Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender potatoes, sharp cheese, and a touch of seasoning to create a bowl of pure coziness. Whether served as a main dish or alongside a salad and bread, it’s a recipe everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: Perfectly smooth and indulgent.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and broth.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add toppings or extras like bacon, chives, or veggies.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• Butter
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Milk or heavy cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, then return it to the pot.
6. Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in milk (or cream) and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Meat Additions: Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with diced jalapeños.
• Loaded Potato Style: Garnish with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese for a loaded potato soup experience.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if needed.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing as the texture of the potatoes and cream may change upon thawing.

FAQs

1. What are the best potatoes for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their creamy texture when cooked.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

3. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or blend more of the soup for a thicker consistency.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese is recommended as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.

5. What’s the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender is the easiest option, but a standard blender works well—just blend in batches.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and corn make great additions to this soup.

7. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Add the cheese slowly, stirring constantly, and avoid adding it while the soup is boiling.

8. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, it can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

9. Can I substitute milk with cream?

Yes, heavy cream can be used for a richer soup, or use half-and-half for a balance of richness and lightness.

10. What toppings go best with this soup?

Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and croutons are all excellent options.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and full of rich, creamy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a meal or alongside your favorite sides, this versatile soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of warmth and deliciousness!

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