Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

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Turning leftovers into something this delicious almost feels like magic. If you’ve got a bowl of garlic mashed potatoes sitting in your fridge, this creamy and comforting soup will turn them into your new favorite cozy meal. It has everything you want on a chilly night: warmth, richness, and that subtle garlic flavor we all love.

The beauty of this soup is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s the ultimate shortcut to comfort food, needing only a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes on the stove. Whether your mashed potatoes were from a holiday feast or last night’s dinner, they deserve a second act—and this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

This soup is the perfect solution when you’re tired of reheating mashed potatoes for the third day in a row. It transforms them into something new and luxurious, without much effort. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, incredibly satisfying, and easy to customize with whatever toppings or mix-ins you have around.

You can make it vegetarian, load it with bacon, or toss in leftover roasted vegetables. It’s that flexible. And the best part? It tastes like it simmered for hours even though it comes together in less than 30 minutes.

What Kind of Mashed Potatoes Work Best?

Any leftover mashed potatoes will do, but the creamier, the better. If your garlic mashed potatoes had sour cream, cream cheese, or butter mixed in, you’re already halfway to a silky soup. Even chunky mashed potatoes can work—just know you’ll get a bit more texture unless you blend it smooth.

Cold mashed potatoes right out of the fridge are fine to start with. You’ll be heating and loosening them up with broth and milk, so they’ll melt right down into something creamy and delicious.

Ingredients for the Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

To build this ultra-creamy soup, you only need a short list of ingredients. They’re all familiar staples that come together to create magic in your bowl.

Leftover garlic mashed potatoes
This is the base of your soup and the reason it exists! The more flavorful your mashed potatoes are, the more flavor your soup will have.

Chicken broth
This thins out the mashed potatoes and infuses savory depth. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.

Milk or half-and-half
Adds creaminess and richness. For an even silkier result, go for half-and-half or heavy cream.

Butter
A touch of butter helps bring back that indulgent mashed potato flavor.

Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings to round out the flavor. Add more or less depending on your original mashed potato seasoning.

Grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, etc.)
Cheese melts into the soup for extra body and flavor. Optional but highly recommended.

Green onions or chives
Add fresh contrast and a little bite to balance the richness.

How To Make the Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

Step 1: Warm the Butter and Broth

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add your chicken or vegetable broth and stir until the butter is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Mashed Potatoes

Scoop in your leftover mashed potatoes and stir well. Use a whisk if needed to break up any lumps. Let the potatoes soften into the liquid.

Step 3: Pour in the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Start with a cup and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Allow the soup to gently simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If using cheese, stir it in now until fully melted and smooth. The soup should be thick and creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with green onions, extra cheese, bacon bits, or a swirl of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.

How to Serve and Store This Cozy Soup

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family lunch or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a soul-warming meal that needs very little alongside it to shine. But if you want to make it a full spread, some crusty bread or a light salad pairs beautifully.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to life.

What to Serve With Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

The ultimate dipping companion. Soft inside, crunchy outside, and perfectly garlicky.

Simple Side Salad

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower add texture and earthiness.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pairing this soup with a gooey grilled cheese turns it into the coziest meal ever.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

A fancy-but-easy side that brings a salty, savory crunch.

Soft Pretzels

The chewiness of a pretzel dipped into this creamy soup is irresistible.

Deviled Eggs

Creamy eggs are a surprising but delicious match for this soup.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this hearty, creamy bowl, here are a few more to keep the cozy vibes going:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a pasta-inspired twist.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup packed with bold, herby flavors.
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake if you want more creamy, veggie-forward dishes.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you need something heartier.
• Boilermaker Tailgate Chili for a game day crowd-pleaser.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra cheese? Bacon? Maybe a spicy kick?

I love seeing how others make these cozy recipes their own. Ask questions if you have them, and let’s keep warm together.

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