When the weather gets cooler, or you just need a hug in a bowl, nothing beats a warm bowl of potato soup. I love how comforting and filling it is, making it perfect for a simple lunch or a hearty dinner.
I’ve put together three of my go-to potato soup recipes for you. Whether you have leftover ham, a craving for something loaded, or just need to use up mashed potatoes, there’s a recipe here for you to try.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Leftover Mashed Potato Soup: Easy and Resourceful
- 2. Ham Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic You’ll Love
- 3. Loaded Potato Soup With Bacon: A Hearty Dinner Idea
Leftover Mashed Potato Soup: Easy and Resourceful
Don’t let those leftover mashed potatoes go to waste! Turn them into this creamy, quick soup. It’s comforting and so simple to make.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Mashed Potato Quality: Use plain or lightly seasoned mashed potatoes for best results. Avoid heavily garlic or herb mashed potatoes unless that’s the flavor you want.
- Liquid Ratio: Adjust the amount of broth or milk based on how thick your leftover mashed potatoes are.
What You Need
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add celery and carrots, cooking until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Combine and Heat
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the leftover mashed potatoes until smooth. Add milk and heat through until warm. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
📝 Final Note
If your mashed potatoes are very thick, you might need a little extra broth or milk to reach your desired soup consistency.
Ham Potato Soup: A Comforting Classic You’ll Love
This ham potato soup is warm and filling, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham from holidays or dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Ham Choice: Use cooked ham, diced small. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully here.
- Creamy Texture: A bit of heavy cream or milk at the end makes it extra rich and smooth.
What You Need
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Aromatics and Ham
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced ham and chopped onion, cooking until the onion softens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer and Finish
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, do not boil.
📝 Final Note
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Loaded Potato Soup With Bacon: A Hearty Dinner Idea
This loaded potato soup is packed with bacon, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. It’s truly a satisfying meal on its own.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Bacon Prep: Cook bacon until crispy before adding it to the soup, saving some for garnish.
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melt and taste.
What You Need
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 cups diced potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions for garnish
- Sour cream for topping
⏱️ Time: 40 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Sauté Veggies
Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving some drippings. Add butter and chopped onion, cooking until soft.
Step 2: Simmer, Mash, and Serve
Add potatoes and chicken broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Lightly mash some potatoes for a thicker soup. Stir in milk, cheese, and most of the bacon until cheese melts. Serve hot with remaining bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
📝 Final Note
For extra creaminess, use a hand blender to partially blend the soup before adding milk and cheese.