Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

Are you ready to make the ultimate comfort food that warms both your heart and soul? Look no further than this Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe! This creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying soup is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week. Packed with soft, tender potatoes and a delightful cheesy flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading for the full recipe, step-by-step cooking instructions, substitutions, and more!

this Recipe

What Is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a creamy, savory dish that combines the starchy goodness of potatoes with the rich, indulgent taste of melted cheese. This soup is a perfect balance of textures — the potatoes offer a chunky, satisfying bite, while the cheese adds a smooth, velvety richness. Ideal for chilly days or whenever you're craving something warm and comforting, this soup can be customized with different ingredients or seasonings based on your taste preferences.

Let’s break down all you need to make this amazing dish.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup

Here's a comprehensive list of ingredients you'll need for a classic Cheesy Potato Soup. These ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this recipe an accessible and budget-friendly option for any home cook.

Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional for garnish)
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:

• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier soup
• Croutons for extra texture
• Chopped ham or sausage for added protein
• Broccoli or carrots to sneak in some veggies

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of a Cheesy Potato Soup recipe is its versatility. Whether you're dealing with dietary restrictions, missing an ingredient, or just feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to modify this soup without sacrificing flavor.

Substitutions:

• Potatoes: If you don’t have russet potatoes, Yukon gold or red potatoes can work just as well. These types offer a slightly different texture, but they still cook down beautifully.
• Cheese: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can substitute it with Colby Jack, Gouda, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
• Milk: For a lighter soup, you can substitute whole milk or heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Butter: Olive oil or margarine can be used in place of butter, especially if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.

Variations:

• Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup: Add in extras like crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and extra green onions for that "loaded baked potato" feel.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth, then load up on veggies like broccoli, carrots, or leeks to add more depth of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the soup for some heat.
• Creamier Texture: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup before adding the cheese for an even creamier consistency.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious Cheesy Potato Soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Shred your cheese if you haven’t already, and cook your bacon until crispy if you're using it for garnish.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This forms the roux, which will thicken your soup. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Once the broth is simmering, add in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Once the potatoes are soft, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, allowing the soup to warm but not boil. Then, gradually add the shredded cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly to make sure it melts smoothly.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Add Extras

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you'd like more heat, now’s the time to add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add the optional sour cream for extra creaminess.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Cheesy Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or extra shredded cheese. For added texture, consider topping with croutons or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

How to Cook Cheesy Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a summarized step-by-step guide on how to cook Cheesy Potato Soup from start to finish:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice potatoes, chop onions, mince garlic, shred cheese.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion and garlic in butter until softened.
3. Make Roux: Stir in flour to create a thickening base.
4. Add Broth & Potatoes: Pour in broth, add potatoes, and simmer until tender.
5. Add Dairy: Stir in milk, heavy cream, and cheese.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and any extras like cayenne.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this soup is relatively easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome:

1. Not cooking the potatoes long enough: Undercooked potatoes will ruin the texture, so make sure they’re soft and fork-tender.
2. Overheating after adding cheese: High heat can cause the cheese to curdle or become grainy, so keep the heat low.
3. Skipping the roux: The flour-butter mixture (roux) is crucial for thickening the soup, so don’t skip this step.
4. Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Cheesy Potato Soup, presentation is key! While this soup is rustic by nature, adding the right garnishes can elevate its visual appeal and flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup:

• In Bread Bowls: Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation.
• With Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy goodness.
• Topped with Bacon & Green Onions: Crumbled bacon, green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top make for the perfect garnish.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup:

• Drizzle with Sour Cream: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle sour cream in a spiral pattern for a beautiful touch.
• Sprinkle with Paprika: A light dusting of smoked paprika or fresh black pepper can add color contrast.
• Use a Colorful Bowl: Serving the soup in bright or contrasting colored bowls can make it pop visually.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

• Use starchy potatoes like russets for a creamier texture.
• Shred your own cheese to avoid a gritty texture caused by pre-shredded varieties.
• Add cheese gradually to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
• Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cheesy Potato Soup can be made a day in advance and reheated. Just be sure to reheat it on low heat to avoid curdling the cheese.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I Freeze Cheesy Potato Soup?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze the soup without adding the cheese and dairy, then add them after reheating for the best results.

What Can I Serve with Cheesy Potato Soup?

Crusty bread, a side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully with this soup.

Conclusion

There you have it — the ultimate Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe that’s sure to impress! Whether you're cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply indulging in some cozy comfort food, this soup checks all the boxes. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious, it’s the perfect dish to keep in your recipe rotation. Be sure to try out the variations, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Print