Carrot Potato Soup

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When it comes to cozy, hearty meals, this carrot potato soup ticks every box. It’s smooth, wholesome, and packed with the natural sweetness of carrots and the earthy comfort of potatoes. Whether you’re avoiding dairy or just craving a creamy soup that won’t weigh you down, this version blends simplicity with full-bodied flavor. Made in under an hour with pantry basics and a blender, it’s a go-to for meal prep or quick family dinners. Don’t miss our creamy potato and pea chowder if you love vegetable-based soups!

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Why You’ll Love This Carrot Potato Soup

There’s a reason this soup gets rave reviews—it’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s adaptable for most diets, including vegan and gluten-free.

Comfort food without the guilt

This soup is naturally creamy thanks to the starch from the potatoes and optional cashew cream. No heavy cream needed here—just smart, plant-based ingredients.

Fast enough for weeknights

In just 45 minutes, you can go from chopping to sipping. Most of the cook time is hands-off, making it perfect for multitasking.

Budget-friendly and meal-prep ready

A handful of affordable ingredients like russet potatoes, carrots, and broth come together beautifully. It stores well for up to 4 days and freezes even better.

Loved by all ages

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or soup lovers, the mellow flavors and smooth texture make it a hit across the board.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutes

You only need a few fresh veggies, some broth, and your choice of creaminess to pull off this soup. Let’s break down the core ingredients and how to tweak them to your taste.

Core vegetables

Carrots: Use traditional orange carrots, peeled and sliced. If using baby carrots, one cup chopped works great.
Potatoes: Russets are best for a velvety finish thanks to their starchiness.
Onion: Yellow or white both work; dice finely for even cooking.
Celery: Optional, but adds a rich undertone. If you don’t have it, skip it—no harm done.
Garlic: Don’t hold back. Minced fresh or jarred garlic both do the trick.

Liquids and fats

Broth: Vegetable stock works best. For more depth, try a vegan “not-chicken” bouillon.
Olive oil or butter: Either fat works to sauté the veggies—your choice.

Flavor boosts

Thyme & bay leaf: Dried thyme offers a warm, herbal note. Bay leaf is optional but adds aroma.
Lemon juice: A splash balances the natural sweetness. White wine vinegar can be swapped in.

For creaminess

Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a dairy-free finish.
Alternatives: Heavy cream, evaporated milk, or even canned coconut milk will work if you’re not vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Soup

The magic of this soup is in its simplicity. You cook, blend, and enjoy—all in one pot.

Sauté the aromatics

Start with olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic and dried thyme for a deeper base.

Simmer the veggies

Add chopped potatoes, broth, and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is fork-tender.

Prepare the cream

While the soup simmers, make your cashew cream. Soak cashews in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then blend with an equal part of water until smooth. You can use a traditional or high-speed blender.

Blend and finish

Add 1 cup of hot soup to the blender with cashew cream and lemon juice. Blend until velvety. Stir this mixture back into the soup pot, season with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve.

Want a soup with a Southern twist? Don’t miss our flavorful Cajun potato soup.

Customizations for Every Preference

The beauty of carrot potato soup is how flexible it can be. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or simply changing things up, here are several easy variations.

Add protein for a heartier bowl

Looking for a protein boost? Add cooked lentils or white beans to the pot before blending. Chickpeas also work well and bring a nutty texture. For a non-vegan option, diced cooked chicken or shredded turkey fits in beautifully.

Play with different textures

Want more chunkiness? Set aside some of the sautéed carrots and potatoes before blending, then stir them in at the end. This gives the soup a rustic, homemade feel.

Dairy-free & vegan swaps

Cashew cream is our favorite vegan thickener, but you can easily substitute with full-fat canned coconut milk. Want a cheesy flavor? Add a spoon of nutritional yeast before blending. It gives depth without dairy.

Experiment with seasoning

This soup is versatile when it comes to spices. Add a dash of cayenne for gentle heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for smoky depth. Curry powder adds a delicious earthy layer that pairs well with the carrots’ sweetness.

Don’t miss our Anti-inflammatory Pineapple Smoothie for a refreshing drink to pair with this cozy bowl.

What to Serve with Carrot Potato Soup

Pairing the right sides with this soup turns it into a satisfying, full meal. Here are our favorite ideas.

Breads that soak up every drop

Nothing beats warm, crusty bread alongside creamy soup. Sourdough, focaccia, or rustic multigrain slices are top picks. Even better, toast them with olive oil and garlic for dipping.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Easiest Rustic Bread to pair with this soup—it’s perfect for beginners.

Salad and soup combos

Add a crisp salad to contrast the velvety soup. Think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or spinach with apples and walnuts. It lightens up the meal and adds freshness.

Make it a hearty meal

Turn this soup into a meal by serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches, hummus veggie wraps, or even loaded baked potatoes. For an elegant twist, serve in bread bowls—fun, filling, and mess-free.

Toppings make a difference

Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or a swirl of olive oil. Crispy chickpeas, croutons, or a drizzle of dairy-free sour cream take it up a notch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This carrot potato soup is just as tasty the next day—and even better after freezing.

In the fridge

Store cooled soup in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

In the freezer

Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little room at the top to allow for expansion. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.

Discover great ideas like our No Knead Bread to bake in advance and freeze alongside your soup.

Reheating tips

Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir well and adjust seasoning after reheating, as flavors deepen over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Potato Soup

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russets?

Sweet potatoes are sweeter and less starchy, which can alter the texture. They’ll create a thinner, slightly sweeter soup, but it still works. For a thick, creamy texture, stick to russets.

What if I don’t have a blender?

Use an immersion blender for convenience, but a regular blender gives the smoothest results. If you only have a bullet blender, cool the soup slightly before blending to avoid pressure build-up.

Can I freeze carrot potato soup?

Absolutely. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Use portioned containers and leave space at the top. Thaw overnight or reheat from frozen on low heat.

How long do leftovers last?

In the fridge, carrot potato soup lasts 3–4 days. Keep it sealed in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

What’s the best blender for cashew cream?

A high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Ninja works best. Lower-powered blenders may leave the cream grainy. Soaking the cashews longer helps if your blender isn’t high-powered.

Conclusion: A Nourishing Bowl You’ll Make on Repeat

This carrot potato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort dish—easy to prepare, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. With just a few pantry staples and optional cashew cream, you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup in under an hour. Whether you stick with the classic or play with spices and toppings, this is a recipe worth bookmarking.

Don’t miss our satisfying One Pot French Onion Pasta for another cozy dinner idea.

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