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A comforting bowl of creamy potato soup made from leftovers, presented in a simple white ceramic bowl to emphasize its smooth texture.

Leftover Mashed Potato Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Recipe)

Transform your holiday leftovers into a rich and creamy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup! This quick, easy recipe is loaded with cheese and customizable toppings, making it the ultimate comfort food solution in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 4 cups Leftover Mashed Potatoes chilled
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth low-sodium
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
  • Crumbled Bacon
  • Sliced Green Onions or Chives
  • Sour Cream

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Immersion Blender (Optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  2. Add the leftover mashed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, breaking up the potatoes as they warm.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted. Do not let the soup boil.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with bacon, green onions, and sour cream if desired.

Notes

The thickness of your original mashed potatoes will affect the soup's final consistency. Adjust with more broth if it's too thick.
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese from a block to ensure a smooth, creamy melt.
Taste the soup before adding salt, as both the mashed potatoes and broth contain sodium.