Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This Creamy Mashed Potato Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a brilliant solution to transform your holiday leftovers into a heartwarming, satisfying meal that your entire family will adore. Forget the dilemma of what to do with that extra batch of fluffy mashed potatoes – this rich, savory soup offers a delicious second act, ensuring no potato goes to waste. It’s an easy, economical, and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a classic ingredient in a brand new, exciting form.
The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potato Soup: A Delicious Way to Reinvent Leftovers
There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of mashed potatoes. Their smooth texture and buttery flavor are the epitome of home-cooked goodness. But what happens when you’ve made a generous amount for a special occasion, and the fridge is brimming with the remnants? Enter the glorious Mashed Potato Soup. This recipe takes those velvety spuds and marries them with a rich, savory broth, creating a soup that is both wonderfully creamy and incredibly filling. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly evenings, a quick lunch, or a cozy family dinner.
My family often teases me about making enough mashed potatoes to feed a small army. So, over the years, I’ve perfected several creative ways to use them up, and this soup has quickly become a firm favorite. With just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that feels gourmet yet requires minimal effort. It’s a testament to the power of thoughtful cooking, turning potential waste into a culinary triumph. Say goodbye to tossing out leftovers and hello to a whole new, delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potato Soup
Beyond being a smart way to utilize leftover mashed potatoes, this soup boasts several compelling reasons to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Few dishes can rival the comforting embrace of a warm, creamy soup. This mashed potato soup delivers that feeling in spades, making it ideal for gloomy days or when you just need a culinary hug.
- Quick and Easy: Since your mashed potatoes are already prepared, much of the heavy lifting is done. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Economical: Repurposing leftovers is not only good for reducing food waste but also great for your wallet. This soup transforms inexpensive ingredients into a satisfying meal, stretching your grocery budget further.
- Family-Friendly: The mild, familiar flavors of potatoes and cheese are almost universally loved. This soup is a hit with both kids and adults, easily customizable with various toppings to suit individual preferences.
- Versatile: While phenomenal on its own, this soup serves as a fantastic base for customization. Add vegetables, different cheeses, or proteins to create endless variations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potato Soup
This recipe shines when made with leftover mashed potatoes, especially those creamy ones from holiday feasts. Generally, any mashed potatoes made with starchy russet, waxy Yukon Gold, or red-skinned potatoes will work beautifully. Russets will yield a thicker, more rustic texture, while Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and smoother consistency. Red-skinned potatoes, when mashed, provide a slightly firmer texture. If you don’t have leftovers, you can certainly prepare a fresh batch of mashed potatoes specifically for the soup, or even use quality packaged mashed potatoes (prepared according to package directions) for ultimate convenience.
This recipe aims for a delightful balance between a hearty stew and a smooth broth. However, achieving your ideal consistency is simple. If you prefer a thicker, more substantial soup, gradually stir in a bit more prepared mashed potatoes until it reaches your desired density. For a thinner, lighter soup, slowly whisk in additional chicken broth or whole milk until the consistency is just right. Remember to make adjustments gradually, stirring well after each addition to properly assess the change.
Absolutely! While delicious as is, there are many ways to deepen the flavor profile. Sautéing finely diced onions or minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour creates an aromatic base. You could also incorporate herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky warmth. A splash of white wine or a dollop of cream cheese can also add richness and tang. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
This soup is wonderfully filling and can easily stand alone as a meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with a hearty sandwich, such as leftover turkey or ham. Crusty bread, garlic bread, or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. For a more decadent touch, a grilled cheese sandwich makes an excellent companion.
Toppings are where you can really personalize this soup! Our family favorites include extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon bits, and thinly sliced green onions or chives for a fresh, oniony bite. Other fantastic options include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess, croutons for crunch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little kick. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
Leftovers of this delightful soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it can also be frozen. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Be aware that the texture of the potatoes might change slightly upon freezing and thawing, potentially becoming a bit grainier due to the starch content. To defrost, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore its original creamy consistency.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Mashed Potato Soup
Crafting this luscious soup requires a simple lineup of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s comforting flavor and velvety texture.
Ingredients Needed:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our roux, unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the soup. It also adds a rich, dairy depth that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is combined with the butter to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its luscious body.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference, remembering that chicken broth can also contribute sodium.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup. Use a good quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) to infuse the soup with savory flavor. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you’re sensitive to salt.
- Whole Milk: Contributes to the soup’s creaminess and richness. You can experiment with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even more decadent soup, or skim milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be less robust.
- Prepared Mashed Potatoes: The star of the show! These are your leftover mashed potatoes, already seasoned and creamy. The amount can be adjusted based on how thick you like your soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the soup, adding a sharp, tangy, and incredibly satisfying cheesy note. Freshly grated cheese melts best and offers superior flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy cooked bacon, fresh green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving. These add layers of texture and flavor, elevating the soup from simple to extraordinary.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Mashed Potato Soup
Making this incredible soup is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time:
Step 1: Create the Roux. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted and is shimmering, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground pepper. Use a sturdy whisk to continuously mix everything together. Cook this mixture for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the roux, which will thicken your soup.
Step 2: Incorporate the Broth. Gradually pour the chicken broth into the pot while whisking continuously. It’s crucial to add the broth slowly and whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, beginning to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add Dairy and Potatoes. Once the broth is smoothly incorporated, add the whole milk, your prepared mashed potatoes, and the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. The mashed potatoes will begin to break down and blend into the liquid, contributing to the soup’s rich texture.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the soup reaches your desired thickness and all the cheese has melted beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Be careful not to boil the soup vigorously, as this can sometimes cause the dairy to curdle or alter the texture of the potatoes.
Once your creamy Mashed Potato Soup is hot and perfectly thickened, it’s ready to be served. We particularly enjoy topping ours with generous handfuls of extra shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, and a vibrant sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or chives. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also provide delightful contrasts in texture and flavor, making each spoonful an experience.
Want More Delicious Recipes?
If you love comfort food, especially dishes featuring potatoes or hearty soups, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
- Stovetop Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Cakes
- Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Potato Rolls
- Lasagna Soup
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Slow Cooker Potato Soup (with frozen potatoes)
- Crock Pot Taco Soup
- Crock Pot Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Soup
- Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- 25 Fall Soup Recipes
Mashed Potato Soup
This Mashed Potato Soup is a perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! A hearty and easy dinner or lunch that the whole family will love!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, green onion/chives, sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the flour, salt and pepper.
- Use a whisk to mix everything together and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan, whisking constantly.
- Add the milk, mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese.
- Cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly just until the soup reaches a simmer.
- Continue cooking until desired thickness is reached.
- Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Other additions can be added into the soup, such as sautéed onions or garlic, or fresh herbs.
- Any leftover mashed potatoes will work, or you can use packaged potatoes prepared according to their instructions.
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 894mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Way to Enjoy Leftovers
This Creamy Mashed Potato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and smart cooking. It transforms what might have been forgotten leftovers into a centerpiece of comfort and flavor, proving that some of the best dishes come from ingenuity in the kitchen. Easy to make, incredibly versatile, and universally loved, this soup is destined to become a go-to recipe in your home. So, next time you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, remember this recipe and treat your family to a bowl of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Enjoy every warm, creamy spoonful!