This creamy comforting Ina Garten Potato Soup is made with buttery leeks, tender Yukon gold potatoes, and chicken stock, ready in 45 minutes. The rich broth gets a velvety finish as the softened potatoes blend seamlessly with a splash of heavy cream. I love serving this on cold winter evenings.
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What Makes This Version Different
I used to rush the cooking process by boiling the leeks and potatoes at a high boil, resulting in a bland broth. Now, I sweat the leeks slowly in butter until they are completely translucent before adding the potatoes.
This simple technique allows the natural sweetness of the leeks to build a deep flavor base. Taking the time to properly soften the vegetables ensures a much smoother, richer soup texture.
Ina Garten Potato Soup Ingredients
- 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

How To Make Ina Garten Potato Soup
- Clean the leeks: Wash the chopped leeks thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any hidden grit, then drain them completely.
- Cook the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat and cook the leeks for 10 minutes until very soft.
- Simmer the vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat.
- Cook until tender: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend and finish: Puree half of the soup in a blender, return it to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and garnish with chives.

Recipe Tips
- Clean leeks thoroughly: Dirt often hides between the tight layers, so soaking the chopped pieces in water is essential.
- Do not over-blend: Pureeing only half the soup keeps a rustic, chunky texture that prevents it from turning into a thick paste.
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that works better than starchy russets.
What To Serve With Potato Soup
A warm bowl of this rich soup pairs beautifully with a crusty French baguette for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the heavy cream.

How To Store
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing this soup, as the potatoes and heavy cream can separate and become grainy when thawed.
FAQs
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, simply swap the chicken stock for a high-quality vegetable stock. The flavor will still be wonderfully rich from the leeks and butter.
- Why is my soup gummy? Over-blending starchy potatoes can cause the starches to seize up and become gluey. Always blend just a portion of the soup and use brief pulses.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? You can substitute half-and-half if you want a lighter finish. Just be careful not to let the soup boil after adding it, or it might curdle.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Protein: 8g

Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Cream Of Chicken Soup
- Joanna Gaines Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Gazpacho Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Corn Cheese Chowder Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Chili Recipe
Ina Garten Potato Soup
6
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesCreamy comforting Ina Garten Potato Soup combines buttery leeks, Yukon gold potatoes, and rich heavy cream for a classic 45-minute dinner. This soothing winter favorite delivers restaurant-level texture and warmth, making it the ideal cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Directions
- Clean the leeks: Wash the chopped leeks thoroughly in a bowl of cold water to remove any hidden grit, then drain them completely.
- Cook the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat and cook the leeks for 10 minutes until very soft.
- Simmer the vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat.
- Cook until tender: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend and finish: Puree half of the soup in a blender, return it to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and garnish with chives.
