This cozy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup is a great way to use up those mashed potatoes! It’s thick, creamy, and super comforting on a chilly day.
I love throwing in some cheese and chives for a little extra flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make—perfect for when you want a warm meal without much fuss. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This is the star of the soup! If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can quickly make some by boiling potatoes, mashing them, and adding butter and milk.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a nice flavor, but if you prefer a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth. Homemade or store-bought both work well!
Milk or Cream: I love using heavy cream for a richer soup, but you can substitute with milk for a lighter version. Nut milk (like almond or oat) can work too if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess. Feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Bacon Bits: These add a nice crunch and flavor! If you want a vegetarian version, you can skip this or use crumbled veggie bacon.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture in My Soup?
The key to achieving a lovely creamy texture lies in how you mix the ingredients. After adding the leftover mashed potatoes to the broth, break them up well with a spoon or whisk. This helps to achieve an even consistency.
- Use an immersion blender for an ultra-smooth soup, but blend carefully not to overdo it!
- Start with a smaller amount of milk or cream and add gradually until you reach your preferred thickness.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving to ensure a balanced flavor!
Enjoy creating your cozy bowl of leftover mashed potato soup! It’s a forgiving recipe that you can customize to your taste.
Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a drizzle of olive oil or hot sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy way to turn your leftovers into a warm, comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step adds a nice sweetness to the soup!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant but not browned.
3. Mixing in the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it warm up nicely!
4. Adding Mashed Potatoes:
Now it’s time to stir in your leftover mashed potatoes! Use a spoon to break up any large lumps while mixing them in, creating a creamy base.
5. Creamy Consistency:
Slowly add in the milk or heavy cream, stirring continuously until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Don’t hesitate to add more broth or milk if you like it thinner!
6. Incorporating Cheese:
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until it’s melted and makes the soup nice and smooth. Yum!
7. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. This step is important for bringing all the flavors together!
8. Heating Through:
Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly without sticking to the bottom.
9. Serving:
When ready, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with bacon bits, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a lovely touch!
10. Optional Finishing Touch:
If you like a bit of zing, drizzle on some olive oil or hot sauce over the top before enjoying!
11. Enjoy!
Serve your soup warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Enjoy your creamy and comforting leftover mashed potato soup!
Can I Use Fresh Mashed Potatoes Instead of Leftovers?
Absolutely! If you don’t have leftovers, you can make fresh mashed potatoes using boiled potatoes, butter, and milk. Just make sure they are well-mashed for the ideal soup texture.
How Can I Thicken or Thin the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner consistency, gradually stir in more broth or milk until you reach your desired texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, skip the bacon bits, and use a non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to loosen it up.
