Classic Welsh Leek and Potato Soup with Cheddar Croutons
A smooth and comforting leek and potato soup inspired by Welsh tradition, topped with crunchy homemade Cheddar croutons for texture and flavor. This British-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs leeks, potatoes, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 large, cleaned and thinly sliced leeks
- 3 medium, peeled and diced (about 2 cups) potatoes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices, cubed bread slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 large thinly sliced leeks and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 medium peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with leeks.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
- Step 4: While soup simmers, preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 4 slices cubed bread with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, spreading on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through for even browning.
- Step 6: Remove soup from heat and use an immersion blender to purée until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a handful of cheddar croutons, serving immediately.








