Potato Leek Soup Recipe with Roasted Garlic & Smoked Paprika: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

If you’ve never made potato leek soup from scratch before, let me tell you—it’s one of the easiest, most satisfying soups you can whip up. It has that fancy, restaurant-quality taste, but it’s made from simple, budget-friendly ingredients.

And the best part? This roasted garlic and smoked paprika version levels up the classic with deep, caramelized garlic and a hint of smoky paprika. One spoonful, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it this way all along.

Why This Potato Leek Soup Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Some recipes just have a way of sticking around, passed down through families or scribbled onto index cards. This is one of those. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want something warm, filling, and easy. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of humble ingredients that come together to make something magical.

Potatoes bring the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness, while leeks add a delicate oniony sweetness. But the real stars here? Roasted garlic, which adds a mellow, caramelized depth, and smoked paprika, which gives the soup a subtle warmth and complexity. It’s creamy, dreamy, and deeply comforting—but with just enough of a twist to make it feel new again.

And like all the best soups, it’s flexible. Want it silky smooth? Blend it. Prefer a bit of texture? Mash the potatoes right in the pot. Dairy-free? Swap out the cream for coconut milk or leave it out altogether.

Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients

Great soup starts with great ingredients. Here’s what to look for:

• Potatoes: Yukon Golds will keep things creamy with a slightly thicker texture, while Russets make it extra smooth. Either works!
• Leeks: These sneaky veggies love to hide dirt in their layers—slice them in half lengthwise and give them a thorough rinse.
• Garlic: Roasting the garlic takes a little extra time, but the result is pure magic. It mellows out the sharpness and turns it buttery and sweet.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds a deep, savory note, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian version.
• Smoked Paprika: Just a pinch transforms the flavor. It adds a subtle smokiness that makes the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.

The Secret to a Truly Flavorful Soup

The trick to making this soup extra delicious? Take your time with the sautéing step. Let those leeks soften slowly in butter, coaxing out their natural sweetness. This adds layers of flavor and richness that you just can’t rush.

And here’s another game-changer: season in stages. Adding a pinch of salt with each step helps draw out moisture and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make It Extra Creamy Without Heavy Cream

If you love ultra-creamy soup but don’t want to use heavy cream, you’ve got options:

• Blend it well: A high-speed blender will give you a velvety smooth texture without extra dairy.
• Use a potato masher: If you like it a little chunky but still creamy, mash the potatoes right in the pot.
• Try coconut milk: If you’re dairy-free but still want a bit of richness, a splash of coconut milk works beautifully.

Toppings That Take It to the Next Level

Sure, you can eat this soup just as it is, but why stop there? Toppings can add texture and extra layers of flavor. Try:

• Crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky, salty crunch
• A swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess
• A handful of shredded cheddar for a melty, cheesy touch
• Crusty homemade croutons for a satisfying bite
• A drizzle of olive oil and cracked black pepper for extra richness

What to Serve with Potato Leek Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out into a full meal, here are a few ideas:

• Crusty bread: A thick slice of sourdough is perfect for dunking.
• A simple salad: Something fresh, like a spinach and apple salad, balances out the richness.
• Grilled cheese: Because honestly, is there a better combo than soup and a crispy, cheesy sandwich?

Make It Ahead & Store It Like a Pro

One of the best things about this soup? It gets even better the next day. The flavors meld together, and the texture thickens just a bit.

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: This soup freezes beautifully—just leave out the cream if you’re planning to freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove.

Roasted Garlic and Smoked Paprika Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 head of garlic
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Prepare the Leeks:
   • Slice the leeks lengthwise, rinse under running water to remove any grit, then slice them crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Cook the Leeks:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the diced potatoes, roasted garlic, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup:
   • Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender, making sure not to overfill.
6. Incorporate Cream and Seasonings:
   • Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat gently, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped chives or parsley, and serve warm.

Final Thoughts

This roasted garlic and smoked paprika potato leek soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or just meal-prepping for the week, this soup is always a good idea. So grab your soup pot and get ready for a bowl of comfort—one spoonful at a time.