St. Patrick’s Day Potato Soup Recipes: Vegan, Vegetarian & Classic Twists

St. Patrick’s Day Potato Soup Recipes: Vegan, Vegetarian & Classic Twists

Posted by Trisha Anderson on Mar 3rd 2016

Updated June 2025

Potatoes have long been a symbol of Irish cooking and comfort food, making them the perfect star for your St. Patrick’s Day table. Did you know the average Irish person eats about 140 kg (300 pounds) of potatoes each year? Or that potatoes were first introduced to Ireland in the late 16th century and quickly became a beloved staple?

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re sharing some easy and hearty recipe variations using two of our fan-favorite soup mixes: Idaho Outpost Potato Leek Soup and Rocky Mountain Trail Loaded Potato Soup.

Washington High Plains Potato Leek Soup Mix – Recipe Variations

Ham & Potato Soup
Add one cup diced ham with the cream. Continue to cook on low for 10 minutes and serve.

Bacon & Blue Cheese Potato Soup
Add 6 pieces of crisp bacon (crumbled) and ½ cup crumbled blue cheese with the cream. Continue to cook on low for 10 minutes and serve.

Potato Cauliflower Soup
A veggie-packed twist!

You Will Need:

  • 5 cups low sodium chicken broth

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut up

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1 package Idaho Outpost Potato Leek Soup Mix

Directions:

  1. Bring broth to a simmer in a 4-quart pot.

  2. Add soup mix and cauliflower. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

  3. Remove bay leaf. Puree using a hand immersion blender or food processor until smooth.

  4. Stir in sour cream and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot!
    Makes about 6.5 cups.

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Rocky Mountain Trail Loaded Potato Soup – Vegan & Vegetarian Adaptations

A cozy, crowd-pleasing option that works perfectly for anyone looking to keep it plant-based (or just extra creamy).

Vegan Version:
Remove the bacon and use a non-dairy milk substitute to keep it rich and comforting.

You Will Need:

  • 6 cups vegetable broth (48 oz.)

  • 1 large russet (baker) potato or white potato, peeled and diced

  • 1 cup shredded non-dairy cheddar cheese and/or non-dairy sour cream

  • Optional: 1–2 Tbsp. liquid smoke

  • Optional: 1–2 cups oat milk or other non-dairy milk substitute

  • 1 package Rocky Mountain Trail Loaded Potato Soup Mix

Directions:

  1. In a 4-quart pot, bring broth to a boil. Add potatoes and soup mix.

  2. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.

  3. Stir in non-dairy cheese and liquid smoke if using. Heat uncovered on low for about 5 minutes.

  4. For an even creamier texture, stir in oat milk before serving.

Vegetarian tip: Instead of oat milk, stir in 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness.

Fun St. Patrick’s Day Potato Facts to Share at the Table

  • Potatoes became so central to Irish cuisine that by the 19th century, many families relied on them for nearly every meal.

  • The phrase “Luck of the Irish” isn’t actually about potatoes—but a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup sure feels lucky!

  • March 17th is one of the most popular days of the year worldwide for cooking potato-based dishes.

Whether you go classic, meaty, cheesy, or vegan, there’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a steaming bowl of potato soup. Sláinte!