If you ever find yourself staring at a bowl of leftover garlic mashed potatoes wondering what to do with them, this Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with savory garlic flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Transforming those familiar leftovers into a velvety smooth soup is not only a clever way to avoid waste but also an effortless way to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it was made from scratch just for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and genuinely elevate the soup’s flavors and texture without any fuss. Each one plays a crucial role in turning leftover mashed potatoes into a bowl of creamy goodness that’s both hearty and cozy.
- Leftover garlic mashed potatoes: The star of the show that brings creamy texture and that unbeatable garlic punch.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the onions for that perfect base flavor.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to balance the garlic.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Essential for thinning the soup while adding savory notes and layers of flavor.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Gives the soup a luscious, creamy finish that feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors beautifully.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, or sour cream—these add texture, color, and extra bursts of flavor to make each spoonful exciting.
How to Make Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and releases its sweet, fragrant aroma—about five minutes. This simple step builds the flavorful foundation your soup deserves, making every bite rich and inviting.
Step 2: Warm the Mashed Potatoes
Next, stir the leftover garlic mashed potatoes into the softened onions. Let them warm up gently, allowing the garlic flavor to mingle with the buttery sweetness of the onions. This melting together is what gives the soup its signature creamy texture and deep taste.
Step 3: Whisk in the Broth
Now, slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly. This helps to smooth out the mixture and lets you control the thickness of the soup. Whether you like it thick and hearty or a bit more pourable, this step lets you adjust your soup’s personality.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Turn the heat down to low, then add the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir gently until the soup is fully combined and warmed through, resulting in a luscious, velvety texture that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This final touch enhances all the vibrant flavors you’ve carefully built and ensures each spoonful sings with savory goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe hot with your choice of optional toppings for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whether it’s sharp melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream, these finishing touches make every bowl feel like a special treat.
How to Serve Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon take this soup to the next level, adding a satisfying crunch or melty richness. Fresh chives bring a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the creaminess, while sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt lends a tangy balance that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to sop up every last drop. For a light, bright contrast, serve a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette alongside. The combination of creamy soup and crunchy salad is an unbeatable comfort-meets-freshness duo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or sturdy hollowed-out rolls for edible bowls. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for an unexpected texture or drizzle a little infused olive oil or truffle oil for an upscale finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to blend everything back together smoothly.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to bring back that creamy texture. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular mashed potatoes instead of garlic mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! While garlic mashed potatoes add an extra layer of robust flavor, regular mashed potatoes will work just fine. You might want to add a little garlic powder or fresh minced garlic when sautéing the onions to capture that signature taste.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it can be! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose your favorite vegetarian toppings. The soup’s creamy base and sautéed onions will still shine beautifully on their own.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or another dairy-free cream substitute. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
What if I want a chunkier texture?
If you prefer a bit more texture, reserve some of the sautéed onions or add small chunks of leftover potatoes after blending the soup smooth. This contrast can make the soup even more satisfying.
How do I adjust the soup thickness?
Simply add more broth if you want a thinner soup or less if you prefer something thick and stew-like. The recipe is very forgiving and perfect for customizing to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about turning leftovers into a fresh, comforting dinner, and this Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe does exactly that with ease and flair. It’s a reminder that everyday ingredients can become extraordinary dishes with just a little love and creativity. So grab those leftovers and give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cozy meal!
Print
Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup transforms your leftover garlic mashed potatoes into a creamy, flavorful soup. With sautéed onions, rich cream, and the option for savory toppings like cheese and bacon, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover garlic mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chives
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Warm the mashed potatoes: Stir in the leftover garlic mashed potatoes, allowing them to warm and blend with the onion.
- Add broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, adjusting to your desired soup thickness.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir gently until smooth and heated through.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, or sour cream.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the broth quantity for a thicker or thinner soup consistency.
- Leftover garlic mashed potatoes add extra flavor but plain mashed potatoes can be used with added garlic if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon toppings.
- Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
