Vichyssoise – Classic Chilled Potato & Leek Soup 🥣✨

Looking for an elegant, refreshing appetizer or a light, sophisticated summer dish? This Vichyssoise—a classic French-inspired chilled potato and leek soup—is a luxuriously creamy, velvety treat. Made with tender leeks, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a blend of sour cream and heavy cream, it’s rich yet delicately flavored.

A Silky, Creamy French-Inspired Soup – Perfectly Chilled & Refreshing!

Perfect for warm weather or as an impressive starter at any dinner party, this smooth, refreshing soup is a timeless culinary masterpiece.

Elegant, Simple, and Oh-So-Creamy!

Why You’ll Love This Vichyssoise Recipe

✔ Rich, Silky Texture – Thanks to blended potatoes and cream.
✔ Delicate, Subtle Flavors – Leeks provide a mild onion-like taste that’s perfectly balanced.
✔ Perfectly Chilled – This soup is refreshing and light, ideal for warm weather.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
✔ Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it chilled or warm, and dress it up for special occasions.

Vichyssoise Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Soup Base:

🧈 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For sautéing and adding richness.

🫒 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Enhances flavor and prevents burning.

🧄 1-2 large cloves garlic, finely minced – Adds a subtle aromatic depth.

🧅 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced) – Mild, sweet onion flavor.

🧂 Sea salt & black pepper, to taste – For seasoning and balance.

🥔 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4-5 medium potatoes) – Creamy and buttery texture.

🥣 2 cups chicken broth (preferably organic) – Adds richness and depth to the soup base.

For the Creamy Finish:

🍶 ⅔ cup sour cream – Adds a slight tang and luxurious creaminess.

🥛 ⅓ cup heavy cream – For a smooth, velvety texture.

For Garnish:

🌿 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped – Bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Leeks & Garlic 🧅🧄

1️⃣ In a large, high-sided skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add minced garlic and sliced leeks, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Cook for 4-5 minutes until the leeks are soft and tender. Avoid browning, as this can alter the delicate flavor.

Pro Tip: Use only the white and light green parts of the leeks for a mild, sweet onion flavor!

Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes 🥔

1️⃣ Add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet.
2️⃣ Increase the heat to high and bring to a rapid boil.
3️⃣ Immediately reduce to medium-low, cover loosely, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Why Yukon Gold Potatoes? Their creamy texture and buttery flavor create a silky-smooth soup.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mixture 🍶

1️⃣ While the potatoes are simmering, whisk together sour cream and heavy cream in a medium bowl.
2️⃣ Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
3️⃣ Set aside until the soup is ready to be blended.

For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative!

Step 4: Blend the Soup Until Smooth 🥣

1️⃣ Remove the skillet from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
2️⃣ Carefully transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender, working in batches if necessary.
3️⃣ Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the soup is completely smooth and velvety.
4️⃣ Return the pureed soup to the pot (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot).

Safety Tip: Never fill the blender more than ⅓ full with hot liquids and vent the lid to avoid splattering!

Step 5: Temper & Combine the Cream Mixture 🥛

1️⃣ In a large bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of the warm pureed soup to the sour cream mixture and stir to combine.
2️⃣ This step tempers the cream mixture to prevent curdling.
3️⃣ Slowly whisk the tempered cream mixture into the blended soup until fully incorporated.
4️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Why Temper the Cream? It gradually raises the temperature, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.

Step 6: Chill & Serve ❄️

1️⃣ Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
2️⃣ Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, for the flavors to develop.
3️⃣ To serve, divide the chilled soup among bowls.
4️⃣ Garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tip: Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making the soup even more delicious!

How to Store & Keep Fresh

✔ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ To serve warm, gently reheat on low heat—do not boil, as it may cause the cream to separate.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day!

Fun Variations & Customizations! 🎨

🌿 Herb Twist – Add fresh tarragon or thyme for a subtle herbal note.
🥛 Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly option.
🌰 Nutty Garnish – Top with toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
🌼 Elegant Presentation – Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.

What to Serve with Vichyssoise

🥖 Crusty French Baguette – Perfect for dipping.
🥗 Light Mixed Green Salad – Complements the richness of the soup.
🍤 Chilled Shrimp Cocktail – For an elegant, refreshing appetizer duo.
🍷 Chilled White Wine – Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a light, balanced pairing.

Light mixed green salad? We have Delicious Quick Easy Broccoli Salad with Feta & Toasted Almonds and A Lentil Salad Adventure with Feta Cheese and Garden-Fresh Veggies

Amazon Finds: Kitchen Tools for This Recipe 🔗

Need the right tools to make this Vichyssoise perfectly silky and smooth? Here are some top-rated kitchen essentials you can find on Amazon:

High-Powered Blender – For a velvety smooth texture.

Immersion Blender – If you prefer blending directly in the pot.

High-Sided Skillet – To sauté leeks and simmer potatoes perfectly.

Whisk Set – For tempering the cream mixture smoothly.

Airtight Storage Containers – To chill and store your soup.

Final Thoughts

This Vichyssoise is a luxuriously smooth, creamy, and elegant chilled soup that’s perfect for summer days, elegant gatherings, or as an appetizer to impress. Its delicate flavor and silky texture are sure to leave a lasting impression.

✨ Indulge in a taste of French culinary tradition with every spoonful! ✨

Now It’s Your Turn!

✔ Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it!
✔ Share with friends who love French cuisine!
✔ Bookmark for your next elegant dinner party!

Bon appétit! 🥣✨