Whip up a creamy, comforting bowl of potato soup in just 8 minutes with this ingenious mug recipe. Perfectly smooth and velvety, each spoonful delivers the rich, buttery flavor of tender potatoes, enhanced by a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of chives. It’s the ultimate quick fix for chilly evenings or when you need a cozy pick-me-up without the fuss.
This recipe shines with its simplicity and speed—prep takes 5 minutes, and cooking is done in a mere 3 minutes. The result? A warm, hearty soup with a luscious texture that feels like a hug in a mug. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.
What You’ll Need
- ¾ cup (6oz, 170g) water
- 3 tablespoons potatoes, in small cubes (use starchy potatoes like Russets for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon white onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, shredded (substitute with any melting cheese like mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, or use turkey bacon for a lighter option)
- 2 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch) (for thickening)
- ½ cup (4oz, 115g) chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
- ¼ cup (2oz, 56g) milk (any type, including plant-based alternatives)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for garnish (optional)
- Chives, for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
- Cook the potatoes: Add the potatoes and water to a large microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, carefully drain the cooking water.
- Add flavor: Stir in the bacon, cheese, onions, and cornflour into the cooked potatoes. The cornflour will help thicken the soup.
- Mix in liquids: Pour in the chicken stock and milk, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Microwave to thicken: Place the mug back in the microwave and cook for 2½-3 minutes, or until the soup thickens and all ingredients are heated through. Watch closely to prevent overflowing or overcooking. (Timing is based on a 1200W microwave; adjust as needed.)
- Garnish and serve: Top with a dollop of sour cream, extra bacon crumbles, and chives if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Soup
Take your potato soup to the next level with fun and flavorful toppings! Try adding a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for crunch, or a handful of chopped chives for freshness. For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some croutons or shredded cheese for extra texture and richness.
Quick Tips for Perfect Microwave Cooking
Microwaving can be tricky, so here are some tips to nail this recipe. Use a large microwave-safe mug to prevent overflow, and stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. If your microwave is less powerful than 1200W, add an extra 30 seconds to each step. Always keep an eye on the soup to avoid overcooking or spills. For a smoother texture, mash the potatoes slightly before adding the other ingredients.
Easy Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Customize this soup to suit your taste! Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Add frozen peas or diced carrots for extra veggies. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable stock. Craving something creamy? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream instead of milk.
Storage and Reheating Made Simple
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or stock to loosen it up. Avoid freezing, as the dairy may separate when thawed.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use instant potatoes? Yes, but the texture will be less chunky. Use 2 tablespoons of instant potatoes and adjust the liquid as needed. What if I don’t have cornflour? Substitute with all-purpose flour or skip it for a thinner soup. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Use a larger microwave-safe bowl and increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per step.
The Easiest Potato Soup Recipe (In A Mug!)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water 6oz, 170g
- 3 tablespoons potatoes in small cubes
- 1 tablespoon white onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon bacon cooked
- 2 tsp cornflour cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock, 4oz, 115g
- 1/4 cup milk 2oz, 56g
- Salt & pepper
- Sour cream for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add your potatoes and water into a large microwaveable mug. Microwave for 3-4 min or until the potatoes are tender. Check on it half way through and stir
- Once cooked drain away the cooking water
- Into the potatoes stir in the bacon, cheese and onions and cornflour. The cornflour will thicken your soup.
- Stir in the stock and milk and season with salt and pepper
- Place in the microwave and cook for 2 1/2 – 3 minutes or until it thickens and all of your ingredients have heated through. (Cooking time is based on my 1200W microwave so your timing might vary) Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it doesn’t over flow or over cook.
- Serve topped with sour cream and some more sprinkles of bacon and chives
