Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Featured in: Soups & Stews

Experience the gentle flavors of potatoes and leeks combined into a luxurious, silky soup enriched with cream. This French-inspired culinary classic uses fresh vegetables cooked gently in butter, then pureed for ultimate smoothness. Cream is stirred in for richness, and a touch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper subtly enhance the taste. Top hot bowls with chives or parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy alone or with crusty bread, and enjoy easy preparation plus simple dairy-free options. Perfect for a comforting meal any day, providing warmth and a creamy texture in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:02:00 GMT
Creamy Potato & Leek Soup served in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh chives.  Save
Creamy Potato & Leek Soup served in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh chives. | cheerfulchefs.com

A velvety comforting soup featuring tender potatoes and aromatic leeks finished with a touch of cream for richness.

I first made this soup during a chilly spring evening when I craved something warm and satisfying but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The mild sweetness of the leeks and the creaminess from the potatoes always remind me of cozy family meals around our worn wooden table.

Ingredients

  • Leeks: 2 large white and light green parts only cleaned and sliced
  • Yukon Gold potatoes: 3 medium peeled and diced
  • Onion: 1 medium chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Whole milk or heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp optional
  • Chopped chives or parsley: for garnish if desired

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and onion. Cook stirring often until soft but not browned about 6&8 minutes.
Add Garlic:
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Potatoes & Season:
Stir in potatoes salt pepper and nutmeg if using. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are very tender.
Purée Soup:
Remove from heat. Purée soup using an immersion blender until smooth or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
Finish & Heat:
Return soup to pot if needed. Stir in milk or cream and gently heat through without boiling.
Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot garnished with chives or parsley if desired.
Velvety Creamy Potato & Leek Soup steaming hot beside crusty bread slices.  Save
Velvety Creamy Potato & Leek Soup steaming hot beside crusty bread slices. | cheerfulchefs.com

My family loves sitting together and dipping crusty bread into the creamy steaming bowls. This soup has become a staple on cold nights bringing everyone together with warmth and simple flavors.

Required Tools

Large pot chef’s knife cutting board immersion blender and ladle help make the process smooth and easy.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter milk cream). Substitute with plant-based options if needed and check broth labels for other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 230 calories 10 g fat 32 g carbohydrates and 4 g protein.

Rich and hearty Creamy Potato & Leek Soup, perfect for cozy evenings. Save
Rich and hearty Creamy Potato & Leek Soup, perfect for cozy evenings. | cheerfulchefs.com

Serve this soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful finishing touch. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a savory French classic.

Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes yield the creamiest texture?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for a smooth, creamy soup, though russet potatoes can be used as a substitute.

Can this soup be made vegan?

Yes, swap the butter for olive oil and use plant-based milk or cream for a vegan-friendly version.

How do you blend the soup for a velvety consistency?

An immersion blender works best for puréeing directly in the pot. A standard blender can be used in batches for smoothness.

How is the flavor of leeks balanced in the soup?

Leeks pair with mild onion and garlic, mellowed by buttery cooking and potatoes, yielding sweet and aromatic notes.

What garnishes complement this potato and leek soup?

Chopped fresh chives or parsley add color and herbal brightness. Crusty bread makes a tasty accompaniment.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers keep well, refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Tender potatoes and sweet leeks blend smoothly with cream for a warming, satisfying, velvety soup experience.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Soups & Stews

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background French

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

Vegetables

01 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
02 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
03 1 medium onion, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

Fats & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

01 Chopped fresh chives or parsley

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Sweat Aromatics: Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, stirring frequently, and sauté until soft but not browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 02

Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Potatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg if using. Pour in vegetable broth and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 04

Simmer: Lower heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are completely tender.

Step 05

Purée Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until silky smooth, or transfer in batches to a standard blender for puréeing.

Step 06

Finish with Dairy: Return the puréed soup to the pot if necessary. Stir in whole milk or heavy cream and gently reheat over low heat, taking care not to boil.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Immersion blender or standard blender
  • Ladle

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy from butter and milk or cream; for dairy-free use plant-based substitutes.
  • Check vegetable broth for potential allergen contents, especially in store-bought options.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 230
  • Fats: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams