Vichyssoise – French Cold Potato Leek Soup 🇫🇷
Updated 20 Feb 2026
Vichyssoise – French Cold Potato Leek Soup 🇫🇷Vichyssoise is a classic French soup made with potatoes, leeks, and cream, known for its smooth and creamy texture. While traditionally served chilled, this elegant soup is also delicious when served warm, making it a perfect dish for any season. 😊 Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer starter or a comforting bowl on a cool evening, Vichyssoise is simple to prepare and full of delicate flavor. This easy cold potato and leek soup recipe is a great way to enjoy seasonal ingredients with a touch of French sophistication.✨
Ingredients
- 500 g of potatoes
- 1 leek (white part only)
- 1 onion (about 120 g)
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
- 500 ml of water
- 2 teaspoons of bouillon powder or 1 bouillon cube
- 100 ml of milk
- 100 ml of crème fraîche or fresh cream
- salt and pepper, to taste
- a pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
How to make it
1/ Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the green onion, regular onion, and potatoes. 2/
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and green onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
3/ Add and Cook the Potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes and stir gently for a minute or two.
4/ Simmer the Soup Base: Add the water and bouillon. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
5/ Blend Until Smooth: Remove the pot from the heat and blend the mixture with a hand blender until smooth and creamy.
6/
Add Dairy and Seasoning: Stir in the milk, crème fraîche, and a little nutmeg.
7/ Simmer and Adjust Flavor: Return the pot to low heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
8/ Chill Thoroughly: Place the cooled soup in the refrigerator and chill for several hours until well chilled.
9/ Garnish and Serve: Pour the chilled soup into bowls. Top with chopped parsley or chives (if available), and enjoy.
Good to know
⭐ Cream Options: Choose Your Texture: If you use crème fraîche, the soup will have a rich and relaxing texture. For a lighter and smoother finish, try fresh cream or milk instead.
⭐ Make-Ahead Magic: Even Better the Next Day: Preparing the soup a day in advance and letting it chill in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. Perfect for a refreshing summer dish.
⭐ Winter Version: Enjoy It Warm: This soup isn’t just for summer—try serving it warm during the colder months for a comforting seasonal variation.
⭐ Garnish: Fresh parsley or finely chopped chives add color and a mild herbal touch.
⭐ Serving Idea: Serve the soup in chilled glass cups or bowls for an elegant summer starter. For a light lunch, pair it with crusty bread, a green salad, or a slice of quiche.
Our Spinach and Bacon Quiche recipe also makes a perfect match—its rich flavor and tender filling complement the chilled soup beautifully.
👉 Spinach and Bacon Quiche — Simple French Style 🇫🇷
