Easy & Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort arrives with this creamy cheesy potato soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a pot of pure deliciousness.

Smooth potatoes create a velvety base for rich cheese and subtle seasonings.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Kitchens will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

We crave those moments when a single bowl can melt away the day’s stress.

Grab a spoon and let this soul-satisfying soup become your new favorite winter companion.

Cheesy Potato Soup Features

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty potato soup that delivers pure warmth and satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using vegetable broth for vegetarians or adding bacon bits for extra flavor without complicating the recipe.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect weeknight dinner solution that feeds multiple people quickly and creates instant smiles around the table.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses simple, affordable ingredients everyone has in their kitchen, making it an economical choice for feeding hungry families.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and texture for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the soup's foundational taste and helps cook the potatoes.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup's overall consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and provides a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory flavor foundation for the soup.

• Butter, Flour: Create a roux that helps thicken the soup and provides a smooth texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's overall flavor.

How to Prepare Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring constantly until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base.

Step 3: Cook Hearty Potatoes

• Russet potatoes
• Red potatoes

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

Cook until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Goodness

• Sharp cheddar
• Mild cheddar

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, velvety texture that coats the potatoes beautifully.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste. Give the soup a final stir and ladle into warm bowls.

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Extra cheese shreds

Enjoy this comforting, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out.

Tips for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and creamy.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Shred cheese fresh from the block for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Prevent soup from scorching by stirring frequently and maintaining medium-low heat during cooking process.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.
• Bacon Lover's Upgrade: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle on top for added smoky flavor and crunch.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into deep ceramic mugs for a rustic, homey dinner experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Weekend Family Feast: Pair the soup with crusty sourdough bread and a light green salad to create a complete meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Gourmet Toppings Bar: Set out crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, extra shredded cheese, and sour cream so guests can customize their soup and make each bowl unique.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack the soup in a thermos for a satisfying midday meal at work or school, keeping you full and warm during chilly afternoons.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they break down easily and create a creamy texture when cooked.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and the result will be just as delicious.

• How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Create a slurry by mixing a little cornstarch with cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering soup to help thicken the consistency.

• Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring your broth is gluten-free.

Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dinner tables. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and russet potatoes combine for a hearty meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Gently caramelize diced onions and minced garlic in melted butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the softened aromatics, stirring continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the soup’s base.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, uniform texture.
4. Add cubed potatoes to the liquid mixture, increasing heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Remove the pot from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed for optimal flavor balance.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like crisp bacon bits, chopped chives, or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk with lower fat content instead of whole milk.
• Enhance texture by partially mashing some potatoes to create a thicker, creamier consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg