Simple Loaded Mashed Potato Revival Soup

Are you staring at a mountain of mashed potatoes after a big holiday feast? Don’t let those delicious spuds go to waste! This Ultimate Leftover Mashed Potato Soup recipe offers a brilliant and incredibly delicious way to transform your surplus into a comforting, hearty meal. Whether it’s post-Thanksgiving or a day after Christmas dinner, this soup is a lifesaver, providing a fresh take on familiar flavors. We’ll guide you through both quick stovetop and hands-off slow cooker methods, ensuring a perfect bowl of creamy potato goodness every time.

We understand that sometimes you just want the recipe without all the extra details. While we pack our posts with valuable tips and insights for home cooks of all levels, you can find a clickable table of contents below to jump straight to the sections you need most.

As a passionate home cook with no formal culinary training, I thrive on understanding the “why” behind every recipe. My goal is to empower even the most beginner cook in the kitchen, helping you feel confident and creative with every dish. That’s why I share plenty of tips, explaining how each ingredient contributes to the final flavor and texture, turning good cooks into great ones!

The Magic of Mashed Potato Soup: A Leftover Transformation

As the holiday season approaches, our minds often drift to delicious feasts and the inevitable mountain of leftovers that follows. While leftover turkey sandwiches are a classic, it’s those seemingly endless mashed potatoes that often pose a culinary challenge. It’s a mystery how we always end up with such a generous quantity of spuds, almost as if they multiply overnight!

If you’re like me, constantly seeking creative ways to repurpose holiday staples, then this Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite tradition. It transforms simple mashed potatoes into a completely new and exciting meal, preventing flavor fatigue and delighting your taste buds with its rich, creamy texture and savory depth.

What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its simplicity. There’s virtually no complicated prep work, nor does it demand any fancy kitchen gadgets. This means you can enjoy a hearty, warming soup without feeling utterly drained – a welcome relief after the hustle and bustle of a big holiday meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can achieve delicious results using either a slow cooker for a hands-off approach or a stovetop for a quicker turnaround.

For the slow cooker method, simply toss everything in, and let time do the work. When it’s ready, I often give it a quick blend with an immersion blender to achieve my preferred consistency. I personally love a soup with a few delightful chunks of potato, but if you’re a fan of super smooth and velvety soups, a quick whirl in a regular blender will do the trick. Some high-speed blenders can even heat the soup while blending, taking convenience to the next level!

Whip Up Deliciousness in Minutes: 10-Minute Mashed Potato Soup

After all the hard work of preparing a holiday feast, who wants to spend another hour slaving away in the kitchen? This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a warm, comforting meal without feeling tied to the stove. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty bowl of Mashed Potato Soup on the table in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches.

Here are some quick tips and tricks to ensure your soup is perfect every time:

• Achieving Your Desired Consistency: If your soup is too thick for your liking, simply whisk in more heavy cream or whole milk until it reaches your preferred richness and fluidity. Start with a quarter cup and add gradually.
• Flavor Boosters: Elevate the taste with savory additions. Crispy bacon crumbles are a must for “loaded” potato soup, or stir in up to ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for an umami kick. A dash of garlic powder can also enhance that irresistible savory aroma.
• Topping Extravaganza: Set up a “soup bar” with various toppings! Offer shredded turkey (another great leftover!), more crispy bacon bits, flash-fried onions for a sweet crunch, Fritos for a salty texture contrast, fresh chives for a mild oniony bite, or shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless!
• Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can reduce the amount of mashed potatoes or add a bit more chicken, vegetable, or beef broth. For a thicker, more stew-like consistency, let it simmer a little longer to reduce, or add a touch more mashed potatoes.
• Sneak in Veggies: Want to add some healthy greens? Sauté finely diced carrots and celery before adding them to the soup. If you have picky eaters, you can blend the soup after cooking to fully incorporate the vegetables, making them virtually undetectable!

These simple adjustments make this Easy Leftover Mashed Potato Soup incredibly versatile and a staple for transforming leftovers into something truly spectacular.

Customizing Your Leftover Mashed Potato Soup

One of the best aspects of this Easy Mashed Potato Soup is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base for a multitude of variations, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Adding More Flavor and Depth

• Different Cream Bases: While heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, feel free to experiment. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup can be used in place of some of the heavy cream and broth for an extra layer of savory flavor and even more body.
• Spices and Herbs: Don’t hesitate to play with your spice rack. A pinch of smoked paprika can add warmth and a subtle smoky note, while a dash of dried thyme or rosemary complements the potato beautifully. Freshly cracked black pepper is always a welcome addition.
• Cheese, Please!: Beyond Parmesan, consider stirring in some sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked gouda for a gourmet touch. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding richness and a wonderful cheesy pull.
• Protein Power-Ups: Turn this delicious soup into a more substantial meal by adding cooked protein. Leftover shredded turkey or ham from your holiday dinner is a natural fit. Cooked and crumbled sausage, shredded chicken, or even small meatballs would also be fantastic.

Making it Your Own

• For a Healthier Twist: If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream, opting for milk or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond or oat milk (though the texture will be slightly less rich). Add extra vegetables like sautéed leeks, spinach, or corn for added nutrients and fiber.
• Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can give your soup a delightful kick.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond the classic bacon and chives, think outside the box for garnishes. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy coolness, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions provides texture, or a swirl of pesto for an herbaceous twist.

This flexibility ensures that your leftover mashed potato soup will never be boring, always offering a fresh and exciting culinary experience!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Potato Soup

One of the many advantages of this comforting mashed potato soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Proper storage ensures you can savor its deliciousness long after it’s initially made.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Once your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separation may occur with the dairy, but a good stir or whisk during reheating will bring it back together.
• Freezing: This mashed potato soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool fully before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. If using bags, lay them flat in the freezer for efficient stacking. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop (Recommended): For best results, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If the soup is too thick after chilling, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to achieve your desired consistency. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but avoid a rapid boil, which can cause the dairy to separate.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each, until heated through. Again, if it’s too thick, add a little liquid.

With these simple storage and reheating methods, you can enjoy your delicious Leftover Mashed Potato Soup for days or even weeks to come, ensuring no precious spud goes to waste!

More One-Pot Soups You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of the effortless convenience and incredible flavor of this easy one-pot potato soup, then you’re in for a treat! We love creating delicious meals that require minimal cleanup, and one-pot soups are a staple in our kitchen. Explore some of our other favorite recipes that promise hearty satisfaction without the fuss:

• Creamy Keto Tuscan Soup Recipe
• Spicy Sausage Vegetable Soup Recipe
• The Best French Onion Soup Ever
• Easy One Pot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
• One Pot Creamy Meatball Soup
• Easy Cabbage and Sausage Soup Recipe

Other Delicious Potato Dishes You’ll Love

If your love for potatoes extends beyond this incredible soup, you’re in the right place! Potatoes are incredibly versatile and form the base for countless comforting and delicious dishes. From skillet dinners to crispy roasted sides, here are some more of our favorite potato recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Blue Cheese Steak Bites and Potatoes Skillet Dinner Recipe
• Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Cheesy Ham and Mashed Potato Casserole
• Cheesy Sausage Potatoes and Cabbage
• One Pot Garlic Lemon Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
• The Best Irish Potato Pancakes Ever

And, for the absolute easiest way to make mashed potatoes from scratch, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – a recipe that guarantees perfect, creamy results every time, and might just give you more delicious leftovers for this soup!

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4.75 out of 5 stars from 4 votes

Leftover Mashed Potato Soup

By: Courtney O’Dell

Servings: 8 people

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 25 mins

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Easy Loaded Leftover Mashed Potato Soup is a delicious way to use up mashed potatoes from Christmas or Thanksgiving – stovetop or slow cooker recipes included!

Equipment

• Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler
• Ninja MC1001 Foodi PossibleCooker PRO 8.5 Quart Multi-Cooker (or large stock pot for stovetop)
• Immersion blender (optional, for smoother soup)

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup diced garlic
• 12 oz chicken, vegetable, or beef stock
• ½ pound Leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Green onions, to garnish
• Bacon, to garnish

Instructions

Stovetop Method:

1. Add butter to a large stock pot or Dutch oven and heat on medium-high until melted and foamy.
2. Add diced garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes lightly browned and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes, chicken (or vegetable/beef) stock, and heavy cream. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook down slightly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches your desired thickness. For a thinner soup, reduce less; for a thicker, more stew-like consistency, simmer longer.
5. If a smoother consistency is desired, carefully use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer portions to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be cautious with hot liquids in a blender).
6. Spoon the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chives, sliced green onions, and crispy crumbled bacon. Serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until lightly browned and aromatic.
2. Transfer the butter and lightly browned garlic mixture to your slow cooker insert.
3. Add the mashed potatoes, heavy cream, and stock to the slow cooker.
4. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours, until the soup is heated through and flavors have melded.
6. Before serving, use an immersion blender to achieve a smoother texture, if desired. You can also transfer portions to a standard blender for an even creamier result.
7. Serve the rich, warm soup with your favorite toppings such as bacon, chives, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
8. This recipe also freezes well for future meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 93mg
Sodium: 224mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

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