Potato Leek Soup

This creamy potato leek soup recipe is comforting and delicious! Easy to make with simple ingredients, it's one of our favorite fall and winter meals.

Potato leek soup

Let’s make potato leek soup! Now that it’s fall, I’ve been bringing home tall, lush leeks from the farmers market nearly every week. This potato leek soup recipe is my favorite way to use them.

It’s creamy, rich, and flavorful, filled with the delicate, oniony leeks, buttery yellow potatoes, garlic, and thyme. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s exactly the kind of warming, veggie-forward fare I crave throughout the fall and winter.

You can make this potato leek soup recipe in two ways. First, you have the option to make a quick broth using the dark green tops of the leeks. Lightly sweet and aromatic, it adds amazing depth to the soup. If you’re short on time, don’t worry—regular vegetable broth also works here.

I love to pair this soup with slice of crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a simple green salad for a comforting meal. I hope you enjoy it too!

Potato leek soup ingredients

Potato Leek Soup Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic potato leek soup recipe:

  • Potatoes, of course! Yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold potatoes, are best in this recipe. They have a butterier, richer flavor than russet potatoes, and they give the soup a lovely creamy texture.
  • Leeks – You’ll just need the white and light green parts for making the soup. You could discard the dark green tops, but instead, I recommend using them to make a quick leek top broth (recipe below). It adds wonderful depth of flavor to this soup!
  • Butter – For sautéing the leeks. Vegan butter works here too.
  • Garlic – For savory depth of flavor.
  • Fresh thyme – Its earthy, citrusy, woodsy flavor adds freshness to the soup.
  • Milk or cream – For richness. Heavy cream is traditional in potato leek soup, but we’ve had great results with 2% and whole milk too. A non-dairy option like oat milk could even work!
  • Fresh lemon juice – Optional, but delicious! I love the bright, tangy finish it gives to the soup.
  • And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Sautéing leeks in large pot

How to Make Potato Leek Soup

The first step in this potato leek soup recipe is prepping the leeks. Leeks have a dirty secret: even if they look clean on the outside, their inner layers can hold a LOT of grit and sand. You don’t want it all to go into your soup!

  • To wash the leeks, cut off the dark green tops.
  • Then, cut the dark tops and the light root ends in half lengthwise.
  • If you’re making the leek top broth, rinse both parts under cool running water, gently separating the layers as you rinse to remove any dirt. If you’re skipping the broth, feel free to discard the tops.

While you’re at it, chop the potatoes (no need to peel!), grate the garlic, and bundle the thyme. You’re ready to cook!

Soup simmering in large pot

Next, make the broth, if you’re using it. It comes together in a quick 30-minute simmer on the stovetop. You can find the complete recipe with measurements at the bottom of this post.

Then, get going on the potato leek soup. Sauté the leeks in the butter until tender, turning down the heat if they start to brown. Add the potatoes, garlic, broth, and thyme and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Using immersion blender to blend soup

Puree the soup in an upright blender (you may need to work in batches), or use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot. Stir in the milk or cream and lemon juice, if using.

Adding heavy cream to potato leek soup

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh chives on top. Enjoy!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Storage

Leftover potato leek soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken slightly in the fridge, so you may need to stir in a little water to loosen it when you reheat it. It reheats nicely in the microwave or on the stove.

Can you freeze potato leek soup?

In general, I don’t recommend freezing potato soups because they can separate and become gummy when thawed.

However, if you’d like to freeze this one, you can freeze it for up to 3 months without the cream. 

Let frozen soup thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring often to bring it back together if separated. Stir the milk or cream into the soup when hot.

Potato leek soup recipe

More Soup Recipes to Try

If you love this leek and potato soup, try one of these homemade soup recipes next:

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Potato Leek Soup

rate this recipe:
4.95 from 70 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves 8
This potato leek soup recipe is one of our favorite meals throughout the fall and winter. It's creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Any vegetable broth will work here, but I especially love the quick leek top broth below. It intensifies the sweet, oniony flavor of this simple soup.

Ingredients

For the soup

Optional Leek Top Broth

  • 4 large leeks, about 2½ pounds, dark green tops only
  • 12 cups water
  • 8 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 5 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Instructions

  • Optional: Make the leek top broth. Cut the dark green tops off the leeks. Wash well and add to a large pot with the water, thyme, garlic, salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and measure 6 cups broth for the soup. Freeze the remaining broth or store it in the refrigerator for another use.
  • Make the soup: Chop the white and light green parts of the leeks. Wash well.
  • Heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the leeks are soft. If the leeks start browning before they soften, reduce the heat.
  • Add the potatoes, garlic, broth, and thyme and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft. Use an immersion blender or transfer to an upright blender to blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Season to taste, adding the lemon juice, if desired.
  • Garnish with chives and serve.

61 comments

4.95 from 70 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Julia
    09.30.2023

    4 stars
    Made this yesterday! Love using leeks. Added apple cider vinegar.

  2. Nicole papanicolaou
    01.18.2023

    If you dont have enough leeks (i used three but it was only 2 cups) can we use some purple?

  3. Jeanine Donofrio
    12.06.2022

    Hi Lily, I’m glad you enjoyed the soup. I think the immersion blender vs. a regular standing blender might have caused the texture difference. I haven’t tried this one with an immersion blender.

  4. Derek C
    07.22.2022

    Can this soup be eaten chilled in the fridge?

  5. Sarah S.
    03.22.2022

    5 stars
    I have been slightly obsessed with leeks lately so this was a perfect fit. Made it with red potatoes because that is what I had. Turned out great. Family loved it. Served with a fresh loaf of Irish Soda bread (no dried fruit or sugar version). Had to keep the Irish influence going being potato soup and all.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      03.24.2022

      I’m so glad you loved the soup!

  6. Anna B
    02.15.2022

    Yum! I loved the leek flavor of this soup. It was so savory and warming. Thank you so much. I used some celery, because I didn’t have a full 4 cups of chopped Leeks, and it all came together amazing. Also used red potatoes instead of yellow, but the color was still appetizing 🙂

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      02.17.2022

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  7. Gwen
    01.18.2022

    5 stars
    Thanks for the recipe! I used my immersion blender. This came out great! Nothing I would change. And I loved the suggestion of topping with pine nuts. Delicious!

  8. Emilia
    01.11.2022

    Hello! I am hoping to try this soup this week for meal prepping but don’t know how well it keeps in the fridge (2-4 days). Thanks!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      01.12.2022

      Hi Emilia, yep, it’ll keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.

  9. Karen Lipsey
    12.02.2021

    Can I make the vegan potato leek & artichoke chowder from your cookbook, but substitute the white beans from this recipe for the cashews. If so, what quantity of beans? The recipes appear similar but I can’t tell if the beans would not work well the the other flavors in the chowder.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      12.02.2021

      Hi Karen, I think that would work just fine. It’s hard to say exactly without trying but here’s how I would change the recipe in the book for a similar effect:

      – use 1 pound potatoes instead of 1 1/2 pounds
      – use 1 can white beans in place of the cashews ( 1 1/2 cups, drained and rinsed)

      Follow the instructions as they are in the book… If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it’s not flavorful enough, increase the seasonings.

      Hope that helps!

  10. Liliane
    11.27.2021

    Question: Why do you add vinegar to almost all soups? Thank you

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.27.2021

      Hi Liliane, I think it adds a bright, balanced flavor, especially to soups like this that can get a little heavy.

    • Susanna
      12.04.2022

      Adding vinegar to soups and lots of other recipes is a game changer. When you taste something you’re cooking and it just seems like it’s missing an ingredient you can’t put your finger on, a splash of vinegar or other acid almost always does the trick. And usually you don’t taste the vinegar, just its effect. Food chemists can explain it—I just think it’s magic.

  11. Cindy
    11.09.2021

    I am making a few varieties of soup for friends this weekend and also trying to showcase veggies from this week’s farm share. This looks like it will be perfect!
    Can I make this the day ahead?
    And can I freeze the leftovers?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.09.2021

      Hi Cindy, yep, you can make it ahead. If it gets thick in the fridge, I sometimes stir in a little water after reheating. It doesn’t freeze all that well – the texture doesn’t stay as smooth.

  12. Kate
    11.02.2021

    5 stars
    Lovely in-season fall soup! I used yellow potatoes instead of Yukon gold and the soup came out a little thick but delicious.

    I also used some chicken bone broth instead of vegetable broth to give it some deeper umami flavor and added nutrients.

    Overall, its a great light and bright potato soup is perfect for a fall evening.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.03.2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

  13. Kelsey
    10.09.2021

    Can you us an immersion blender instead of a blender?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      10.09.2021

      Hi Kelsey, you can, it won’t be silky smooth, but would still be delicious.

  14. Autumn
    09.23.2021

    5 stars
    I had 5 small leeks I needed to use up from our farm share…. This soup was great. I did add a large chopped carrot because I needed to use everything up. Will make again.

  15. Autumn Knox
    09.23.2021

    5 stars
    I had 5 small leeks I needed to use up from our farm share…. This soup was great. I did add a large chopped carrot because I needed to use everything up. Will make again.

  16. C. Lake
    06.09.2021

    5 stars
    I followed the recipe and was rewarded with a thick and rich soup. I wish it would have came out a bit thinner but nothing a splash of broth couldn’t fix. It paired so well with a radicchio salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Yum and thank you!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      06.10.2021

      I’m glad you enjoyed the soup!

  17. Francesca
    03.26.2021

    5 stars
    Turned out so good!

  18. Lana
    03.23.2021

    Will this work with russet potatoes?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      03.23.2021

      Hi Lana, it should – it might change the thickness of the soup – if it’s too thick at the end just add a bit of water until.

  19. Sherry de Rappard
    03.21.2021

    Looks good! Do you have nutritional breakdown?

  20. Jeanine Donofrio
    03.21.2021

    Hi Chai, you can leave them out and either increase the potato a bit more or decrease the broth.

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Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.