Go Back
A rustic white bowl filled with thick and creamy potato soup, showcasing its smooth texture.

Leftover Mashed Potato Soup: The Ultimate 20-Minute Comfort Meal

Transform your leftovers into a creamy, delicious, and comforting meal with this easy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup recipe. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's the perfect quick dinner solution for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes chilled or room temperature
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped chives

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Immersion Blender Optional, for a smoother texture.

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the leftover mashed potatoes and broth to the pot. Stir to combine, breaking up the potatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes have mostly dissolved.
  3. For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted. Do not let the soup boil.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like bacon, extra cheese, and chives.

Notes

Consistency Tip: If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it's too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
Flavor Boost: The flavor of your soup will largely depend on your mashed potatoes. If they were plainly seasoned, you might want to add extra herbs like thyme or a pinch of paprika.