Potato Leek Soup

by Laura Altamirano

December 25, 2025

Prep10 min
Cook1.25 hours
Servings8-10

A winter time favorite.

Ingredients

Yukon Gold Potatoes2 Lbs
Leeks3 medium
Yellow Onion1 medium
Garlic4 cloves
Unsalted Butter4 Tbsp (half a stick)
Kosher Salt2 tsp + more as needed
Pepper(freshly ground)1 tsp + more as needed
Thyme (fresh)2 sprigs
Bay Leaf1 medium
Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth)4 Cups (1 Quart)
Heavy Cream1 Cup
Chives (finely chopped)1 Tbsp

Directions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1" cubes.

  2. Place the potatoes in a bowl and cover with cold water.

    You can start these potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, just leave it in the fridge overnight.

  3. Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the leeks. Dice the onion. Mince the garlic.

  4. Melt the butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and onion, cook stirring often until softened and starting to carmelize, ~25 minutes.

  5. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and softened, ~5 minutes.

  6. Drain the potatoes over a bowl. Reserve the starchy water.

  7. Add the potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

  8. Heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook covered until the potatoes are fork-tender, ~18-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

  9. Use an immersion blender to completely blend the soup. Alternatively, use a regular blender and work in batches, returning the soup to the pot.

  10. Add 1 1/2 cup of the starchy water as well as the heavy cream to the soup. Heat over medium until the soup is warmed through, ~10 minutes.

    If you are taking this soup somewhere or need to serve it later, wait to add the water/heavy cream and heat it up until right before serving.

  11. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve topped with chives.