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Ultimate Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup Recipe
There’s something immensely comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s crafted from leftover mashed potatoes. This creamy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup transforms your ordinary leftovers into an extraordinary dish that’s both satisfying and rich in flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a quick weekday dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Leftover Mashed Potato Soup is not only an excellent way to reduce food waste, but it also comes with numerous benefits:
- Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal prep and cook time, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy texture and comforting flavors make this soup a true delight, perfect for warming your soul.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a fantastic dish for families or gatherings, catering to various tastes while being incredibly filling.
- Flexibility: Easily adjust the recipe by adding your favorite spices, vegetables, or proteins for an even heartier meal.
Ingredients
For this comforting soup, you’ll need:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for extra richness)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chives, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits
Feel free to modify these ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!
How to Make It
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the leftover mashed potatoes and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Heat Through: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Add Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or cream. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it’s too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend If Desired: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but this step is optional.
How to Serve It
Serve your Leftover Mashed Potato Soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also top it with freshly chopped chives, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store It
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for a little kick.
- Creaminess adjustment: Depending on your leftover mashed potatoes, you may need to add more broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Take it up a notch: Try incorporating sautéed vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
Optional Variations
- Herbed version: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse additional flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Mix in some grated cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) while cooking for a cheesy delight.
- Protein-packed: Stir in diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can work in a pinch. Just prepare them according to package instructions and follow the same steps in the recipe.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth, this soup can easily be made gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk and vegetable broth, and omit any animal products like cheese or bacon for a delicious vegan option.
Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Transform your leftover mashed potatoes into a comforting and creamy soup, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weekday dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream for extra richness
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- chives for topping
- shredded cheese for topping
- crispy bacon bits for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the leftover mashed potatoes and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or cream. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it’s too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but this step is optional.
Notes
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
