This Creamy Mashed Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for making the most of leftover mashed potatoes. It’s thick, velvety, and enriched with the savory flavors of garlic, onion, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Garnished with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of extra cheese, this hearty soup will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, fresh parsley
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine the mashed potatoes and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Add milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon, green onions, extra cheese, and parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Mashed Potato Soup is the Perfect Comfort Meal
Mashed potato soup stands out among soup recipes for its creamy, rich texture and indulgent flavor. At its heart, it’s all about turning something humble leftover mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. This dish is beloved because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty, delivering that satisfying “stick-to-your-ribs” feeling without being overly heavy.
The combination of mashed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, and sour cream creates a base that is smooth and luscious. Additions like shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions enhance the flavor profile, offering layers of salty, savory goodness in every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home-cooked dinners, warm kitchens, and cherished family moments.
The Origin of Potato-Based Soups
Potato soups have long been a part of culinary traditions across many cultures. Historically, potatoes were a cheap, accessible, and filling ingredient, making them a staple in households worldwide. European cuisines, particularly in countries like Ireland and Germany, feature various potato soups, often incorporating local ingredients such as leeks, onions, and cream.
Mashed potato soup is a modern evolution of these classic recipes. It uniquely utilizes pre-made mashed potatoes, offering a practical way to reduce food waste while maximizing flavor. It’s no wonder that this soup is gaining popularity in kitchens everywhere it’s a delicious solution to the common problem of leftover mashed potatoes, and it embodies the “waste not, want not” philosophy perfectly.
Nutritional Highlights
While creamy mashed potato soup leans toward the indulgent side, it still offers several nutritional benefits:
- Potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Chicken broth provides hydration, minerals, and a depth of flavor without excess calories.
- Milk and sour cream add calcium and protein.
- Bacon and cheddar cheese, while rich, contribute protein and essential fats.
- Green onions offer a dose of vitamins A and C, along with a fresh bite that balances the richness.
Of course, you can modify the recipe to suit dietary preferences use low-fat dairy options, swap in turkey bacon, or even make it vegetarian with vegetable broth and plant-based toppings.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best features of mashed potato soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
1. Vegetarian Version
Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or caramelized onions to bring extra umami flavor.
2. Loaded Baked Potato Style
Think of your favorite loaded baked potato toppings sour cream, chives, extra cheese, crispy bacon, maybe even jalapeños and pile them on top of your soup for an extra indulgent experience.
3. Spicy Kick
Add a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even diced jalapeños while simmering the soup for a bit of heat.
4. Dairy-Free Option
Replace the milk and sour cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Coconut cream can also be used to maintain creaminess without dairy.
Tips for the Perfect Mashed Potato Soup
To ensure your mashed potato soup is silky and flavorful every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use well-seasoned mashed potatoes: If your leftovers were already seasoned, you might need to adjust the salt and pepper in the soup less.
- Don’t skip the broth: Broth thins out the mashed potatoes and adds essential depth of flavor. Chicken broth is traditional, but vegetable broth works beautifully.
- Heat gently: Avoid boiling the soup too vigorously, as dairy-based soups can curdle or develop an unpleasant texture if overheated.
- Top right before serving: Adding bacon, cheese, and green onions right before serving ensures they stay crisp and fresh, providing great texture contrast.
- Blending optional: If you prefer an ultra-smooth consistency, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender for a restaurant-quality finish.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Mashed Potato Soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- A fresh green salad for balance
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
- Grilled vegetables or a light protein, such as roasted chicken
- A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate
For a cozy night in, serve the soup in large bowls, topped generously with bacon crumbles and cheddar cheese, and enjoy by the fire or during a movie night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup ticks all the boxes:
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✅ Waste-Reducing: Puts leftover mashed potatoes to delicious use.
✅ Family-Friendly: Universally loved flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
✅ Customizable: Endless variations to fit dietary needs or personal preferences.
✅ Comforting: Perfect for cold weather, busy weeknights, or when you need a little pick-me-up.
It’s no wonder so many home cooks keep this recipe in their back pocket!
Conclusion:
Creamy Mashed Potato Soup is more than just a way to use up leftovers it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the flavors of home-cooked comfort food. Its creamy texture, savory toppings, and satisfying heartiness make it a dish that resonates with anyone who appreciates wholesome, uncomplicated meals.
Whether you’re preparing it after a big holiday meal with leftover mashed potatoes or whipping it up from scratch, this soup is always a winner. It’s proof that with a little creativity, the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something truly special.