Creamy Potato Leek Soup

The first time I made this soup, it was snowing so hard you could barely see the neighbor's house across the street. I'd been craving something that felt like a warm blanket but still had enough substance to count as dinner, not just an appetizer. The way the leeks melt into the potatoes while everything simmers—that transformation from distinct vegetables to one cohesive, silky bowl—still feels like kitchen magic to me. My husband actually asked if there was cream cheese in it because of how velvety it turned out, which I took as the highest compliment.

I served this at a book club meeting last winter when we were discussing something atmospheric and moody. Everyone kept hovering around the stove while the leeks were softening in the butter—that smell alone might be worth making the recipe for. One friend who claims to hate soup went back for thirds and finally admitted it was because she felt like she was being hugged from the inside. Now whenever anyone mentions they're under the weather or having a rough week, this is automatically what I suggest bringing over.

Ingredients

• Leeks: Only use the white and light green parts since the dark green gets tough and fibrous, and rinse them thoroughly because dirt loves hiding between those layers
• Yukon Gold potatoes: These naturally creamy potatoes are perfect for soup because they break down beautifully without becoming gluey
• Turkey bacon: Cook this first so you can use the same pot and infuse that subtle smoky flavor into the vegetables
• Heavy cream: This is what transforms it from vegetable soup into something luxurious, though half-and-half works if you want it lighter
• Fresh nutmeg: Just a tiny amount adds this warmth and depth that people notice but cant quite identify
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium gives you control over the salt level since the turkey bacon adds some already

Instructions

Crisp the turkey bacon:

Cook the chopped turkey bacon in your large pot over medium heat until it's crisp and releases some of its fat, then remove it with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels

Soften the aromatics:

Melt the butter in that same flavorful pot and add the leeks, onion, and garlic, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until they're soft and fragrant but not browned

Start the potatoes:

Add the diced potatoes and stir everything around for about 3 minutes so they start absorbing some of those buttery flavors

Create the soup base:

Pour in the chicken broth and water, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are completely tender

Blend it smooth:

Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender, until the soup is completely smooth and creamy

Add the finishing touches:

Stir in the heavy cream along with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then heat it gently for 3-4 minutes without letting it come to a boil

Finish and serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with those crispy turkey bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chives

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My sister called me from the grocery store parking lot once, wanting to make something comforting for her boyfriend who'd just had a terrible day at work. I walked her through this recipe over the phone while she was still in the car, and when she texted me later that evening, she said he'd literally closed his eyes after the first spoonful and said it was the best thing he'd ever tasted. Sometimes food really is the easiest way to say I love you without actually having to say the words out loud.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I'll add a head of roasted garlic when I'm blending the soup if I want it extra rich and mellow. Other times, especially in spring when everything feels lighter, I'll skip the cream entirely and just stir in a tablespoon of good olive oil at the end. My mom likes to dice some carrots and celery along with the onions for a more classic mirepoix base, and honestly, it's delicious both ways.

Texture Secrets

If you prefer a chunkier soup instead of completely smooth, just blend half of it and leave the rest textured. I've also discovered that letting it sit for about 10 minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to marry together in this really lovely way. The soup also freezes beautifully, so I often double the batch and stash half in the freezer for those nights when cooking anything at all feels impossible.

Serving Suggestions

A slice of really good crusty bread is basically mandatory here, even if you're not making it gluten-free. I love how the bread soaks up that creamy broth and becomes almost like dumplings in the bowl. Sometimes when I want to make it feel fancy for company, I'll serve it in small espresso cups as a first course, and people always act like it's the most elegant thing they've ever eaten.

• A green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully
• If you're serving this for dinner, roasted chicken or simple grilled salmon work wonderfully alongside
• The soup actually tastes better the next day, so making it ahead is never a bad idea

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There's something about this soup that makes people slow down while they're eating it, maybe because it's so warm and comforting that rushing through it feels wrong. I hope it brings that same feeling to your table too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon with another meat?

Yes, you can replace turkey bacon with pancetta or smoked bacon to add a richer flavor and similar crispiness.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a rich taste without meat.

→ Is it possible to prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for future meals.

→ What is the best way to blend the soup smoothly?

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience or transfer to a countertop blender in batches for a silky texture.

→ Can I reduce the creaminess without losing texture?

Yes, substituting half-and-half or a lighter cream option reduces richness while preserving smoothness.