Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

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Transform your holiday leftovers into a cozy bowl of comfort with this Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup. Creamy, rich, and packed with garlicky goodness, this soup is the ultimate way to give second life to your mashed potatoes. Perfect for chilly nights, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero when you’re craving something warm, savory, and no-fuss.

This soup is incredibly versatile—you can keep it simple or top it with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream. It’s a clever, budget-friendly way to use up ingredients you already have on hand while still serving something that feels totally new.

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Can I Use Any Type of Mashed Potatoes for This Soup?

Yes! While this recipe is developed using garlic mashed potatoes, any leftover mashed potatoes will work beautifully. If they’re a bit dry or stiff from the fridge, no worries—the broth and cream will loosen them right up. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning depending on what’s already in your mash.

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Ingredients for the Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

Leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is the soul of the soup. The garlicky flavor adds depth and warmth while giving the soup its creamy base.

Butter
A must for sautéing the onions and adding rich, savory flavor to the base of the soup.

Yellow Onion
Adds aromatic sweetness and rounds out the garlic notes.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth
This thins out the mashed potatoes into a silky soup consistency and adds essential savory notes.

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half
To make the soup extra creamy and comforting.

Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, or sour cream
These take the soup from good to unforgettable.

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How To Make the Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Add the Mashed Potatoes

Stir in your leftover garlic mashed potatoes. Let them warm through and blend with the buttery onions. It might look a bit thick—that’s okay!

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth. You can adjust the amount based on how thick or thin you like your soup.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Once the soup is hot and blended, reduce the heat to low and pour in the cream or half-and-half. Stir gently to incorporate and warm through without boiling.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add salt and black pepper as needed. If your mashed potatoes were already seasoned, taste before adding more.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives, or a dollop of sour cream if you like. Serve hot!

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How to Serve and Store Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup

Serve this soup piping hot in a cozy bowl, topped with your favorite extras like shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, or fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad.

To store, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen it up. This soup also freezes well—store in individual portions for easy meals later on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Just reheat slowly and stir well.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and skip any meat-based toppings like bacon.

What if my mashed potatoes are really garlicky?

You might want to skip adding extra garlic or onions, or balance it with more cream. Taste as you go.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be! Just double-check that your broth and toppings are gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—stir in cooked peas, corn, or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.

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Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Soup warmed your soul, you’ll love diving into these other hearty and comforting bowls:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup with rich cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a spicy, satisfying fusion flavor.
• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup that’s a one-pot comfort fix.
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup—creamy, loaded, and nostalgic.
• Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad if you’re craving something chilled with a zesty twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra veggies? Did you go bold with bacon or keep it light?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s swap cozy kitchen stories!

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