Name: Leftover Mashed Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes; 4 cups Chicken Broth; 1 cup Milk; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper

You know that feeling when you’ve made a mountain of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or on Sunday? What is roasting and then? .. crickets? Suddenly, everyone’s too full to even look at another spoonful. Instead of letting that creamy goodness go to waste, I have the absolute PERFECT solution. We’re talking **Leftover Mashed Potato Soup**. Think of it as a hug in your bowl, way easier than making, say, French onion soup. Just as satisfying. What is the ultimate comfort food?

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What is leftover mashed potato soup?

Okay, so imagine your favorite mashed potatoes, but transformed. It’s essentially taking those creamy, starchy leftovers and turning them into a silky smooth, deeply flavorful soup. We’re not just adding water here, folks. We’re talking broth, aromatics, maybe a little cream (if you’re feeling fancy!), and definitely some delicious toppings. It’s a genius way to repurpose those spuds into something completely new and incredibly delicious. It’s like a culinary magic trick, and honestly, my family thinks I planned to make extra mashed potatoes just for this soup!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This **Leftover Mashed Potato Soup** is pure gold. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Flavor Bomb:What is the depth of flavor of potato? It’s savory, comforting, and totally customizable. I always add a little smoked paprika, and it brings it to ‘a whole new level’.
Crazy Easy:This isn’t one of those recipes that requires culinary degree. It’s throw-it-all-in-a-pot easy. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
Budget FriendlyWhat is thrifty cooking? What are some pantry staples like broth, onions, garlic…? You probably have most of it already.
Super Versatile:What is the fun part? I’ve even made a spicy version with chorizo and jalapeos.

What I love about this soup is how it takes something humble and elevates it. What’s more exciting than just reheating mashed potatoes? What’s a good way to sneak in extra veggies for the kids? Is it similar to baked potato soup? What are some good ways to make leftover mashed potatoes?

How do you make leftover mashed potatoes soup?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to sauté aromatics (onion, garlic, celery), add broth and serve. What’s the best way to cook leftover mashed potatoes? Is it really that simple? What is the beauty of soup? It’s very forgiving. Don’t stress about exact measurements. I’ll be amazed how quickly it comes together!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

What is the star of the show with leftover mashed potatoes?
4 cups chicken broth (I prefer chicken for a richer flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing) for cooking.
1 onion, chopped (yellow or white works great)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended!)
Salt and pepper to taste (season generously)
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess). I’ve even used almond milk and it was fantastic!

For Toppings (get creative!):

Shredded cheddar cheese (a classic)
Crispy bacon crumbles (because bacon!)
Chopped green onions (for a fresh bite)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for tanginess)?
Hot sauce (for a kick!)
Croutons (for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 2: Add Broth and Mashed Potatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the leftover mashed potatoes and stir until they start to dissolve into the broth. If your mashed potatoes are super thick, you might need to add a little more broth to reach your desired thickness. What is the desired consistency

Step 3: Simmer and Blend

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do the flavors meld together? Remove from heat and carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly). What is the best way to mix hot liquids? If using a regular blender, work in batches and vent the lid.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a richer, creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat through gently, but don’t boil.

Step 5: Serve and Top

Ladle the **Leftover Mashed Potato Soup** into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. I’m a big fan of cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onions, but feel free to get creative!

What should I serve it with?

This soup is hearty on its own, but it’s also great paired with other dishes.

For a Light Lunch:Serve with a side salad. What is a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing?

For a Cozy Dinner:What are some comfort food recipes that pair well with grilled cheese sandwiches? What are some good ways to serve it with crusty bread as a dip?

For a Special Occasion:Serve as an appetizer before a holiday meal. What is a good way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving?

In my family, we often have this with a simple side of roasted vegetables. Is it a good meal on chilly winter nights? I just eat it straight out of the bowl. No judgement!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Leftover Mashed Potato Soup

Okay, here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years to make this soup even more amazing:

Broth is Key: Use good quality broth. It makes a HUGE difference in the flavor of the soup. Homemade is best, but store-bought is fine too. Just avoid anything too salty.

Don’t Over-Blend: Be careful not to over-blend the soup, as it can become gummy. Just blend until smooth and creamy.

Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices. Smoked paprika is my favorite, but you could also try chili powder, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies! Sautéed carrots, celery, or even spinach would be delicious in this soup.

Cheese Please: Use different cheeses for topping. Cheddar is a classic, but you could also try Gruyere, Parmesan, or even crumbled blue cheese.

Bacon is Your Friend: Okay, this one’s obvious, but bacon really does make everything better. Use good quality bacon and cook it until crispy.

I remember one time, I accidentally added too much broth and the soup was too thin. I panicked! But then I remembered a trick my grandma taught me: just simmer it for a little longer, uncovered, and it will thicken up as the excess liquid evaporates. Lifesaver!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This soup is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the **Leftover Mashed Potato Soup** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply heat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to wait to add the toppings until after you reheat it. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your broth is gluten-free. Also, if your mashed potatoes had any flour added to them, you’ll want to use gluten-free mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

While fresh or leftover mashed potatoes are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you *can* use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth accordingly, as instant potatoes tend to absorb more liquid.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth, plant-based milk or cream (like almond or oat milk), and vegan toppings. Make sure your mashed potatoes are also made with plant-based butter or oil.

My soup is too thick! What do I do?

No problem! Simply add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

My soup is too thin! What do I do?

Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it into the soup while it simmers.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My go-to **Leftover Mashed Potato Soup** recipe. It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect way to transform those leftover mashed potatoes into a comforting and satisfying meal. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a total game-changer, especially during the colder months. If you love cozy, comforting soups, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Butternut Squash Soup. Happy cooking, friends! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turns out. I’d love to hear your variations and topping ideas!

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