Herbed Potato Soup

There's something utterly comforting about a steaming bowl of herbed potato soup on a chilly day. This isn't just any ordinary potato soup – it's a creamy, herb-infused masterpiece that transforms humble potatoes into something truly spectacular. With fresh dill, chives, and parsley dancing through every spoonful, this soup delivers layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this herbed potato soup so special is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. In just 35 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality soup using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The secret lies in the combination of partially mashed potatoes for texture and the bright, fresh herbs that elevate this humble soup into something extraordinary.

Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or an elegant starter for dinner guests, this herbed potato soup checks all the boxes. It's hearty enough to serve as a main course yet refined enough for special occasions. Plus, with only 225 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt!

Why This Is the Best Herbed Potato Soup

• Perfect texture every time: By partially mashing the potatoes, you get the best of both worlds – creamy consistency with satisfying chunks that give each spoonful character and substance.
• Fresh herb flavor explosion: The trio of dill, chives, and parsley creates a bright, garden-fresh taste that transforms ordinary potato soup into something extraordinary.
• Quick and easy preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this soup fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
• Rich and creamy finish: The sour cream and butter create a luxurious, velvety texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
• Versatile and customizable: This base recipe adapts beautifully to dietary restrictions and personal preferences, making it perfect for any household.

Key Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

The beauty of this herbed potato soup lies in its flexibility. For the potatoes, russet potatoes are ideal if you want a creamier, more broken-down texture that naturally thickens the soup. However, Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully if you prefer more defined potato pieces with a buttery flavor. Red potatoes can also be used, though they'll hold their shape more firmly.

Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for the best flavor, but you can adjust the ratios to your taste. Love dill? Add an extra tablespoon. Prefer a more onion-forward flavor? Increase the chives. If you can't find one of the herbs, simply increase the others – just don't skip the fresh herbs entirely, as they're what make this soup shine.

For the chicken broth, feel free to substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use bone broth for extra richness and nutrition. Low-sodium options work best as you can always add salt to taste. The sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or even heavy cream for different flavor profiles.

Delicious Variations to Try

Loaded herbed potato soup: Turn this into a hearty meal by adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. It's like a loaded baked potato in soup form!

Mediterranean twist: Replace the dill with fresh oregano and add a splash of lemon juice. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil for a Greek-inspired version.

Spicy herbed potato soup: Add a diced jalapeño while cooking the potatoes, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper and paprika for warmth. A dollop of chipotle-spiked sour cream makes an excellent garnish.

Roasted garlic version: Add 4-5 roasted garlic cloves, mashed into a paste, along with the herbs for a deeper, more complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs.

Making It Vegan and Vegetarian

This herbed potato soup adapts beautifully to plant-based diets! For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth – that's it! The soup remains just as flavorful and satisfying.

To make it completely vegan, replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and substitute the sour cream with coconut cream, cashew cream, or your favorite vegan sour cream alternative. Coconut cream adds richness without overwhelming coconut flavor, while cashew cream creates an incredibly silky texture. You can even blend some of the cooked potatoes with a splash of plant milk to create natural creaminess.

Garnish and Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, and this herbed potato soup offers countless garnishing opportunities. Classic garnishes include a dollop of sour cream swirled with extra fresh herbs, crispy herb oil, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

For something special, try herbed croutons made by tossing cubed bread with olive oil and the same herb mixture used in the soup. Cheese lovers will appreciate a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even crumbled goat cheese.

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread, warm dinner rolls, or grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal. The soup also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This herbed potato soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the texture is definitely best when served fresh. As it sits, the soup will naturally thicken, so simply thin it out with additional broth when reheating.

For make-ahead preparation, you can cook the potatoes in broth and refrigerate this base for up to two days. When ready to serve, gently reheat and stir in the fresh herbs and sour cream. This method actually allows the flavors to develop even more!

Freezing tips: While this soup can be frozen for up to three months, dairy-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze portions, consider leaving out the sour cream and adding it fresh when reheating. The herbs may lose some brightness when frozen, so have extra fresh herbs on hand for garnishing.