The Creamiest Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe For Cozy Comfort

Whipping up a comforting cheesy potato soup brings warmth to chilly evenings and hungry hearts.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together in this classic comfort dish.

Potatoes create a smooth, velvety base that hugs every spoonful with deliciousness.

Cheese melts perfectly into each bite, creating a decadent experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Sharp cheddar and tender chunks of potato make this soup irresistibly satisfying.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical in your kitchen.

You’ll want to curl up with a big bowl and savor every delightful spoonful.

Cheesy Potato Soup Bursting With Comfort Flavors

• Speed Up Meal Prep: This crack chicken casserole comes together quickly with minimal chopping and simple mixing, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy cheese, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, this dish delivers irresistible flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at the dinner table.
• Flexible Ingredient Magic: Customize the recipe by adding pasta or rice, swapping proteins, or adjusting cheese types, allowing you to transform this base recipe to match your pantry and preferences.
• One-Dish Wonder: Requiring just a mixing bowl and baking dish, this casserole minimizes kitchen cleanup and provides a complete meal in a single pan, reducing post-dinner dish duty.

Cheesy Potato Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the soup and helps develop flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic base to the soup's overall taste profile.

• Flour: Creates a smooth roux to thicken the soup and provide a velvety texture.

• Broth: Offers a savory liquid base that enhances the soup's depth of flavor.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Contribute to the soup's creamy and luxurious consistency.

• Potatoes: The star ingredient that provides heartiness and substance to the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds a rich, melty flavor and creates a classic cheesy potato soup experience.

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy element that adds texture and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
• Green Onions, Chives: Offer a fresh, light garnish with a mild onion flavor.

• Extra Cheese, Sour Cream, Crispy Bacon: Allow for personalized finishing touches to the soup.

How To Make Cheesy Potato Soup Fast

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large pot, melt butter and gently cook diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create A Flavor-Packed Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery onion mixture, stirring constantly and cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, thickening base that will give the soup its luxurious texture.

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

Pour in broth and add diced potatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Let the potatoes cook until they become tender and start to break down slightly, creating a hearty consistency.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Goodness

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese

Continue stirring until the cheese completely melts and blends smoothly into the soup, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 5: Season And Enhance

Add crispy crumbled bacon, then season with salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 6: Serve With Style

• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese
• Sour cream
• Additional crispy bacon bits

Enjoy your comforting and indulgent cheesy potato soup!

Tips For Amazing Cheesy Potato Soup Every Time

• Swap regular milk for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives to make the soup lighter and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Roast potatoes before adding to the soup for a deeper, caramelized flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, or gouda to create a more nuanced and rich cheese profile.
• Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
• Add chopped vegetables like carrots or celery during the onion sautéing stage for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

Cheesy Potato Soup Twists To Try Out

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Replace half the cheese with pepper jack, add diced green chiles, and top with cilantro and jalapeño slices for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Herb Garden Soup: Swap bacon for roasted vegetable medley, use vegetable broth, add fresh thyme and rosemary, garnish with parsley.
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Increase potato chunks, mix in sour cream, top with extra sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and chives for classic baked potato flavors.
• Lean Green Protein Soup: Incorporate chopped kale, substitute half-and-half for milk, add cooked chicken breast, sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra nutrition.

Sides For Cheesy Potato Soup Bowls

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, homey feel. Top with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and fresh chives to add texture and color.
• Bread Bowl Delight: Hollow out a round sourdough bread loaf and pour the creamy soup inside. The bread soaks up the rich flavors while providing an edible, hearty vessel for your meal.
• Game Day Appetizer: Serve smaller portions in shot glasses or mini bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing party starter. Garnish with a tiny bacon crumble and chive snippet for an elegant touch.
• Winter Wellness Companion: Pair the soup with a simple green salad and crusty whole grain bread. The warm, cheesy soup becomes a comforting meal perfect for cold evenings or when someone needs a soul-warming dish.

Best Storage Tips For Cheesy Potato Soup

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if the soup contains cream, as it may separate when thawed.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling, which can cause separation of dairy ingredients.
• Separate toppings like bacon and green onions when storing to keep them crisp. Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a starchy texture that helps thicken the soup and create a creamy consistency.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.

• How can I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour and butter mixture constantly when making the roux, and add liquid gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth base for the soup.

• Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish cheesy potato soup delights winter palates with creamy comfort. Rich flavors from traditional ingredients create a warm, satisfying meal you’ll savor until the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, plus extra for topping)
• 4 – 5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Green onions or chives (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: diced ham
• Optional: smoked sausage
• Optional: cayenne pepper
• Optional: diced carrots
• Optional: celery
• Optional: broccoli
• Optional: fresh thyme
• Optional: rosemary

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a spacious Dutch oven over medium temperature, gently sweating onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Dust flour over the softened aromatics, continuously stirring to create a smooth, golden roux that prevents clumping and develops rich flavor depth.
3. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, introducing diced potatoes and allowing the mixture to gently simmer until tubers become fork-tender, roughly 15-18 minutes.
4. Slowly incorporate milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to maintain silky consistency while gradually melting shredded cheese into the liquid.
5. Fold crispy crumbled bacon into the creamy soup, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, elegantly garnishing with chopped green onions, additional cheese sprinkles, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or extra crisp bacon bits for textural contrast.

Notes

• Toast the flour carefully to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty base for the soup’s depth of flavor.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamy, smooth texture that breaks down beautifully while cooking.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
• Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use plant-based bacon or crispy mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 374 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg