If you are on the hunt for a comforting and velvety dish that warms your soul with every spoonful, look no further than the Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe. This classic soup combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet leeks to create a luscious texture and a harmonious flavor that is both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels special enough for guests yet cozy enough for a quiet night in. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a rescue meal to have on standby for chilly days or whenever you crave a bowl of pure, savory comfort.

Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully to create a rich and creamy soup. Each element plays a crucial role — from the aromatic leeks to the silky potatoes and fragrant herbs — making the process and the result equally delightful.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky base to gently sauté the leeks and infuse flavor.
Leeks: Use only the white and light green parts for their sweet, mild onion flavor essential to this soup.
Garlic cloves (minced): Enhances depth and warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation; adjust quantity for your preferred consistency.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Chosen for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, perfect for a smooth soup.
Kosher salt: Balances and brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle earthiness and enhances savory notes during simmering.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Imparts a fragrant, herbal lift that complements potatoes and leeks wonderfully.
Freshly chopped chives and black pepper: Used as garnishes to add brightness and a little spice at the end.

How to Make Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Leeks

Begin by trimming the leeks, setting aside only the white and light green parts. Slice them lengthwise, then chop across to create bite-sized pieces. Because leeks often hold gritty dirt between their layers, give them a thorough rinse in a colander under cold water to ensure no sandy bits spoil your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Leeks and Garlic

Heat your extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Gently sauté the cleaned leeks for 8 to 10 minutes until they become soft and tender but not browned — this slow cooking unlocks their delicate sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute to enhance the savory base without letting it dominate.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Next, add your diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot along with salt, the bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready for blending.

Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Once the potatoes are soft, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup right in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, blend the soup in batches using a standard blender—just be mindful of the hot liquid!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your silky soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives and a crack of black pepper. These simple garnishes add brightness and a subtle pop of flavor that perfectly balances the soup’s richness.

How to Serve Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your soup presentation and flavor, consider garnishing with freshly chopped chives for a mild oniony crunch, cracked black pepper to add warmth, and even a drizzle of cream or olive oil for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of crispy bacon or a few toasted croutons also makes a stunning and delicious addition.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides such as a crusty baguette, warm whole-grain bread, or even a fresh green salad. The hearty yet light nature of these accompaniments complements the soup without overwhelming its delicate taste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a touch of elegance, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or petite mugs for an inviting cafe vibe. You can also swirl in some pesto, garnish with grated sharp cheese, or top with a poached egg to add both visual appeal and layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and improve after resting overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

If you want to save this soup for a longer time, it freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickened while stored.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, russets or red potatoes can work too. Just note that texture and flavor might vary slightly.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling Yukon Gold potatoes gives the soup a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic soup, you can leave the skins on after a thorough wash.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Using vegetable broth and olive oil keeps this soup completely vegan and packed with plant-based goodness.

How thick should the soup be?

That depends on your preference. Add more broth to thin it out or blend less for a chunkier texture. The Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe is very forgiving here.

What other herbs work well besides thyme?

Fresh parsley or a small amount of rosemary can be great alternatives, adding different herbal notes without overpowering the soup.

Final Thoughts

There is something profoundly satisfying about a bowl of smooth, flavorful potato leek soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I truly hope you give the Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe a try and find it as comforting, simple, and delicious as I do. Whether it becomes your weeknight favorite or a special dish to impress loved ones, this soup is guaranteed to bring joy with every spoonful.

Best Potato Leek Soup Recipe