatics

I start by combining the peeled, cubed potatoes, diced celery, diced onion, chicken bouillon cubes, and water in a large stockpot. Bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and let it simmer. This usually takes about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. While it’s cooking, I sprinkle in the white pepper, black pepper, and salt—seasoning early helps build a balanced flavor foundation. Your kitchen will start to smell like pure comfort by this point!

Step 2: Make the Roux

Next, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once it’s fully melted, I whisk in the flour continuously with a fork or whisk to form a smooth paste. Keep stirring for about 1 minute until the roux turns a beautiful golden brown. This step is crucial because it prevents any raw flour taste from sneaking into your soup and adds a subtle nuttiness that takes the creaminess to the next level.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Thicken

Slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly. This helps keep the mixture perfectly smooth and lump-free. Then, continue cooking the milk and roux mixture over medium-low heat until it thickens into a velvety cream. You’ll notice it start to coat the back of your spoon—that’s just the right texture!

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Soup

Pour that luscious, thickened milk mixture right into the stockpot with your cooked potatoes and vegetables. Stir everything together gently and cook over medium heat just until it’s heated through and the soup thickens slightly. This final melding of flavors is really where the magic happens!

Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy potato soup straight into bowls and serve right away. This soup is best enjoyed piping hot. If you’re feeling indulgent, top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions. The contrast of creamy soup with those crunchy, savory toppings is one of my favorite parts of making this recipe.

Top Tip

Getting your creamy potato soup just right is easier with a few insider pointers. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures, so you can skip the trial and error and dive right into deliciousness!

Golden Roux Magic: I always make sure my butter and flour mixture turns a lovely golden brown before adding milk. This small step takes the soup from good to amazing by eliminating that pesky raw flour taste.
Season Gradually: Since chicken bouillon cubes can pack a punch in saltiness, I add salt little by little, tasting as I go. This way, the seasoning never overpowers the comforting flavors.
Texture Control: When I want my soup thicker, I mash a few potatoes right in the pot before stirring the creamy milk mixture. It adds body without extra fuss.
Fresh Toppings Only: I add my garnishes – like shredded cheddar or crispy bacon – just before serving. It keeps the textures vibrant and the flavors popping.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

A round black pot with two handles contains a thick, pale yellow soup with visible chunks of light yellow potatoes and small green bits. A woman's hand holding a light wooden spoon is stirring the soup. The pot is set on a smooth white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the best parts of this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is how customizable it is. Classic garnishes include shredded sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully on top, crispy bacon bits for that irresistible crunch, and freshly chopped green onions adding a pop of color and mild oniony zest. Feeling adventurous? Try dolloping some sour cream or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist!

Side Dishes

Serve this cozy soup alongside a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, and roasted vegetables can round out the meal for a satisfying comfort-food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover creamy potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup to enjoy later! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be safely frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your creamy potato soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of milk or water if it thickens too much. Microwaving works too—heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken bouillon cubes for vegetable bouillon cubes and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian version without compromising on taste.

Why is my soup grainy after adding the milk?

This usually happens if the roux wasn't cooked long enough before adding milk. Make sure to cook the butter and flour mixture until it’s golden brown, and whisk the milk in slowly to prevent lumps and graininess.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Try mashing some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot before adding the milk and roux mixture. This naturally thickens the soup while keeping it creamy.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes! Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% or skim milk. Just note that lower-fat milk may result in a slightly thinner soup.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Potato Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s straightforward to make, adaptable to your tastes, and warms you from the inside out. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it up for friends and family, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ladle, pour a bowl, and savor every creamy, flavorful spoonful!