Serves 4, ready in 45 minutes (15 prep, 30 cook). Creamy Potato Leek Soup Recipe made with buttery leeks, tender potatoes, broth, and cream. Smooth, silky, comforting texture. Easy to blend, perfect for weeknights or as a dinner party starter. Simple ingredients, rich flavor, no fuss. Garnish with chives or crispy toppings for extra flair.
Velvety Comfort in a Bowl: The Ultimate Potato Leek Soup Experience
A warming classic with rich flavor and timeless appeal
A steaming bowl of creamy potato leek soup delivers pure comfort on a chilly day, offering the perfect balance of smooth texture, earthy sweetness from leeks, and the satisfying heartiness of potatoes. This timeless favorite has become a go-to dish not only for cozy weeknight meals but also as a refined starter for festive gatherings or elegant dinners. The subtle sweetness of sautéed leeks combined with the natural creaminess of slow-simmered potatoes creates a luxurious mouthfeel that feels much richer than the humble ingredients used.
The foundation of this recipe lies in the harmony of just a few key elements. The leeks bring a gentle onion-like aroma without overpowering the palate, while the potatoes lend their natural starch to produce a thick, velvety consistency without needing excessive cream. A splash of dairy enhances the richness, but even without it, the soup remains satisfying and full of depth. A finishing touch of fresh herbs or cracked black pepper adds brightness and a welcome burst of flavor.
A Bite of History
Potato leek soup has deep roots in European cuisine, particularly within French and British traditions. Known in France as “Potage Parmentier” and in Wales as “Cawl Cennin”, this dish has been cherished for centuries due to its simplicity and nourishing qualities. It was often prepared in rural homes with ingredients grown in home gardens, making it an economical yet fulfilling meal. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food in kitchens around the world, reflecting its timeless nature and versatility.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients with rich flavor
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
- Naturally creamy without needing heavy cream
- Elegant enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weekdays
- Customizable with toppings like croutons, herbs, or crispy bacon
Ingredient Character and Flavor Roles
- Leeks offer a mellow, sweet onion flavor that forms the aromatic base.
- Potatoes create the creamy body and thickness once blended.
- Broth or stock enhances savory depth and infuses richness.
- Butter or oil ensures proper softening of vegetables and adds subtle richness.
- Herbs and spices provide balance, whether it’s thyme, bay leaves, or nutmeg.
- Cream or milk (optional) turn this into an indulgent soup with a silkier finish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Insights
This soup is ideal for preparing in advance due to its stable, creamy texture. Once cooked and cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust consistency. Avoid boiling during reheating if using dairy, as it may cause separation.
A Delicious Pairing Suggestion
Want to complete the meal with festive flair? Try serving this soup alongside a side that’s just as comforting.
We suggest exploring our delicious and seasonally popular Ultimate Christmas Roast Potatoes – Crispy Every Time for a perfect textural contrast to your creamy dish.
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- Prepare the leeks:
Trim the leeks to use only the white and light green parts. Rinse the sliced leeks (400 g) under cold water to remove dirt and grit. Drain well. - Sauté the vegetables:
Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g) and 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent browning. - Add potatoes and seasonings:
Add 3 diced potatoes (600 g), 1 bay leaf, 1/4 tsp dried thyme (0.5 g), 1 tsp salt (6 g), and 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 g). Stir to coat the vegetables with seasoning. - Pour in broth:
Add 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (960 ml). Raise the heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. - Blend the soup:
Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. For a silkier texture, blend in batches using a countertop blender. Be careful: hot liquids can splatter. - Add cream and adjust consistency:
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml). If the soup is too thick, add 1/4 cup broth (60 ml) at a time until desired consistency is reached. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling. - Taste and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (6 g), and serve hot. Soup should appear pale, creamy, and smooth with no visible chunks.
FAQ questionCan I make potato leek soup without cream?
Yes, you can make it without cream. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or simply add more broth for a lighter texture. The potatoes will still create a naturally creamy consistency when blended.
FAQ questionHow do I fix a soup that’s too thin?
To thicken the soup, simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to reduce excess liquid or add extra cooked potatoes and blend again. You can also stir in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes in a pinch for fast thickening.
FAQ questionCan I freeze potato leek soup?
Yes, potato leek soup freezes well. Let it cool fully, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat, stirring often. If the texture separates slightly, blend again until smooth.
FAQ questionWhat are the best toppings for potato leek soup?
Top with crispy bacon, garlic croutons, or fresh chives for texture and visual appeal. A swirl of sour cream or olive oil can also elevate a simple bowl into a restaurant-worthy presentation.
FAQ questionHow do I avoid a gritty or stringy texture from the leeks?
Rinse leeks thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt between the layers. Slice only the white and light green parts and sauté them until soft before adding liquids. Proper blending with an immersion blender ensures a silky final texture.
FAQ questionIs potato leek soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free broth. Always check labels if serving someone with gluten intolerance, as some broths may contain wheat-based additives.
FAQ questionCan I make potato leek soup vegan?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and cream with coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream. Use vegetable broth, and the result will still be rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful without any animal products.
I’ve made this creamy potato leek soup countless times in professional kitchens and at home, fine-tuning the balance between leeks and potatoes for the best smooth and savory result. This version highlights classic flavors with foolproof method and pro-level texture control.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Key Takeaways for a Perfect Bowl
A well-made creamy potato leek soup delivers smooth texture, balanced flavor, and satisfying comfort in every spoonful. The combination of tender potatoes, mellow leeks, and a splash of cream creates a naturally velvety dish without relying on complicated methods. This soup is ready in under an hour, uses simple pantry ingredients, and can easily be adapted with dairy-free or vegan substitutions. Blending until completely smooth and reheating gently ensures it stays silky and rich.
Versatile Meal for Any Occasion
This dish works effortlessly as a comforting lunch, an elegant dinner starter, or a warming meal prep option. Freeze leftovers for busy days or serve it fresh with crusty bread, croutons, or crispy toppings for added texture. Its mild flavor base makes it appealing for both kids and adults, and customization options—such as adding herbs, roasted garlic, or bacon—allow you to elevate it effortlessly. The short list of ingredients keeps prep stress-free while delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
Why It Stands Out
- Smooth and creamy texture without needing heavy techniques
- Quick to prepare with everyday ingredients
- Flexible for dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan diets
- Works as a full meal or starter
- Ideal for batch cooking, freezing, and reheating
Best Moments to Serve
Perfect for cold evenings, holiday meals, or whenever you need a satisfying and fuss-free dish. Serve this comforting soup as a cozy dinner during fall and winter, a refined first course at festive gatherings, or a simple meal that’s ready to enjoy in under an hour. Its versatility and easy preparation make it a go-to favorite for both busy weeknights and fun weekend cooking.
Allergens: Milk (butter, cream)
Substitution tips:
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream with olive oil and coconut milk.
- Use gluten-free broth to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
Vitamins & minerals (per serving):
- Vitamin A: 18% DV – supports vision and immune function
- Vitamin C: 20% DV – helps with collagen production and antioxidant defense
- Potassium: 15% DV – essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Calcium: 8% DV – contributes to bone strength
- Iron: 6% DV – supports energy and oxygen transport in the body
Antioxidants (per serving):
- Quercetin: 10 mg – anti-inflammatory and supports heart health
- Chlorogenic Acid: 8 mg – helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Beta-carotene: 1.2 mg – supports skin health and vision
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