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Bowl of velvety potato leek soup garnished with chives and cream

Classic French vichyssoise served hot or cold

Potato Leek Soup

Potato Leek Soup

40 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

40 min

Servings

6

8 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Potato Leek Soup

Classic French vichyssoise served hot or cold

A silky French-style potato leek soup with a delicate, buttery flavor that works beautifully served warm or chilled.

10m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

40m

Total Time

6

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

French CuisineSoup & StewVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 7, 2022(Updated April 13, 2026)

Potato leek soup, or vichyssoise when served cold, is French simplicity at its finest. Tender leeks and potatoes simmer together until soft, then blend into an impossibly smooth puree that tastes far more refined than its humble ingredients suggest.

This is a soup that celebrates restraint — just a few ingredients, handled well, produce something truly elegant. A swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chives are all the adornment it needs.

Why This Recipe Works

Leeks provide a gentler, sweeter flavor than onions. Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture when blended. Cooking the leeks slowly without browning preserves their delicate flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 large leeks, white and light green parts, sliced
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced leeks and cook gently until very soft, about 10 minutes, without browning.

  2. 2

    Add cubed potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Blend until completely smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a countertop blender.

  4. 4

    Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and white pepper. Warm through gently.

  5. 5

    Serve hot garnished with snipped chives, or chill thoroughly and serve cold as vichyssoise.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter

  • Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette

Substitutions

LeeksSweet onion or shallots

Milder onions work but the flavor will differ.

Yukon Gold potatoesRusset potatoes

Starchier but still delicious.

Heavy creamCreme fraiche

Adds a tangy richness.

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Wash leeks thoroughly — soil hides between the layers. Slice, then soak in water to rinse.

  • Use white pepper instead of black for a cleaner look.

  • For a lighter version, skip the cream and add a drizzle of truffle oil instead.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add broth to adjust consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1.5 cups) · 6 servings

Calories250
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein12g
Carbohydrates30g
Fat3g
Fiber2g
Sugar6g
Sodium640mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vichyssoise?
Vichyssoise is simply potato leek soup served cold, typically with extra cream.
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, though they yield a starchier, less silky result. Yukon Gold is preferred.

Explore More

More French RecipesMore Soup & StewVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesStovetop RecipesNo-Cook Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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