If you’re craving a cozy bowl of easy potato soup but want to skip heavy cream, this light and satisfying version is here for you. In this recipe, I’ll walk you through how to get a silky texture using simple ingredients and a blender. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and a FAQ section to help you make it your go‑to. You’ll also find links to related recipes on Mastered Recipes to inspire your next soup adventure.

Why I Turned to a Lighter Version
Balancing Comfort and Lightness
Sometimes you want a warm bowl of soup but don’t want to feel weighed down afterward. That’s exactly how this recipe was born: I wanted all the goodness of a classic potato soup, minus the indulgence of heavy cream. By blending part of the soup and using milk or broth, it stays creamy while lighter on the palate.
How Flavor Triumphs Over Richness
Just because we skip the heavy cream doesn’t mean we skip flavor. Onion, garlic, celery, and a good vegetable broth bring depth. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs finish the bowl with finesse. You’ll taste comfort, not heaviness.
Ingredients & Method
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Ingredient | Role / Notes |
---|---|
Potatoes, peeled and diced | Starch base, gives body when blended |
Onion, celery, garlic | Aromatics for flavor |
Vegetable broth (or light chicken broth) | Liquid base |
Milk (dairy or plant‑based) | Creamy texture without heaviness |
Olive oil | Adds richness, drizzle as garnish |
Salt, pepper, herbs (thyme, parsley) | Seasoning & finishing notes |

Step‑by‑Step Method
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute.
- Add diced potatoes and pour in enough broth to cover by about an inch. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes until potatoes are fork‑tender.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend about half the soup until smooth (leave some chunks for texture). Or transfer in batches to a blender.
- Stir in milk of choice, warming gently—do not boil. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, and stir in chopped fresh herbs. Serve with a swirl of olive oil and extra herbs on top.
For more soup ideas with interesting textures, you might enjoy that hearty **Loaded Potato Soup** I shared earlier or swap in seasonal veggies like in my **Autumn Vegetable Soup**—check those posts on Mastered Recipes for inspiration.
Variations & Pro Tips
Flavor Variations & Add‑Ins
- Stir in steamed broccoli or zucchini for more veggies.
- Add a spoonful of pesto or roasted garlic for extra punch.
- Use unsweetened oat or almond milk for a dairy‑free version.
- Top with croutons or whole grain bread on the side for crunch.
Tips for Best Texture & Consistency
- Blend only part of the soup to maintain some chunkiness.
- If it’s too thick, loosen with broth or extra milk.
- Don’t boil after adding milk—just heat gently to avoid separation.
- Warm the milk slightly before adding so the temperature shock is less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Let it cool, store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly, stirring in a splash more milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Since it’s lighter and doesn’t use heavy cream, freezing is safer, but some separation may occur. Thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently while stirring.
Q: Can I skip blending altogether?
Yes — keeping it completely chunky gives you a rustic, hearty soup. Blending just lifts the texture; it’s optional.
Q: Which milk works best?
You can use low‑fat dairy milk or plant milks like oat or cashew. Avoid watery milks (e.g. rice milk) if you want a smoother result.
Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Potato Soup (No Heavy Cream!) proves you don’t need richness to enjoy a silky, satisfying bowl. With simple ingredients, a touch of blending, and careful seasoning, this soup brings comfort without heaviness. Give it a go—your cozy nights just got healthier.
Print
Easy Potato Soup (No Heavy Cream!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy potato soup skips heavy cream but still delivers creamy, cozy comfort. Light, healthy, and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth (or light chicken broth)
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Extra olive oil for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add diced potatoes and pour in enough broth to cover the veggies by about an inch.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup, leaving some chunks.
6. Stir in the milk and warm gently—do not boil.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in fresh herbs if using.
8. Serve hot with a swirl of olive oil and extra herbs on top.
Notes
Blend only part of the soup to keep some texture.
Use oat or cashew milk for a creamy dairy-free version.
Add more broth or milk to adjust thickness.
Pairs well with bread or croutons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quick potato soup, dairy free potato soup, easy potato soup