10 Easy Quick Potato Soup Recipes for Cozy Meals

Let’s be real — nothing hits quite like a steaming bowl of potato soup on a cold evening. It’s cozy, creamy, and somehow feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’ve had a long day or you just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, potato soup is your best friend.

The beauty? You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Over the years, I’ve tried every kind of potato soup you can imagine — from ultra-rich bacon-loaded ones to lighter, veggie-packed versions.

Today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite easy and quick potato soup recipes that will warm your soul (and your stomach) without breaking a sweat.

1. Classic Creamy Potato Soup

There’s a reason this one’s called classic. It’s the soup you dream of on lazy Sundays — smooth, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.

What You’ll Need:

  • 4 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Quick Steps:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
  2. Add potatoes and broth, simmer until soft.
  3. Blend half the mixture for creaminess.
  4. Stir in milk, season, and heat through.

Pro Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top — it takes this basic beauty to “can-I-have-seconds?” level.

Why It Works: It’s fast, cheap, and foolproof. Ever wonder why simple recipes end up being the best ones? Yeah, this is Exhibit A.

2. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

If you love baked potatoes but hate the wait, this soup will blow your mind. It’s basically a loaded baked potato in liquid form.

Ingredients:

  • 5 russet potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 small onion
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp butter for roux

Steps:

  1. Cook bacon first and set aside (because bacon makes everything better).
  2. In the same pot, sauté onion in butter.
  3. Stir in flour to create a roux, add milk slowly, and whisk.
  4. Toss in potatoes and simmer until tender.
  5. Add cheese, sour cream, and bacon.

IMO, this soup defines comfort food. Serve it with green onions on top — or go crazy and add extra bacon.

3. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup

Ever thought of combining broccoli cheddar soup with potato soup? Oh, you’re in for a treat.

You’ll Need:

  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Boil potatoes and broccoli in broth until tender.
  2. Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture.
  3. Add milk and cheese, stirring until melted.
  4. Season and enjoy that cheesy glory.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s the perfect “I want veggies but also cheese” compromise. And let’s be honest — who can say no to melted cheddar?

4. Creamy Potato Corn Chowder

If comfort had a flavor, it’d be this soup. It’s sweet from the corn, hearty from the potatoes, and ready in 30 minutes flat.

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 1 can corn (or 2 cups fresh)
  • 2 cups chicken or veggie broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 2 tbsp butter

Steps:

  1. Sauté veggies in butter.
  2. Add potatoes, corn, and broth; simmer until tender.
  3. Blend part of the soup, then stir in milk.

Optional Add-ins: Crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or even a touch of smoked paprika for that “fireplace vibe.”

FYI, this one reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

5. Instant Pot Potato Soup

Got 20 minutes and an Instant Pot? Perfect — you’re about to meet your new weeknight hero.

What You’ll Need:

  • 6 medium potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic using the Instant Pot’s sauté function.
  2. Add potatoes, broth, and seal the lid. Cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
  3. Quick-release, mash lightly, stir in cream and butter.

Why It Rocks: Zero babysitting, zero effort, 100% cozy satisfaction. Seriously, the Instant Pot makes you look like a pro with minimal effort.

6. Bacon and Leek Potato Soup

Want something that feels fancy without the effort? This one’s got your name on it. The leeks add a delicate onion-like flavor that pairs beautifully with crispy bacon.

Ingredients:

  • 4 potatoes, diced
  • 2 leeks, sliced thin
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

  1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble.
  2. In the same pot, sauté leeks in olive oil.
  3. Add potatoes and broth, simmer till tender.
  4. Blend slightly, then add milk and bacon bits.

Taste Hack: Add a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary. You’ll swear you’re dining in a French café — minus the tiny portions.

7. Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Got leftover ham from last night? Boom — turn it into this hearty, satisfying soup.

You’ll Need:

  • 4 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter

Directions:

  1. Cook onion in butter until soft.
  2. Add potatoes, broth, and simmer till tender.
  3. Stir in ham and milk; cook another 5 minutes.

Why You’ll Crave It Again: The ham adds a smoky flavor that makes this soup borderline addictive. Ever had a meal where you wished for leftovers just so you could eat it again tomorrow? Yeah, that’s this one.

8. Vegan Creamy Potato Soup

Don’t think “vegan” means “boring.” This soup proves you can have creamy, dreamy comfort without dairy or meat.

Ingredients:

  • 4 potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 cups veggie broth
  • ½ cup coconut milk or cashew cream
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Steps:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add potatoes and broth; cook until soft.
  3. Blend smooth, then stir in coconut milk.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s silky, rich, and dairy-free — perfect for anyone who wants comfort food that still feels light.

Bonus Tip: Add roasted cauliflower for extra body and a subtle nutty flavor.

9. Spicy Southwest Potato Soup

If you like a little kick with your comfort, this one brings the heat. Think of it as potato soup meets Tex-Mex fiesta.

You’ll Need:

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Sauté spices in a little oil for max flavor.
  2. Add potatoes, tomatoes, corn, and broth.
  3. Simmer till potatoes soften, then stir in milk.

Serve With: Cilantro, lime juice, and tortilla strips. Ever had soup so good you wanted to drink it straight from the bowl? You might after this one.

10. Creamy Potato Spinach Soup

This one’s perfect when you want something nutritious yet indulgent. The spinach adds a touch of freshness that balances the creamy base perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 3 large potatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cups broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter

Steps:

  1. Cook onion in butter.
  2. Add potatoes and broth; simmer till soft.
  3. Stir in spinach and blend partially.
  4. Add milk and season.

Why It Works: It’s a great “clean-out-the-fridge” recipe that still feels fancy. Plus, that green swirl from the spinach makes it look restaurant-worthy.

Tips for Making Perfect Potato Soup Every Time

Before you hit the kitchen, let me share a few tried-and-tested lessons from countless soup sessions.

1. Choose the Right Potato

  • Russet potatoes make your soup fluffy and thick.
  • Yukon Golds are creamier and perfect for blending.
  • Avoid waxy potatoes (like red ones) if you want that smooth texture.

2. Don’t Skip the Fat

Butter, cream, cheese — these aren’t just for flavor; they’re texture game-changers. Even a small amount adds that irresistible mouthfeel.

3. Blend Smart

Blend half, not all, of your soup. This trick keeps it creamy and chunky, the best of both worlds.

4. Season as You Go

Ever made soup that tastes like nothing even though you added salt at the end? Rookie mistake. Season in layers — you’ll thank yourself later.

5. Store Like a Pro

Cool completely before refrigerating. Potato soup thickens over time, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to life.

Why Potato Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

You might think, “It’s just soup,” but hear me out — potato soup is budget-friendly, meal-prep-friendly, and freezer-friendly. You can make a huge batch on Sunday and have dinner ready for the next few nights.

And the best part? It’s versatile as heck. You can throw in leftover chicken, veggies, or even top it with crispy onions or shredded cheese for a new twist every time.

It’s also one of those dishes that makes your house smell amazing. You know that comforting, “somebody’s-cooking-something-awesome” vibe? Yeah, potato soup does that.

Final Thoughts

So, which one are you trying first? The cheesy broccoli classic or the bold Southwest version with a kick? Whichever you pick, you’ll end up with a creamy, cozy bowl of goodness that feels like it took hours — even though it didn’t.

I’ve made these soups more times than I can count, and they never fail to impress, whether it’s a solo dinner or a family gathering. Potato soup is one of those rare dishes that’s both humble and magical — simple ingredients, maximum comfort.

Next time the weather cools down (or, let’s be honest, even if it doesn’t), grab your potatoes and make one of these. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your kitchen smells like home.