Quick & Comforting Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Warm memories of comfort swirl through this hearty cheesy potato soup recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

My grandmother first shared her secret technique decades ago, whispering kitchen wisdom between stirring and tasting.

Creamy potatoes blend seamlessly with rich cheese, creating a velvety texture that hugs your senses.

Sharp cheddar adds depth while tender potato chunks provide satisfying substance to each spoonful.

Subtle herbs dance through the broth, enhancing every luxurious bite with unexpected brightness.

Simple ingredients come together in magical harmony, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

We’re about to unlock a soul-warming recipe that will become your new cold-weather favorite – so grab a ladle and let’s begin!

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Everyone Raves About

• Comfort in Minutes: Whip up this hearty soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like potatoes, chicken broth, and cheese to create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon topping that make this soup irresistibly delicious.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that requires only a single pot, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Key Items In Cheesy Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes create a hearty base with creamy texture and classic potato flavor. Best when fresh and firm with smooth skin.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich liquid foundation for soup's depth and savory profile. Low-sodium options work well for controlling salt content.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese offers bold, tangy flavor and smooth melting quality. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.

• Milk and Cream: Heavy cream and milk contribute silky richness and luxurious mouthfeel. Whole milk recommended for best results.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth roux for thickening soup. European-style butter offers deeper flavor.

• Onion and Garlic: Aromatic base that provides complex underlying flavor. Fresh ingredients yield best taste.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty crunch as topping. Thick-cut bacon provides more robust flavor.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent to create soup's creamy consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Green Onions: Bright garnish with mild onion flavor and fresh appearance. Adds visual appeal and light crunch.

Cooking Cheesy Potato Soup Easily

Step 1: Prepare The Aromatic Base

Grab a large pot and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they release their delightful fragrance and turn translucent.

Step 2: Build The Potato Foundation

Add your cubed potatoes and pour in rich chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Allow the potatoes to become wonderfully tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Create A Silky Smooth Texture

• Flour
• Milk

Slowly incorporate this mixture into the simmering soup, then pour in heavy cream.

This will help thicken and smoothen the soup’s consistency.

Step 4: Blend To Creamy Perfection

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.

Blend until no potato chunks remain.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle in half of the crumbled bacon.

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly into the soup.

Step 6: Final Seasoning And Serving

Season with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences.

Serve piping hot, garnishing with remaining bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

Cheesy Potato Soup Done Like A Pro

• Whisk flour and milk thoroughly before adding to the pot to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to release their natural sweetness and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Use an immersion blender gradually, leaving some potato chunks for a rustic, hearty texture if desired.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and bacon with vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free version of the soup.

Reheat Cheesy Potato Soup the Easy Way

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.

Cheesy Potato Soup Side Pairings

• Savor Crisp Texture Contrast: Pair with a mixed green salad featuring crunchy croutons and tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's smooth, rich consistency.
• Enhance Wine Harmony: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the creamy soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanse.
• Complement Hearty Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or crusty sourdough bread to add protein and create a more substantial meal experience.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a side of pickled vegetables or quick-pickled red onions to introduce bright, acidic notes that contrast with the soup's creamy, cheesy profile.

Cheesy Potato Soup Upgrades

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips. Reduce flour and use a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the soup. Top with crispy pancetta or keto-friendly bacon bits.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• What makes this potato soup different from other soup recipes?

This recipe offers a rich, creamy texture by using both an immersion blender and a milk-flour mixture, creating a smooth base that perfectly incorporates the cheese and bacon.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace bacon with crispy vegetable alternatives like roasted mushrooms or plant-based bacon bits.

• How important is the milk-flour mixture in the recipe?

The milk-flour mixture (called a slurry) is crucial as it helps thicken the soup without creating lumps, ensuring a silky smooth consistency that holds the cheese and cream together perfectly.

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down easily and provide a creamy texture when blended, making them perfect for creating a smooth, rich soup.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting cheesy potato soup brings warmth from classic American kitchens, packed with creamy goodness and hearty flavors. Potato chunks and melted cheese create a soul-soothing experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Complementary Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Gently sauté until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate cubed potatoes and pour chicken broth into the pot. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow ingredients to meld and potatoes to tenderize for approximately 15-18 minutes.
3. Create a smooth liaison by whisking flour into milk until no lumps remain. Carefully stream this thickening mixture into the simmering soup, followed by a luxurious pour of heavy cream.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, pulverizing the mixture until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency. Some potato chunks can remain for rustic appeal.
5. Introduce shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle half the crispy bacon pieces into the soup. Stir continuously until cheese completely dissolves, creating a rich, decadent base.
6. Calibrate flavors with measured salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle into warm serving bowls, garnishing with remaining bacon crumbles, freshly chopped green onions, and an additional cheese sprinkle.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this comforting soup.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, which will reduce the overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Consider adding roasted garlic or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost that elevates the soup’s depth and complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg