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Creamy One-Pot Potato Leek Soup Recipe with Irish Cheddar and Chives

creamy one-pot potato leek soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy one-pot potato leek soup enhanced with sharp Irish cheddar and fresh chives, perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced thinly
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (about 100g) shredded Irish cheddar
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Slice the white and light green parts of the leeks thinly and rinse thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
  3. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking to avoid burning.
  5. Add the diced potatoes and pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup until creamy but still chunky. Blend more if a smoother texture is desired.
  9. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded Irish cheddar over low heat until the cheese melts smoothly, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  11. Stir in chopped fresh chives just before serving.

Notes

Do not rush cooking the leeks; cook them low and slow in butter to bring out sweetness. Blend only half the soup for a nice texture balance. Add cheese off or on very low heat to prevent clumping. Adjust seasoning gradually as potatoes absorb salt. If soup is too thick, add broth or water to desired consistency. For dairy-free versions, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream and cheddar with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato leek soup, creamy soup, one-pot meal, Irish cheddar, chives, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy dinner