Easy Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Our Easy Potato Leek Soup Recipe is a cozy vegetarian dish brimming with sautéed leeks and tender potatoes in a rich, creamy soup base. It’s easy to make in under an hour, and can even be made vegan with a couple of simple swaps!

Ingredients · Servings 8

6 cups sliced Golden potatoes (or other thin-skinned potatoes, about 2 lbs)
4 cups chopped leeks (about 3 large leeks)
3-5 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tablespoons butter (or plant-based butter for vegan)
8 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for vegan)
Salt and pepper

Method · 55 min

Prep the Leeks: Cut the dark green tops off the leeks. Then cut the root end off the stocks as well. Quarter the stocks, lengthwise, and cut into ½-inch slices. Place the chopped leeks in a bowl and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any sand and debris. (You can save the green tops for making stock, but do not use them in this recipe.)Move the leeks to a colander to drain while you mince the garlic.
Set a large 6-8 quart soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter, chopped leeks, and garlic to the pot. Stir and allow the aromatics to sauté and soften for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, quarter the potatoes, lengthwise. Then slice into thin slices. Once the leeks are very soft and fragrant, add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the broth, then stir in the Italian herb seasoning.
Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring on occasion. Then uncover the pot and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the potatoes are very soft, and disintegrating into the soup base.
Taste, then salt and pepper as desired. For extra creamy soup, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or cashew cream.

Potato Leek Soup Recipe – Why We Love It

There is nothing I love more than cuddling up with a warm bowl of homemade soup on a chilly night. And this gloriously rich and flavorful Potato and Leek Soup is perfect for fall and winter meals! It’s a quick and easy vegetarian recipe that allows for maximum flavor and coziness, with minimal effort.

It also happens to be a gluten-free creamy soup recipe, too!

Why leeks and not just “regular” onions?

Leeks are a firm onion variety that looks similar to extra-large scallions, AKA green onions. It’s really a delicious pairing that you have to experience for yourself.

While it is soup-er simple, there are several ways to customize the recipe: Easily make it a vegan potato leek soup recipe with just a couple of swaps, or add meat for a more protein-rich dish, or change up the veggies to your tastes. So long as you keep the leeks and potatoes in there *wink*, you’re sure to have a winning dish to warm you from the inside out!

Garlic – minced
Butter – unsalted

How to Make Potato Leek Soup

Find the full Leek and Potato Soup recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, storing tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.

Or puree 1 cup of cottage cheese and stir it into the soup.

Recipe Variations

Vegan – Simply use your favorite plant-based nondairy butter and cashew cream to easily make this a vegan potato leek soup recipe.
Meat – Add some extra protein and include a couple of handfuls of cooked chopped ham, bacon, ground sausage, turkey, or chicken in the last few minutes of simmering the leek and potato soup. You can also use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth, if you like.
You can use any variety of thin-skinned potatoes. However, if you choose to use thicker-skinned potatoes, like russet potatoes, you will need to peel them first.
Veggies – There are so many ways to change up this basic recipe! Include diced carrots, celery, chopped cauliflower florets, or even chopped kale leaves for a heartier but still veggie-centric dish.
Servings – As-is, this recipe makes about 8 generous servings. Halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch for 4 people. To double the recipe, you’ll need a large 20-quart stockpot.
Herbs – Ladle the hot leek and potato soup into large bowls. Add a pop of freshness to the rich soup and garnish each bowl with a bit of chopped green onions or fresh chives, fresh thyme sprigs, or fresh basil leaves. Or go the opposite direction and load on some crispy fried onions!
Spice – For a nice kick of spicy heat, consider sprinkling on crushed red pepper flakes!
Cheesy – You can also sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese, or nondairy parm to serve as a vegan potato leek soup.
Serve with a Side – I don’t know about your household, but around here, it’s practically a rule that soup has to be served with some sort of bread! This creamy soup is delicious for dunking in slices of toasty baguette or a hunk of any warm, crusty bread.
Salad – Oh, and don’t forget a salad! Soup, bread, and salad … Is there a more perfect trio for a satisfying dinner that won’t weigh you down? I think not!

Why does my leek and potato soup taste bitter?

Usually, the culprit of bitter leeks is either A) you accidentally used some of the darker green bits of the stalk, or B) they were not sautéed for long enough before adding the broth. Leeks need to be cooked down a good bit to develop the light, earthy, and sweet flavor.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover potato leek soup will keep well for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before transferring the soup to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge.