How Long Is Potato Soup Good For?

From fridge to freezer, we’re helping you learn how to keep your potato soup at its best, safe, and ready for your next spoonful.

Potato soup: this creamy, filling soup, brimming with the comforting goodness of potatoes and often a touch of cream or cheese, is the ideal comfort food on a cold day or whenever you desire a soothing bowl.

Its mix of potatoes, possibly cream or cheese, and seasonings creates a dish that’s not only delightful but also a comforting way to get some veggies into your meal.

However, let’s be honest, as delectable as potato soup is, you might not finish every last spoonful in one sitting (it happens!). So the question is—how long does potato soup stay fresh? Does it develop a deeper, savory profile over time, or does it lose its allure once it cools down?

When considering saving that leftover potato soup for another day, what’s the best way to preserve it? Is it suitable in the fridge, or can it survive the frost of the freezer?

If these questions are bubbling up in your mind, you’ve found the right article.

How Long Potato Soup Lasts

How long potato soup lasts depends on how you store it.

Generally, if you leave potato soup out, it will only stay good for 1 to 2 hours. When refrigerated, it can last for 3 to 4 days. And if you freeze it, it will maintain its quality for about 3 to 4 months.

Left Out: 1–2 Hours

If you leave potato soup at room temperature, it can last for about 2 hours. However, on hot days when it’s 90°F (32°C) or higher, potato soup only stays good for about 1 hour.¹

Refrigerated: 3–4 Days

If you keep potato soup in the fridge, at a temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) or below, and store it in a jar, food container, or the original bottle or carton in case you bought it from the store, it will last for about 3 to 4 days.²

Frozen: 3–4 Months

Technically speaking, you can keep frozen potato soup for as long as you want because freezing pauses the growth of bacteria.³ With that being said, it is best to eat it within 3 to 4 months to enjoy it at its freshest and highest quality.

Keeping Your Potato Soup Fresh

Potato soup is truly satisfying when it’s warm and filled with the hearty goodness of potatoes.

If you’re not planning to finish your soup right away, it’s important to know how to store it so it stays delicious and doesn’t spoil.

Here’s the rundown:

Storing Potato Soup in the Fridge

First off, pour your potato soup into a clean, sealable container. Mason jars work wonderfully, but if you don’t have those, any food-grade storage container with a tight-fitting lid will do. Then, pop it into the fridge.

Aim to consume the potato soup within 3-4 days. The cold temperature in the fridge slows down the bacteria that cause food to spoil, but it can’t stop it entirely.

Freezing Potato Soup

If you’ve cooked up a large batch of potato soup and can’t finish it within a few days, or you want to reserve some for a cozy night, freezing is your best bet. You’ll need a clean, tight-sealed container that can handle the freeze.

Remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container because the soup will expand as it freezes. This might take a few hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, transfer the frozen potato soup to the fridge about a day in advance.

And that’s it—storing potato soup is simple, and it’s fantastic to have some handy for those cold evenings or when you’re in need of a quick meal.

A bit of care in storing it guarantees each serving is as delicious as the first one, so don’t skip these steps!

How to Tell If Your Potato Soup Has Gone Bad

Found an old container of potato soup hiding in the back of your fridge?

Or are you just not certain if it’s still good to eat? Like any soup, potato soup can go bad if it’s been left untouched for too long, and believe me, consuming spoiled potato soup is not a pleasant experience.

Here are some signs that your potato soup might have gone bad:

Time: If your potato soup’s been out for more than 1-2 hours or hiding in the fridge for over 3-4 days, it’s safer to throw it away, even if it looks okay. The bacteria that can make you sick don’t always change how our food looks, smells, or tastes.
Smell: Fresh potato soup has a hearty, appealing aroma. If you open your container and it smells off or unpleasant, it’s time to discard your soup.
Color: Good potato soup usually has a creamy, appetizing color. If it’s turned a different color or looks strange, it’s better to play it safe and throw it away.
Texture: Potato soup should be creamy and smooth. If it’s slimy or excessively thick, your soup might be past its prime.
Taste: This should be your last test. If your potato soup passes the other checks but tastes strange, it’s time to let it go.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It’s always safer to be cautious. Potato soup is simple to make, so there’s no need to take unnecessary risks.

Just cook up a new batch and savor the creamy, comforting flavors of this classic soup.

Wrapping It All Up

There you have it, culinary enthusiasts!

This is your comprehensive guide to not just relishing this creamy, delightful soup, but also ensuring it stays as fresh as the day you made it, for each and every serving.

Remember, whether you’re storing your potato soup in the fridge or the freezer, it’s easy to keep it fresh for those homely nights if you follow these uncomplicated storage steps we’ve shared.

And always remember, if your potato soup seems a bit off—be it in smell, color, texture, or taste—it’s always safer to dispose of it. Better safe than sorry!