Classic Creamy Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This classic potato leek soup recipe is a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for any season. We love its simple elegance and how easily it comes together with just a few fresh ingredients. This versatile soup offers warmth and satisfaction, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Potato Leek Soup

You’ll quickly fall in love with this comforting soup for many reasons:

• Rich, Creamy Texture: It’s incredibly smooth and velvety, a true delight with every spoonful.
• Naturally Sweet Flavor: The star of the show, leeks, bring a gentle, sweet onion flavor that shines through.
• Deeply Comforting: Enjoy a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy Preparation: Even beginner cooks can master this straightforward potato leek soup.
• Perfect for Cozy Meals: Serve it up on a chilly evening for an instant sense of coziness.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make this delightful potato leek soup recipe at home:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the flavorful base for sautéing your vegetables.
• 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped (about 5 cups): These provide the signature sweet, mild onion flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed: Adds an aromatic depth to the soup.
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped into ½-inch pieces: The ideal potato for a naturally creamy and smooth texture.
• 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid foundation, bringing savory notes to the dish.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, herbaceous note as the soup simmers.
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme: Lends an earthy, warm aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of mild spice to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Stir this in at the end for ultimate richness and body.
• Chives, finely chopped, for serving: A fresh, mild onion garnish to brighten each bowl.

Notes & Substitutions

When preparing your leeks for this easy potato leek soup, remember to clean them thoroughly. Leeks tend to hold a lot of dirt between their layers. Slice them first, then rinse them well in a colander under cold water. For potatoes, Yukon Golds create the creamiest texture due to their moderate starch content. If you do not have Yukon Golds, Russet potatoes also work well but can be a bit starchier; red potatoes offer a slightly waxier texture.

You can use either chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand. For a lighter touch, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich. To make this creamy potato leek soup dairy-free, use a plant-based cream like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk. Consider adding other fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a slight flavor variation.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this warming potato leek soup:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering your ingredients evenly.
• Immersion blender or standard blender: For achieving that perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For safely preparing your leeks, garlic, and potatoes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts for best results.

Instructions

Creating this comforting potato leek soup recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly smooth and flavorful result:

1. Sauté Leeks and Garlic: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the roughly chopped leeks and smashed garlic cloves. Cook, stirring regularly, until the leeks become soft and wilted, which takes about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent browning. You want the leeks to soften and release their sweetness, not caramelize.
2. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the peeled and chopped potatoes, broth, bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper to the pot. This is where the magic happens for your homemade potato leek soup recipe.
3. Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Continue simmering until the potatoes are very soft and easily pierced with a fork. Tender potatoes are key for a smooth purée.
4. Purée the Soup: Carefully remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot. Use a hand-held immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth. An immersion blender makes quick work of puréeing your creamy potato leek soup with minimal cleanup. If you are using a standard blender, work in batches. Only fill the blender jar halfway to prevent spills, and leave the hole in the lid open, covering it loosely with a dishtowel to allow steam to escape. Pour blended soup into a clean pot.
5. Finish with Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If your soup seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken slightly. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with fresh, finely chopped chives. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade potato leek soup.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Cleaning Leeks: Leeks can hide a lot of grit. After trimming the dark green tops and root ends, slice the leeks lengthwise, then chop them. Place the chopped leeks in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, separating the layers with your hands to remove all dirt. For a detailed guide on how to prepare leeks, consider this resource on cutting and cleaning leeks.
• Safe Blending: If you use a standard blender, be extremely cautious. Hot liquids expand and can create pressure. Blend in small batches, filling the blender no more than halfway. Remove the center cap from the lid and cover it with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape.
• Achieving Consistency: For a thicker potato leek soup, simmer it longer after puréeing, allowing some liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, simply stir in more broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
• Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The saltiness of your broth can vary, so add salt and pepper gradually until the flavors sing.
• Preventing Gummy Potatoes: Do not overcook your potatoes before puréeing. Simmer them until just fork-tender, not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes can release too much starch, leading to a gluey texture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile potato leek soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a fantastic meal any day.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze it before adding the heavy cream. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir in the heavy cream once it’s hot, and bring it to a simmer before serving.
• Variations:
  • Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and a plant-based cream (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) for a delicious vegan version of this wonderful potato leek soup.
  • Smoked: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a diced smoked ham hock during the simmering stage for a rich, smoky depth.
  • Hearty: Cook and crumble some bacon bits or sauté diced ham to stir into the soup just before serving, adding extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Please remember that these nutritional facts are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This hearty potato leek soup provides warming nutrients from fresh vegetables and creamy goodness. Leeks offer vitamins K and A, while potatoes contribute fiber and potassium. Many sources, including WebMD, highlight the various health benefits of leeks, such as their rich vitamin K content.

FAQ

Have questions about making this amazing potato leek soup recipe? We have answers!

• Can I make potato leek soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator without adding the cream until just before serving.
• What potatoes are best for soup? Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this creamy soup because they break down beautifully for a smooth texture. Russets also work well.
• How do I clean leeks thoroughly? Slice your leeks first, then rinse them vigorously in a colander under cold water, separating the rings to wash away all trapped dirt.
• Can I make this soup vegan/dairy-free? Yes, you can easily adapt this potato leek soup recipe to be vegan by using olive oil, vegetable broth, and a plant-based cream alternative.
• How to thicken or thin potato leek soup? To thicken, simmer the soup uncovered until it reduces. To thin it out, simply stir in more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Can I freeze potato leek soup? Yes, freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream for the best results. Thaw it, reheat, and then stir in the cream.

Conclusion

There is truly nothing quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade soup. This classic potato leek soup recipe proves that comfort food can also be simple and elegant. We hope you feel inspired to whip up this easy potato leek soup recipe tonight and enjoy its comforting flavors. Please share your experience and any delicious twists you discover in the comments below. Happy cooking!

This classic potato leek soup is creamy, comforting, and simple to make with a few fresh ingredients. Featuring buttery leeks, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and a swirl of heavy cream, it's the perfect cozy dish for any time of year.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces
• 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or standard blender
• cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped leeks and smashed garlic. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until leeks are soft and wilted but not browned.
2. Add potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are very soft and fork-tender.
4. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a standard blender (filling only halfway to allow steam to escape).
5. Stir in the heavy cream and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Thin with broth or water if desired.
6. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Be sure to clean leeks thoroughly before cooking — they often hide grit. For a vegan version, use olive oil and plant-based cream. You can adjust thickness with more broth or by simmering uncovered. Freeze before adding cream for best results.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com