Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. That’s exactly what you get with this 4-ingredient potato soup recipe—a cozy, creamy, and satisfying soup made with pantry staples. Whether you’re short on time, watching your budget, or just craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup without the fuss, this recipe will be your new go-to.
With just potatoes, broth, milk, and butter, you can create a rich and flavorful dish that tastes far more indulgent than the ingredient list suggests. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Table of Contents
Why Make This 4-Ingredient Potato Soup?
- Budget-friendly – Only 4 inexpensive ingredients needed.
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-approved – Simple flavors everyone loves.
- Minimal cleanup – One pot, no fuss.
- Customizable – Add toppings if you want to dress it up.
This soup is perfect for beginner cooks, busy nights, or anyone who wants delicious comfort food without a long shopping list.
Why Will You Love This 4-Ingredient Potato Soup?
- It’s comforting and hearty despite its simplicity.
- It’s creamy without heavy cream—milk and potatoes do the work.
- It’s flexible—add cheese, bacon, or herbs if you want more flavor.
- It’s great for meal prep—reheats beautifully.
- It’s timeless—a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Optional (but delicious) toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, crumbled bacon, parsley, or sour cream.
Directions:
- Cook the potatoes. In a large pot, add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Mash or blend. Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture, or blend with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
- Add butter and milk. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly add milk. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust consistency. If too thick, add more broth or milk. If too thin, simmer a little longer until thickened.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls and enjoy plain—or load it up with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Potato Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can make it extra special by serving with:
- A loaf of crusty bread or garlic toast
- A fresh side salad
- Grilled cheese or ham sandwiches
- Toppings bar with cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream
The Best Way to Store 4-Ingredient Potato Soup
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.
- Freezer: Potato soup can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze before adding milk if possible, then stir in fresh milk after reheating.
Tips to Make 4-Ingredient Potato Soup
- Use starchy potatoes like russets for the creamiest soup.
- Mash vs. blend – mash for rustic texture, blend for velvety smoothness.
- Warm the milk before adding to prevent curdling.
- Season well – while this is a 4-ingredient recipe, don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
- Upgrade easily – a handful of cheese stirred in at the end takes it over the top.
Variations
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add cheddar, bacon, and green onions for the full baked potato experience.
- Herbed Potato Soup: Stir in thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.
- Vegan Potato Soup: Swap butter for olive oil and milk for almond or oat milk.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Recipes you may love
- Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup
- 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup
- 5-Ingredient Cheesy Broccoli Soup
- 5-Ingredient Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- 4-Ingredient Loaded Cauliflower Soup
- 3-Ingredient Crispy Parmesan Potato
4-Ingredient Potato Soup
Equipment
- large pot
- potato masher or immersion blender
- knife
- cutting board
- ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- optional toppings: shredded cheese, green onions, bacon, parsley, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, add diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use a potato masher to mash some potatoes for thickness, or blend with an immersion blender for smoothness.
- Stir in butter until melted, then slowly add milk. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin.
- Serve hot, plain or topped with cheese, bacon, chives, or sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I use instant potatoes for this soup?
Not ideal, but in a pinch you can stir instant mashed potatoes into broth for a quick shortcut.
2. What’s the best potato for soup?
Russet potatoes break down for creaminess, while Yukon golds give a buttery texture. Both work well.
3. Can I make this soup thicker?
Yes! Mash more potatoes, simmer longer, or stir in a tablespoon of flour mixed with water.
Conclusion
This 4-ingredient potato soup recipe is the definition of simple comfort food. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, satisfying dish that feels like it came from a diner or your grandmother’s kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or anytime you want warmth without the fuss.
Sometimes the best recipes really are the simplest—and this one proves it.
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