Creamy Dream: Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Creamy and hearty potato soup with cheese promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Families adore this classic dish for its rich, satisfying flavors.

Potatoes blend smoothly with sharp cheddar, creating a velvety texture that warms from inside.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike find joy in crafting this simple yet delicious meal.

Crispy bacon bits and fresh chives add delightful crunch and color to each spoonful.

Memories of grandmother’s cooking come flooding back with every warm, inviting bite.

Grab a ladle and prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming soup that brings everyone together at the table.

Why Cheesy Potato Soup Is So Satisfying

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This soup delivers ultimate warmth with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hunger without complex cooking techniques.
• Transform Everyday Ingredients: Standard pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and broth combine magically to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Customize Your Bowl: The recipe allows flexible texture options – mash for smooth consistency or keep chunks for hearty appeal, letting home cooks personalize their dining experience.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and texture for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the soup's foundational taste and helps cook the potatoes.
• Cheese: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Milk: Contributes to the smooth and velvety consistency of the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic background flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for a deeper flavor profile.
• Onions: Provides a sweet and savory base note to the soup.

• Bacon Bits, Green Onions: Add extra texture and fresh flavor as a topping when serving.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth, thick consistency by binding the liquid ingredients.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Onions in Butter

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Melt butter and toss in chopped onions.

Swirl and cook until onions turn translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions.

Stir continuously to blend and cook the flour mixture, eliminating any raw flour taste. Let it bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Pour and Simmer Broth

Slowly stream chicken broth into the pot. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 4: Add Potato and Seasoning

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat and let the potatoes simmer until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Pour in milk and scatter cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Customize Soup Texture

Use a potato masher to break down potatoes for a smoother soup or leave chunks for rustic appeal.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Top with crispy bacon bits or freshly chopped green onions.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Potato Soup

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency in your soup.
• Avoid boiling milk to prevent curdling; add it gently at low heat and stir continuously.
• Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged to get a smoother, more flavorful melt.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting chicken broth or adding more flour for desired texture.
• Make the recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives.

Variations for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. Add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based butter for sautéing onions.
• Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Top with jalapeños and cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes for tender texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, warming presentation that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Top the soup with a perfectly poached egg and crispy sourdough toast soldiers for an elegant weekend breakfast twist.
• Loaded Soup Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar, crispy bacon crumbles, and fresh chives on top to create a loaded baked potato soup experience that adds crunch and extra flavor layers.
• Family-Style Sharing: Serve in a large family-style cast iron pot at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion and create a communal dining moment.

Best Storage for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Store leftover cheesy potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
• Avoid freezing the soup as dairy-based soups tend to separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour as a thickening agent. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. You can add extra vegetables or use vegetable protein toppings for more substance.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk, reduce cheese quantity, add more vegetables like carrots or celery, and use turkey bacon or skip meat toppings for a lighter version.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato soup brings comfort from the heartland of hearty home cooking. Midwestern warmth fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor a classic recipe that warms souls and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• Optional: bacon bits
• Optional: green onions

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour into the pot, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Slowly pour chicken broth into the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, and allow the liquid to simmer and thicken.
4. Introduce diced potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
5. Reduce heat and simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes reach a tender consistency when pierced with a fork.
6. Pour milk into the pot and incorporate shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
7. For a more uniform consistency, use a potato masher to break down some potato chunks, leaving others intact for textural contrast.
8. Optional: Enhance the soup’s presentation by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions on top just before serving.
9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest and most substantial soup base.
• Avoid boiling milk to prevent separation; add it at the end and heat gently to maintain smooth consistency.
• Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg