This cozy soup is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, warm, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a chilly day or when you want something comforting!
I love how easy it is to make—just blend the potatoes with broth and your favorite veggies. Plus, it takes hardly any time at all. Now that’s a win-win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: They are the star of this soup. If you don’t have any, you can make a quick batch using instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
Broth: Chicken broth works great, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is also fantastic if you have it on hand!
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives a nice creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or even almond milk for a lighter option. Just remember that the flavor may vary slightly.
Cheese: Cheddar is delicious here, but feel free to swap in mozzarella, gouda, or any melting cheese you love. Or mix several types for extra flavor!
Bacon: For a vegetarian option, use cooked mushrooms or crispy chickpeas instead. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Smooth and Creamy?
Achieving a smooth and creamy soup is key to great texture. Here are some tips for success:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until soft; this builds flavor.
- If using flour for thickening, cooking it briefly prevents a raw taste. Whisk well when adding broth to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes gradually so they mix well with the broth.
- Adding milk or cream at the end helps to keep it silky smooth. Adjust with more broth or milk as desired.
- Use an immersion blender if you want an ultra-smooth texture; just blend until it’s to your liking.
How to Make Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you can have this comforting bowl of soup ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. This brings a lot of flavors to your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want it to be aromatic but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
3. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
If you want a thicker soup, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk it in well and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Whisk in Broth:
Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to whisk well to break up any lumps if you used flour. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in Mashed Potatoes:
Now, add your leftover mashed potatoes to the pot and stir until they’re well mixed with the broth. This will create a nice creamy base for your soup!
6. Heat it Up:
Allow the soup to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You want it heated through and just starting to thicken, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
7. Creamy Goodness:
Add in the milk or cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes smooth. If the soup is too thick for your liking, just add a bit more milk or broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
8. Fold in Bacon:
Mix in most of the crumbled bacon (saving some for that tasty garnish) and stir well.
9. Final Seasoning:
Take a taste and season your soup with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust to your taste preferences!
10. Serve It Up:
Serve your warm, comforting soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions.
Enjoy every spoonful of this rich and creamy leftover mashed potato soup—it’s the perfect way to add deliciousness to your leftovers!
Can I Use Any Type of Broth for This Soup?
Absolutely! Chicken broth gives it a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works equally well for a vegetarian option. You could also use homemade broth for an extra depth of flavor!
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can sprinkle in flour when sautéing the onions and garlic. Alternatively, just add more mashed potatoes or reduce the liquid by simmering the soup longer. Using a blender can also create a smooth, thick texture!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit the bacon, and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or beans for extra protein and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.
