Creamy Potato Onion Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy potato onion soup. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside, offering warmth, richness, and a blend of flavors that just seem to melt together perfectly. If you’ve ever craved something hearty yet not too heavy, this creamy potato onion soup is your answer. Imagine the soft, velvety texture of mashed potatoes combined with the savory depth of onions, simmered gently to develop layers of flavor.

This soup isn’t just easy to make but is also a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy lunch, or serving it up for a group of friends, it always hits the mark. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for colder months, but the beauty of this recipe is that it can be enjoyed any time of year.

So, if you’re ready to explore this soul-warming recipe, let’s dive into the details!

Here’s the thing: potato and onion are two ingredients that, on their own, are fantastic. But when you bring them together in a creamy soup, they create a marriage of flavors that is truly unmatched. The potatoes provide that starchy, creamy texture while the onions offer sweetness, depth, and just a hint of savory richness that makes every spoonful a delight. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s simple yet sensational.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, so you can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Ready to get started? Here’s how you can whip up this creamy potato onion soup in no time.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

Potatoes (4 medium-sized) – Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets. They break down nicely when cooked and lend a creaminess to the soup.
Onions (2 large) – Yellow or sweet onions work best for this recipe. They caramelize beautifully and provide that deep, sweet flavor base.
Butter (3 tablespoons) – Adds richness and a smooth texture to the soup. You can substitute it with olive oil for a lighter version.
Garlic (2 cloves) – Minced. Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the flavor profile of the soup.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups) – You can use homemade or store-bought. If you prefer a vegetarian soup, go for vegetable broth.
Heavy Cream (1 cup) – The key to making this soup irresistibly creamy. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
Salt and Pepper – For seasoning. Adjust according to taste.
Thyme (1 teaspoon) – Dried thyme works well, but if you have fresh, even better! It adds an earthy, fragrant layer to the soup.
Bay Leaves (1-2) – These add subtle depth and a slight herbal note to the broth.
Chives or Parsley (optional) – For garnish. They bring freshness and color to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps of making this creamy potato onion soup. Don’t worry-while the process might seem like a lot, it’s actually pretty straightforward, and most of the time is spent letting everything simmer and meld together.

Prepare The Vegetables
- Peel and dice your potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic.
Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and soft.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Cook The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the flavors from the butter and onions.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add The Broth
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered by the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend The Soup
- Once the potatoes are soft, remove the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.
Stir In The Cream
- Return the soup to the pot (if you used a regular blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Bring it back to a simmer for 5 more minutes to heat everything through.
Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped chives or parsley, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Potatoes: Potatoes are the backbone of this soup, providing a creamy base without needing to add flour or other thickening agents. They also help make the soup more filling and satisfying.
Onions: Onions release natural sugars when cooked slowly, which enhances the soup’s sweetness and depth of flavor. The caramelized onions add a richness that transforms the simple potato into something extraordinary.
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives this soup that velvety texture that makes each spoonful feel like a little indulgence. If you want to lighten it up, substituting milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk works fine, though the creaminess might be slightly less intense.
Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs are subtle yet essential for rounding out the flavor of the soup. Thyme’s earthiness contrasts the sweetness of the onions, while the bay leaves add a subtle hint of aromatic warmth.

Expert Tips

Don’t Rush the Onions: The longer you cook the onions, the more flavor they develop. Caramelizing them slowly over medium-low heat takes time, but it’s well worth the wait. This adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
Texture Preferences: If you like a chunkier soup, blend only half of it. You’ll get a creamy base but still retain some potato chunks for texture. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend it all the way through.
Add Cheese for Extra Richness: If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Gruyère after blending the soup. It adds another layer of creamy richness and makes the soup even more comforting.
Make Ahead: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors tend to develop even more as it sits. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze portions for later.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Version: Replace the butter with olive oil and swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free version. The soup will have a slightly different flavor profile, but it’ll still be creamy and comforting.
Cheesy Potato Soup: Add in some shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or even Parmesan to the soup just before serving for a cheesy twist. Melt it into the soup to create a decadent, cheesy texture.
Spicy Potato Soup: For some heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. A little spice will contrast beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.
Herbed Potato Soup: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or even a bit of fresh dill. These herbs will give the soup a unique twist and pair well with the earthy potatoes.

Final Words

This creamy potato onion soup is the ultimate comfort food: hearty, creamy, and filled with the rich, savory flavors of potatoes and onions. With a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something that’ll impress at a dinner party, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Creamy Potato Onion Soup Recipe