Potato Leek Creamy Classic

Featured in: Comfort Food

This classic French dish features tender potatoes and delicate leeks simmered until soft, then blended into a smooth and creamy comfort dish. The gentle addition of butter and milk offers richness, balanced by subtle seasoning including bay leaf, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Perfect for a warm, easy meal, it can be garnished with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture. Ideal for those seeking a nutritious and vegetarian-friendly option.

Preparation involves sautéing leeks and onions to unlock sweetness, simmering with potatoes in vegetable stock, then pureeing to achieve a velvety texture. Milk or cream is stirred in gently to finish, ensuring a luscious yet light result. This soup pairs well with crusty bread, making it a satisfying starter or main. Adaptable for vegan diets by swapping dairy with plant-based alternatives.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:16:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of creamy potato leek soup, garnished with fresh chives, looks delicious. Save
A steaming bowl of creamy potato leek soup, garnished with fresh chives, looks delicious. | bakozy.com

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

I first made this soup on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and filling without much fuss. Ever since, it's become a go-to for simple dinners and sharing with friends.

Ingredients

  • Leeks: 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
  • Potatoes: 800 g (about 1.75 lbs) potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Vegetable stock: 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable stock (gluten-free if needed)
  • Whole milk or cream: 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk or cream
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt: 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • Ground black pepper: ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Bay leaf: 1 bay leaf
  • Nutmeg (optional): Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Garnish (optional): Chopped fresh chives or parsley, croutons

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft but not browned.
Add garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add potatoes and stock:
Stir in potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
Purée:
Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth or blend in batches.
Add milk/cream:
Return to low heat. Stir in milk or cream, and nutmeg if desired. Heat gently and do not boil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with chives, parsley, or croutons.
This comforting potato leek soup features a smooth texture and rich, savory flavors. Save
This comforting potato leek soup features a smooth texture and rich, savory flavors. | bakozy.com

My family loves enjoying this soup together on rainy days. It's quick to make and everyone can add their favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

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. Check your stock for gluten if required.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 220. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 34 g. Protein: 5 g.

Enjoy the inviting aroma of this hearty potato leek soup, perfect for a chilly evening. Save
Enjoy the inviting aroma of this hearty potato leek soup, perfect for a chilly evening. | bakozy.com

This soup is perfect for cozy nights and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining a creamy texture.

What is the best type of potato to use?

Starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Gold are ideal since they break down well and create a smooth consistency when blended.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

Add additional vegetable stock or milk gradually until the desired consistency is achieved during blending.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheats gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

What garnishes complement this soup best?

Fresh chopped chives, parsley, or crunchy croutons add an appealing texture and vibrant flavor contrast.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

Peeling ensures a smooth texture, but for a more rustic feel, you can leave skins on if well cleaned.

Potato Leek Creamy Classic

Comforting blend of tender potatoes and fresh leeks, smooth and flavorful for a cozy meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage French

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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 needed)
02 1 cup whole milk or cream
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
02 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 bay leaf
04 Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

01 Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
02 Croutons (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Combine Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Puree Soup: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or blend in batches using a regular blender.

Phase 06

Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the milk or cream and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Heat gently without boiling, then adjust seasoning to taste.

Phase 07

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, or cream). Use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free preparation.
  • Check vegetable stock for gluten if gluten-free version is required.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g