Paula Deen Potato Soup Easy Recipe with a Twist – Ready in Just 30 Minutes!
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, steamy bowl of Paula Deen Potato Soup Easy, especially when it’s rich, creamy, and straight out of a Southern kitchen. And when you hear “Paula Deen” and “potato soup” in the same sentence, you just know it’s going to be good.
But let’s be real, not all of us have the time (or the butter supply!) for a full-on Southern cooking session. That’s why I’ve taken inspiration from Paula Deen’s iconic potato soup and created a simplified, modern twist that keeps all the flavor… and skips the fuss.
This version is quick, easy, and made with pantry staples, but still delivers that slow-simmered, made-with-love taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something cozy after a long day, this recipe has your back, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Grab your soup pot and let’s make comfort food magic happen!
Table of Contents
🥄 Why This Paula Deen Potato Soup Is a Must-Try
When it comes to comfort food, Paula Deen has always set the bar high, and her potato soup is no exception. It’s creamy, hearty, and tastes like a hug in a bowl. But let’s be honest: while her original recipe is undeniably delicious, it can be a bit much for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.
That’s where this “easy” twist on Paula Deen’s potato soup really shines.
We’ve kept the Southern soul of the original recipe, but simplified the steps and trimmed the ingredient list down to essentials. You’ll still get that luscious, velvety texturec, but with less prep, fewer dishes, and a much quicker cook time.
This version is perfect if you’re craving:
- A quick, one-pot meal that’s deeply satisfying
- That classic Southern flavor with a modern, lighter touch
- A family-friendly recipe that’s budget-friendly and freezer-safe
And the best part? You don’t need to be a Southern kitchen pro. This recipe is foolproof, beginner-friendly, and ready in just 30 minutes.
So whether you’re a Paula Deen fan or just love a good bowl of potato soup, this easy twist is about to become your go-to. Let’s dive into the ingredients!
🧂 Ingredients for the Easiest Paula Deen Potato Soup
You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make a bowl of soup that tastes like it simmered all day. This easy Paula Deen-inspired potato soup keeps things simple, with pantry staples and a few fresh items you likely already have on hand.
Here’s what you’ll need:
📝 Simple Ingredients List
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Use 4 cups of chicken broth for a rich base, or swap in vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
🍲 How to Make Paula Deen Potato Soup Easy – Step-by-Step
This potato soup may taste like it simmered all afternoon, but the magic happens in just about 30 minutes. Follow these detailed, foolproof steps to get a creamy, flavorful, Southern-style soup without the stress, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook.
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for a Flavorful Base
Start by placing a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Once the butter begins to bubble, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, you want it tender, not browned. This step creates a rich, savory base that adds depth to the whole soup.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, garlic gets bitter quickly!
👩🍳 Pro Tip: Use yellow onions for a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
🥔 Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth for Heartiness
Next, add your diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them around to coat with the buttery onion mixture, this little step infuses the potatoes with more flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Increase the heat and let the mixture come to a soft, rolling boil.
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
🥄 Tip for Faster Cooking: Dice your potatoes smaller, they’ll cook more quickly and blend more smoothly later on.
🍵 Step 3: Blend the Soup to Make It Creamy (Optional but Recommended)
Here’s where the magic happens! To get that luxurious, creamy texture without relying entirely on heavy cream, you’ll want to partially blend the soup.
You have two easy options:
- Option 1: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend about half the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Option 2: Transfer about 2 cups of soup to a high-speed blender, blend until smooth, and pour it back into the pot.
This method thickens the soup naturally using the potatoes themselves, no need for flour, cornstarch, or roux!
💡 Pro Tip: If you like a fully creamy texture, blend it all! Want it rustic and chunky? Just mash some of the potatoes with a wooden spoon and skip the blender.
🥄 Step 4: Stir in Milk and Cream for Richness
With the soup still warm but no longer boiling, slowly stir in the milk and heavy cream. Keep the heat low, this is important to avoid curdling or separating the dairy.
Simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until everything is heated through and creamy. At this stage, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.
You can adjust the consistency here:
- Add more broth or milk if it’s too thick.
- Let it simmer a bit longer if it’s too thin.
🧂 Step 5: Season and Serve with Southern Style
Give it a taste and fine-tune the seasoning to your liking. Now’s the time to taste and adjust your seasoning. Add salt and black pepper to suit your preference. Depending on the broth you used, you may need more or less salt.
Once it tastes just right, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with:
- A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese
- A handful of chopped green onions
These finishing touches add both flavor and color, making your bowl even more inviting.
🫶 Serving Tip: Pair it with warm crusty bread or a slice of cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
👩🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Potato Soup Every Time
Making great potato soup isn’t hard, but making unforgettable potato soup? That’s where a few pro tips come in. Whether you’re a first-timer or a comfort food connoisseur, these tips will help you get the best flavor and texture every time.
🥔 1. Use the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal. For the creamiest texture, stick with:
- Russet potatoes – starchy and ideal for soft, smooth results
- Yukon gold – slightly waxy, but buttery and rich
Avoid red potatoes or waxy varieties, as they don’t break down as well during simmering and may stay too firm.
🌀 2. Don’t Over-Boil After Adding Dairy
Once you stir in the milk and cream, keep the heat low. Boiling dairy can cause it to curdle or separate, which affects both flavor and texture.
🧠 Pro tip: Always finish with dairy, never add it at the start of cooking.
🧂 3. Season in Layers
The broth might already be salty, so resist the urge to over-season early on. Instead:
- Taste after simmering the potatoes
- Taste again after blending
- Season lightly after adding dairy
This helps prevent an overly salty or unbalanced final dish.
🥄 4. Want It Creamier Without More Cream?
Here’s a trick that feels like magic: blend more of the potatoes. That natural starch thickens the soup beautifully without needing flour, cornstarch, or extra fat.
✨ Optional: Add a small spoon of cream cheese for an extra-rich mouthfeel, your secret twist!
⏲️ 5. Make It Ahead (It Tastes Even Better)
Like many soups, this one gets better the next day. The flavors meld together and the texture thickens slightly.
To store:
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Store in sealed, freezer-safe containers and keep frozen for up to three months.
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop and stir in a splash of milk to revive that creamy consistency.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Pairings for Paula Deen Potato Soup
This creamy, comforting potato soup is filling and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal from cozy to completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or serving guests, here are some simple ways to turn your soup into a full Southern-style spread.
🥖 1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast
A warm slice of crusty artisan bread or buttery garlic toast is perfect for dipping. The golden crunch complements the smooth texture of the soup and makes every bite more satisfying.
🌽 2. Classic Southern Cornbread
You can’t go wrong with a side of cornbread. Its sweet, crumbly texture and rich flavor pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the soup, especially when served warm with a dab of butter or a drizzle of honey.
💡 Try: Mini cornbread muffins for a no-fuss serving option.
🥗 3. Light Green Salad
Balance out the richness of the soup with a fresh green salad. A simple mix of baby greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing crunch.
Bonus: it adds color to your plate and lightens the overall meal.
🧀 4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For the ultimate comfort food combo, serve the soup with a gooey grilled cheese. Try cheddar on sourdough or even add tomato slices for a grown-up twist.
Perfect for dipping and guaranteed to satisfy kids and adults alike.
☕ 5. Cozy Drink Pairings
Round out the meal with something warm to sip on:
- Sweet tea for a true Southern touch
This soup is just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as it is for a casual weekend lunch. And if you’re hosting? Set up a soup bar with toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and herbs for a fun, customizable meal.
❄️ How to Store & Freeze Paula Deen Potato Soup
Wondering if you can make this soup ahead of time or store leftovers? The answer is yes, and it reheats beautifully with just a little care.
🧊 Storing in the Fridge
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Warm it slowly on the stove or heat it in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
- Stir in a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much in the fridge
❄️ Can You Freeze This Potato Soup?
Yes, you can, but because the soup contains dairy, it’s important to freeze it correctly to preserve the creamy texture.
To freeze:
- Let the soup cool completely.
- Transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving 1 inch of space for expansion.
- Mark the container with the date and place it in the freezer for storage up to three months.
🔄 How to Reheat Frozen Potato Soup
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Gently rewarm on the stove over low heat, stirring often to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add a bit of milk or broth to restore creaminess, some separation is normal and can be fixed by stirring.
💡 Tip: Fully blending the soup before freezing can help reduce texture changes after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paula Deen Potato Soup
Can I make it without cream or dairy?
Absolutely. For a dairy-free version, substitute:
Swap in unsweetened almond milk or oat milk as a non-dairy alternative.
Full-fat coconut milk for richness
Use olive oil or plant-based butter instead of traditional butter
It will still be creamy, just with a lighter, slightly different flavor profile.
How do I thicken the soup without flour?
No flour needed! The soup thickens naturally from the starch in the potatoes.
To make it extra creamy:
Blend more of the soup
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, the flavors deepen and improve after resting overnight. Just store it in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a little milk if needed to refresh the texture.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes in this soup?
Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes can be stirred in during the final step to boost creaminess and reduce waste. Just thin them out with a little broth or milk before mixing them in.
Tip: This is a great way to stretch a small batch of soup or repurpose leftovers into something fresh.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s easy to adapt for the crockpot:
Add all ingredients except milk, cream, and cheese to the slow cooker.
Let it simmer in the slow cooker, 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, until the potatoes are fork-tender.Blend if desired, then stir in milk, cream, and cheese 15 minutes before serving.
This method is ideal for busy days, and the house will smell amazing.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Of course! This soup is versatile. Consider adding:
Carrots or celery for extra nutrition
Corn, peas, or spinach near the end of cooking
A handful of chopped kale or broccoli florets for texture and color
Vegetables not only boost nutrition, but also create a more balanced meal.
Paula Deen Potato Soup Easy
Equipment
- 1 Soup pot Large, heavy-bottomed
- 1 Immersion blender Optional, for creaminess
- 1 Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes Peeled and diced
- 1 small Yellow onion Finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 4 cups Chicken broth Or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream Or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 0.5 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Optional garnish
- 2 Green onions Optional garnish chopped
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend partially or fully for desired creaminess using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in milk and cream over low heat. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and coconut cream.
- Soup thickens as it cools, add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months. Fully blend before freezing for best texture.
🏁 Final Thoughts on This Easy Paula Deen Potato Soup Recipe
There’s a reason why Paula Deen’s potato soup is a classic, it’s rich, creamy, and full of Southern charm. But with this easy 30-minute twist, you get all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or just craving something cozy and comforting, this recipe is:
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Customizable for dietary needs
- Perfect for making ahead and freezing
- Guaranteed to warm you from the inside out
If you loved this easy version, be sure to bookmark the recipe, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who could use a little comfort food magic.
And if you’re building a meal plan, don’t forget to check out more Southern comfort food recipes below, your next favorite might be just a click away.
Happy cooking! 🥄💛
🍗 Love This Soup? Try These Southern Comfort Classics Next!
If this easy Paula Deen potato soup hit the spot, you’re going to fall in love with these cozy Southern-style favorites. These recipes are packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence:
- 🥧 Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie – Creamy, hearty, and topped with a golden crust
- 🍗 Paula Deen Southern Fried Chicken – Crispy, juicy, and full of Southern charm
- 🍛 Cattle Drive Casserole – A comforting, meaty one-dish wonder
- 🧀 Paula Deen Macaroni and Cheese – Ultra-creamy and perfect for any occasion
- 🍠 Sweet Potato Casserole – A holiday classic you’ll want all year round
✨ Bookmark your favorites, try one tonight, and keep the Southern comfort flowing, one recipe at a time!
