Potato Leek Creamy Classic

Featured in: Midwest Classics

This creamy dish features tender potatoes and mild leeks gently cooked with aromatic garlic and onion. Simmered in vegetable stock and finished with milk or cream, it delivers a smooth, velvety texture. Enhanced with subtle spices like bay leaf, nutmeg, and fresh herbs, it offers a cozy flavor perfect for warming up any day. Ideal for easy preparation and adaptable to vegetarian or gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:34:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Potato Leek Soup, perfectly smooth and garnished with fresh chives, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Steaming bowl of Potato Leek Soup, perfectly smooth and garnished with fresh chives, ready to be enjoyed. | dashofstates.com

A creamy, comforting classic featuring tender potatoes and leeks, perfect for a cozy meal on a budget.

I first made this potato leek soup on a chilly evening when I wanted something satisfying but light. The velvety texture and delicate flavors made it an instant favorite for both family dinners and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Leeks: 3 large, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
  • Potatoes: 800 g (about 1.75 lbs), peeled and diced
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Vegetable stock: 1 liter (4 cups), gluten-free if needed
  • Whole milk or cream: 250 ml (1 cup)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste
  • Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Nutmeg: Pinch, optional
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley: To garnish, optional
  • Croutons: Optional

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft but not browned.
Add Garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Simmer:
Stir in the potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Cover and Cook:
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
PuréE the Soup:
Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth or blend in batches.
Finish and Season:
Return to low heat. Stir in the milk or cream and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Heat gently. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Garnish and Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with chives, parsley, or croutons.
A close-up view of creamy Potato Leek Soup, featuring visible potato chunks and aromatic herbs. Save
A close-up view of creamy Potato Leek Soup, featuring visible potato chunks and aromatic herbs. | dashofstates.com

This soup became a staple at our table during winter, with everyone sharing laughter over warm mugs. It is especially loved by kids for its creamy texture and mild flavor.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, knife and cutting board, immersion blender or regular blender, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk. Always check stock ingredients for gluten if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 220 calories, 7 g total fat, 34 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein

Homemade Potato Leek Soup, a comforting and flavorful vegetarian soup, ideal for a chilly evening. Save
Homemade Potato Leek Soup, a comforting and flavorful vegetarian soup, ideal for a chilly evening. | dashofstates.com

This classic French soup is ready in under an hour and will warm up any evening with its gentle flavors and creamy consistency.

Recipe FAQ

What type of leeks work best for this dish?

Use the white and light green parts of fresh leeks, well cleaned and sliced, for the mildest flavor and best texture.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine and almond or oat milk to maintain creaminess while keeping it vegan.

Can I use an immersion blender or regular blender?

Both work well. An immersion blender offers convenience directly in the pot, while a regular blender can be used in batches for a smooth finish.

How do I adjust seasoning for best flavor?

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also enhance freshness.

What dishes pair well with this creamy preparation?

This creamy base complements crusty bread or can serve as a starter for larger meals, providing a comforting introduction to any dining experience.

Potato Leek Creamy Classic

Comforting creamy soup with tender potatoes, leeks, and subtle seasonings for a warm, hearty meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage French

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
02 1.75 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
03 1 medium onion, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable stock (gluten-free if required)
02 1 cup whole milk or cream
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
02 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 bay leaf
04 Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

01 Chopped fresh chives or parsley
02 Croutons

Method

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and onion; sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but not browned.

Phase 02

Add Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.

Phase 04

Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

Phase 05

Puree Soup: Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth.

Phase 06

Finish Soup: Return pot to low heat. Stir in milk or cream and nutmeg if using. Warm gently without boiling. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Phase 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives, parsley, or croutons as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk or cream). Use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free diets.
  • Check vegetable stock for gluten if gluten-free is required.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g