This Potato and Leek Soup is so simple to make and ready in under an hour! The smoky, salty crunch of the bacon perfectly complements the smooth texture of the potatoes and leeks --- and without cream. This easy, everyday recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Who doesn't like potato soup? Even more so if you add leeks and bacon to the mix. The result is a soup that's velvety from the potatoes, sweet from the leeks, and slightly crunchy and salty from the bacon --- all those textures and flavors in every spoonful.
Yep, hard to say no to that. 🙂
This potato and leek soup is one of those delicious, timeless dishes—the kind of recipe you'll make again and again.
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Why this soup is a keeper!
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Made with just simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Quick and easy. Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile. You can add more bacon if you want, or even some ham. If you don't think it's creamy enough, add some cream then. Just make sure you adjust the seasoning at the end.
Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for measurements.)
- Potatoes – go for the floury types, peeled and chopped.
- Leek – only the white and light green parts, chopped into thin, half rounds.
- Bacon – chopped into about ¾ of an inch, you will be using the oil from the bacon to sauté the leeks.
- Olive oil – oil is optional; you only need it when you don't have enough fat (oil) from frying the bacon.
- Stock – I generally use chicken stock, but vegetable stock is also good.
- Salt and ground black pepper – just use your favorite brand.
How to make leek and potato soup
Start by placing the chopped bacon in a cold medium (or large) saucepan.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
Cook until the bits become crispy, then remove them from the pan and place them on top of kitchen paper to absorb excess oil; set aside for later.
Place the saucepan back into the heat and add the chopped leeks.
Sauté until the leeks soften.
Add the potatoes and mix until everything is combined.
Pour the stock into the saucepan and mix.
Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables become tender and cooked.
Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree it.
Place the pan back into the heat.
Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and ground black pepper.
Cover and keep in the heat for an additional couple of minutes.
Take the pan off the heat and transfer your soup into bowls.
Garnish with the bacon bits from earlier --- serve!
Helpful tips
- The thinner you chop the leek, and the smaller you chop the potatoes, the faster they will cook --- and the sooner you can puree the soup.
- Add the salt and pepper at the end, after you have tasted the soup, especially if the stock you're using is fully seasoned. You might end up adding too much salt if you don't taste it first.
- If you want some bits of vegetables left in your leek and potato soup, remove a third or half of the cooked vegetables from the pan and transfer them into a bowl. Blitz that smaller portion in the bowl and pour it back into the soup.
Serving suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your leek and potato soup? This smooth and flavorful soup pairs well with a variety of dishes --- from crispy appetizers to light desserts.
Check out the following dishes for ideas to easily turn them into a complete and satisfying meal.
Pair this velvety leek and potato soup with the smoky, flavorful pasta with chorizo for a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect any day of the week.
The mild sweetness of the soup beautifully balances the bold spices of the chorizo, creating an easy yet impressive combination for cozy dinners.
Enjoy these crispy, golden mashed potato balls alongside your creamy soup for an excellent pairing of comfort food.
The crunchy texture of the potato balls perfectly complements the smooth, velvety soup, making this easy combo ideal for light lunches or simple weeknight dinners.
Balance the creaminess of the soup with the light sweetness of the pear tart, made with puff pastry.
The delicate flavor of the soup pairs nicely with the flaky, caramelized pear tart, creating an easy yet impressive menu perfect for any season.
Whether you serve it as a light lunch or pair it with sides or a sweet treat, this recipe always delivers warmth and satisfaction.
So grab a few leeks and potatoes, and enjoy making this easy, everyday favorite right in your own kitchen!
GET MORE IDEAS FROM THIS LIST OF EASY SOUP RECIPES!
📖 Recipe
Potato and Leek Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Chopping board
- Kitchen knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Immersion blender
- Medium saucepan with lid
Ingredients
- 1 medium leek (only the white and light green parts), chopped into thin half-rounds
- 3 & 1/2 to 4 cups stock
- 3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 7 to 8 pieces bacon, chopped
- salt and pepper, to season
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a cold medium (or large) saucepan and place it over medium-high heat.
- Cook until the bacon bits are crispy, then remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Set aside for later.
- Place the saucepan back over the heat, add the chopped leeks, and sauté until they have softened.
- Add the potatoes and mix until everything is combined.
- Pour the stock into the saucepan, mix, then cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables become tender and cooked.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
- Place it back into the heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and ground black pepper.
- Place the lid back on and continue cooking for an additional couple of minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat and transfer your potato and leek soup into bowls.
- Garnish with the bacon bits from earlier, then serve!
Notes
- Cook's Tip: Add the salt and pepper at the end, after you have tasted the soup, especially if the stock you're using is fully seasoned. It helps ensure you don't end up with a salty soup --- taste, then add.
- Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.
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