The Best Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy comfort beckons with this delectable cheesy potato soup that whispers warmth on chilly evenings.

Potatoes simmered with rich cheese create a velvety base that satisfies deep hunger.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a bowl of pure culinary bliss.

Each spoonful carries layers of robust flavor and smooth texture.

The soup delivers a comforting embrace that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Cheesy Potato Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

• Boost Family Comfort: Warm, hearty soup that wraps everyone in delicious coziness, perfect for bringing loved ones together around the dinner table.
• Master Easy Cooking: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that even beginner cooks can follow confidently, creating restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: One-pot meal that comes together swiftly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor, ideal for busy households needing satisfying dinners.
• Customize with Creativity: Flexible recipe allowing endless variations like swapping cheese types, adding different proteins, or experimenting with garnishes to match personal taste preferences.

What You Need for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides the hearty foundation of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds rich flavor and depth to the soup.
• Milk: Creamy component that helps create a smooth and velvety texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and gives the soup its signature cheesy flavor.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Flavor-building vegetables that create a robust and savory base for the soup.

• Butter, Flour: Combination used to create a roux that thickens the soup and adds richness.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Bacon, Green Onions, Sour Cream, Chives: Toppings that add extra texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that increases the soup’s richness and creaminess.

Steps for Rich Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook these vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for one minute.

This creates a roux that will help thicken the soup and develop a rich, deep flavor.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the pot and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the broth.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Richness

Pour in milk and heavy cream.

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 6: Season and Adjust Consistency

Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.

For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to crush some potatoes or blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and optional extras like a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Tips for Cheesy Soup Perfection

• Create a smooth base by whisking flour and butter carefully to prevent lumps, ensuring a creamy soup texture.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for a thicker consistency and better absorption of flavors.
• Remove soup from heat before adding cheese and stir gently to prevent separation and maintain silky smoothness.
• Substitute whole milk with skim milk and use less cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon for a completely plant-based soup that remains deliciously satisfying.

Variations for Cheesy Potato Soup Lovers

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit bacon, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk and cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and add plant-based bacon bits for crunch.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Top with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use less flour, and add more cream for richness while maintaining a similar texture.

Serving Cheesy Potato Soup with Style

• Cozy Comfort Combo: Pair this hearty soup with crusty sourdough bread or warm garlic baguette slices for dipping and soaking up all the delicious cheesy goodness.
• Gourmet Side Kick: Create a light green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled sausage for an extra protein boost and added texture.
• Weekend Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside a frittata or quiche for a complete weekend breakfast spread that will impress family and friends.

Storing Cheesy Potato Soup for Later

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Pour soup into saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What makes the roux important in this soup recipe?

The roux helps thicken the soup and creates a smooth base by combining butter and flour, which prevents lumps and adds a rich, slightly nutty flavor to the soup.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the milk from curdling when adding it to the hot soup?

Add milk slowly and stir continuously at a low heat, and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy to prevent separation and maintain a smooth texture.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending hearty potatoes with rich, melted cheese. Warm spoonfuls promise delightful satisfaction for hungry souls seeking classic comfort on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

Supporting Vegetables:

• 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced for garnish)

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté ingredients until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste and develop rich undertones.
3. Pour chicken broth gradually while whisking consistently, preventing potential lumps from forming. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a smooth base.
4. Introduce diced potatoes into the liquid, maintaining medium heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and slightly break down, contributing to soup’s creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate. Reduce heat and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely without scorching.
6. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of paprika. For enhanced thickness, gently mash some potatoes or blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.
7. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, thinly sliced green onions, optional dollop of sour cream, and additional cheese if desired.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize flavor intensity for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Roast vegetables before adding to enhance depth of flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick, convenient meals that reheat beautifully without losing quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 312 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg