Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup. This rich and creamy soup, loaded with tender potatoes and melted cheese, is the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you’re in the mood for a bowl of indulgent goodness. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it's easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this Cheesy Potato Soup recipe has you covered. Keep reading to learn how to make this decadent dish and explore tips, variations, and more!

this Recipe

What is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with a base of potatoes, broth, and milk or cream, then loaded with melted cheese for a rich and velvety texture. The soup typically includes onions, garlic, and sometimes crispy bacon or other veggies for added flavor. The star of this dish is the cheese, which melts into the soup, giving it a smooth and cheesy consistency. It’s a comforting, indulgent soup that is perfect for colder days or when you’re in need of something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Cheesy Potato Soup:

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
• Extra shredded cheese, for garnish
• Croutons or crispy bacon, for garnish

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup (Vegetarian Option)

If you're looking to make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Here’s a modified version of the ingredients list:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (to replace bacon fat)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced russet potatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
• 1 cup whole milk or dairy-free milk
• ½ cup sour cream or plant-based sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter or plant-based butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
• Extra shredded cheese, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize Cheesy Potato Soup to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free shredded cheese and plant-based butter for a fully vegan version.
• Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have sharp cheddar, try using Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even Gruyère for a different flavor. Mixing different cheeses can also add more depth to the soup.
• Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes while cooking, or blend half of the soup and leave the rest chunky.
• Make it Spicy: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
• Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup: Top your soup with all the loaded baked potato fixings like crispy bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, and chives.
• Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or broccoli to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Cheesy Potato Soup:

1. Cook the Bacon (Optional): In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot (if not using bacon, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead).
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat (or olive oil) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Stir in the butter and allow it to melt. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to dissolve the roux. Add the diced potatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blend the Soup: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving the rest with potato chunks.
6. Add Cheese and Dairy: Once the soup is blended, stir in the shredded cheese, heavy cream, milk, and sour cream. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is rich and creamy.
7. Season: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper as desired.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon (if using), green onions, and croutons.

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

The key to making a great Cheesy Potato Soup lies in achieving the perfect texture and balancing the flavors. Cooking the potatoes until they're tender, blending the soup to your desired consistency, and incorporating the cheese smoothly into the base are crucial steps. Be sure to stir in the cheese slowly over low heat so it melts perfectly without clumping. The result will be a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Stir the cheese in slowly over low heat to prevent it from clumping or separating. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause the cheese to become grainy.
• Not Blending Properly: If blending the soup, make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and use a blender or immersion blender to ensure a smooth texture. If the soup is too chunky, you can always blend more.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: While you want the potatoes tender, avoid overcooking them to the point where they disintegrate before blending.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Potatoes are a blank canvas and absorb a lot of seasoning, so be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Garnish Generously: Elevate your Cheesy Potato Soup by garnishing it with crispy bacon, extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions or chives. The garnishes add both flavor and texture to the dish.
• Serve with Bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread, garlic bread, or homemade biscuits for dipping.
• Add Some Crunch: For added texture, you can top the soup with croutons or crispy fried onions.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup is perfect as a main course or a hearty appetizer. It’s filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, a sandwich, or a slice of warm bread. You can also serve it in smaller portions as a starter for a larger meal. If you want to make it even more special, try serving the soup in bread bowls.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of sourdough or other crusty bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and indulgent presentation.
• Cheese Towers: Sprinkle a small pile of shredded cheese on top of each bowl, letting it melt into the soup as you serve.
• Herb Garnish: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing the soup with chopped parsley or chives.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. When reheating, add a little milk or broth to help restore the creamy texture.
• Control the Thickness: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer the soup uncovered to let it reduce and thicken naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes work well in this soup and will hold their shape better if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use cornstarch to thicken the soup.

Can I freeze cheesy potato soup?
Yes, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may change texture slightly after freezing. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop and add a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy texture.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors. A blend of cheeses can also add depth.

How can I make the soup healthier?
To lighten up the soup, you can use low-fat milk and sour cream, reduce the amount of cheese, or skip the bacon. You can also add more vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty comfort food. With its smooth texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s an easy recipe that’s sure to please. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a starter, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping! Happy cooking!

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