Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup. With its creamy texture, rustic charm, and simple, wholesome ingredients, this soup has earned a special place in kitchens for generations.

Amish potato soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy memory in a bowl. Made with pantry staples like potatoes, broth, onions, and a bit of milk, it’s hearty enough to stand on its own or be paired with your favorite sandwich or salad. Whether you’re new to homemade soups or an experienced cook looking for a reliable classic, this one is a keeper.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
• Find More Inspiration on Pinterest
• Final Thoughts
• Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup

This Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup recipe is filled with traditional flavor and easy-to-follow steps. It also serves as a perfect base for your own add-ins like ham, bacon, carrots, or cheese, giving you endless ways to make it your own.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Practical Ingredients

One of the best things about this soup is how accessible it is. You probably already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your kitchen. There’s no need for a trip to a specialty store or expensive add-ins—just good, honest food from the pantry.

• Uses common ingredients
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to scale for a crowd

Comforting Taste and Creamy Texture

This soup has a velvety base, thanks to a quick blend of cooked potatoes and broth, with added richness from butter, sour cream, and milk. Each bite is filled with tender potato chunks and a hint of garlic, with optional cheddar cheese for a sharper, more indulgent finish.

• Thick and creamy
• Mildly seasoned and family-friendly
• Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins

Flexible for Different Diets

While this recipe is traditionally made with dairy and chicken broth, it can be adjusted for a variety of dietary needs. Use plant-based milk and broth for a vegetarian or dairy-free version, or leave out the cheese and sour cream for a lighter soup.

• Gluten-free with naturally thick texture
• Vegetarian-friendly with broth swap
• Easily made dairy-free with alternatives

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full Ingredient List

• 2 quarts chicken stock (2 standard cartons)
• 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 3–4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup sour cream (or whole milk yogurt)
• ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Ingredient Quality Tips

Potatoes:
Russets create a fluffy and creamy base when blended. For a slightly sweeter, richer texture, try Yukon Gold potatoes. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes if you're blending.

Broth:
A good broth makes a big difference. Use homemade if you have time, or a high-quality store-bought chicken or vegetable broth.

Cheese:
Sharp cheddar melts well and gives a bold flavor. Always grate it fresh for the best results.

Sour Cream:
Adds creaminess and tang. Whole-fat versions work best. You can also use full-fat Greek yogurt.

Substitution Suggestions

• Potatoes: Any variety will work, though texture will change slightly.
• Broth: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Bouillon cubes dissolved in water work in a pinch.
• Dairy: Use plant-based butter, sour cream, and milk to make it dairy-free.
• Garlic and Onion: Powdered or fresh—whatever you have on hand.
• Add-ins: Carrots, celery, corn, peas, mushrooms, ham, bacon, or leftover chicken can all be added.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Start by pouring the chicken stock into a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the diced potatoes, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Let the mixture boil until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes.

3. Blend for Creaminess

Use a slotted spoon to remove about half the cooked potatoes and set them aside. With an immersion blender, blend the remaining potatoes in the pot until smooth. This creates a thick, creamy base while keeping some whole chunks for texture.

4. Add Dairy and Flavor

Stir in the butter, sour cream, and milk. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the milk taste to mellow and the flavors to blend.

5. Optional Cheese

If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is velvety. Be sure not to bring the soup to a full boil after adding cheese, as it may separate.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Top with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs if desired.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Best Practices for Creamy Soup

• Use an immersion blender to control the texture easily. No immersion blender? Mash some potatoes by hand or use a blender in small batches.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes or they’ll become gluey. Just until fork-tender is enough.
• Simmer after adding milk, don’t boil. This prevents curdling and keeps the soup smooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper after blending.
• Freezing the soup. Unfortunately, this soup doesn’t freeze well. The dairy and potatoes tend to separate and become grainy.
• Overblending. You want some potato chunks for texture, so avoid making it completely smooth.

Time-Saving Ideas

• Use leftover baked or boiled potatoes. Just heat the broth, add seasonings, and stir in the cooked potatoes at the end.
• Pre-chop veggies and store in the fridge for quick soup prep on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

Great Pairings

• Bread: Crusty sourdough, homemade biscuits, or garlic bread.
• Sandwiches: Grilled cheese, turkey melts, or BLTs are perfect matches.
• Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

How to Present

• Garnish with shredded cheddar, green onion, chives, or a swirl of sour cream.
• Serve in wide bowls or soup mugs for a cozy feel.
• Add homemade croutons or seasoned crackers for crunch.

Beverage Pairings

• Hot apple cider for a fall-inspired meal
• Dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
• Iced tea or sparkling water with lemon

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze; potatoes and dairy separate after thawing.

Reheating Tips

• On the stove: Warm over low to medium heat, stirring frequently.
• In the microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations and Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Dairy-Free: Replace milk, butter, and sour cream with plant-based options like almond milk and vegan sour cream.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.

Creative Flavor Twists

• Add corn and a pinch of cayenne for a southwestern vibe.
• Use Italian seasoning and stir in sausage for a Tuscan variation.
• Add curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired version.

Seasonal and Holiday Variations

• Stir in leftover turkey or ham after Thanksgiving.
• Add roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the fall.
• Serve as a holiday starter with festive toppings like pomegranate seeds or crispy sage.

More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup, check out these other comforting soup recipes:

• African Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
• Easy Garlic Chickpea Soup
• Remi’s Ratatouille Soup

Each of these brings its own unique flavors and is just as easy to prepare. They're perfect for warming up any day of the week.

Find More Inspiration on Pinterest

Love this recipe? Follow us on Pinterest at Bake with Lina for more cozy meals, kitchen tips, and recipe ideas to try.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Old Fashioned Potato Soup is the kind of meal that brings people together. It's warm, inviting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it never fails to satisfy.

Try it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again. Don’t forget to let us know how you made it your own. Leave a comment or tag us with your creations. We can’t wait to see your delicious bowls of comfort.

Happy cooking!

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