Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

When the craving for a comforting, warm bowl of soup hits, nothing satisfies quite like Cheesy Potato Soup. With tender potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and creamy broth, this soup is the ultimate in cozy comfort food. Whether you're serving it as a hearty meal or alongside a sandwich or salad, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It's easy to make, full of cheesy goodness, and perfect for any time of year. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, substitutions, variations, and tips to help you make the best Cheesy Potato Soup ever!

What is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a thick, creamy soup made with diced potatoes and loaded with melted cheddar cheese, creating a rich, velvety texture. It’s a deliciously comforting dish often topped with crispy bacon, extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The combination of tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and smooth broth makes this soup a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, it’s a perfect go-to meal for cozy nights.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup

To make this comforting Cheesy Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients:

1. Potatoes: 6 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes.
2. Bacon (optional): 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy.
3. Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped.
4. Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
5. Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
6. Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (for thickening).
7. Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium broth.
8. Milk: 2 cups of whole milk, or use half-and-half for extra creaminess.
9. Heavy Cream: ½ cup for added richness.
10. Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (freshly grated for the best melt).
11. Salt and Pepper: To taste.
12. Paprika (optional): ½ teaspoon for a mild smoky flavor.

Topping Options:

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions or chives
• Sour cream
• Croutons

Substitutions and Variations

This Cheesy Potato Soup is easy to customize based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

Dairy-Free Option:

• Use unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk in place of regular milk and cream. Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or use cornstarch as a thickening agent. You can also thicken the soup by mashing some of the potatoes instead of using flour.

Vegetarian Variation:

• Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra flavor and texture.

Extra Cheesy Version:

• For an ultra-cheesy soup, add more types of cheese! Mix in cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack along with the cheddar for a deeper flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top just before serving for that gooey, melty finish.

Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup:

• For a loaded baked potato-inspired soup, add all your favorite baked potato toppings: crispy bacon, sour cream, extra cheese, and green onions. You can also stir in cooked sausage, ham, or even roasted vegetables to make the soup heartier.

Spicy Cheesy Potato Soup:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also stir in chopped jalapeños or top the soup with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a creamy, cheesy bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup that’s sure to satisfy.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces for garnish.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot with the reserved bacon grease, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Once the onions are cooked, add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to make a roux. Let the flour cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden and smells nutty. This step will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to break up any lumps from the roux. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Mash or Blend the Soup

Once the potatoes are cooked, you can either use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a chunkier texture, or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a smoother consistency. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend the entire pot using an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches.

Step 6: Add the Milk, Cream, and Cheese

After mashing or blending, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring over low heat until the soup is warmed through. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the soup. Once the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy, taste and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon, extra cheddar cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

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

1. Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set it aside and reserve some of the grease.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon grease or butter until soft.
3. Make the roux: Stir in butter and flour to create a roux for thickening the soup.
4. Add the potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes and broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
5. Blend or mash: Blend the soup until smooth or mash the potatoes for a chunkier texture.
6. Add milk, cream, and cheese: Stir in the milk, cream, and cheese for a rich, creamy finish.
7. Garnish and serve: Top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and green onions before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can turn mushy. Simmer the soup just until the potatoes are fork-tender, then blend or mash them to your preferred consistency.
• Skipping the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening the soup and giving it a smooth, creamy texture. Don’t skip this step, as it helps bind the ingredients together.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, shred your own cheese from a block.
• Curdling the dairy: Add the milk and cream gradually over low heat to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The best part about Cheesy Potato Soup is how versatile it is when it comes to serving and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your soup:

Topping Ideas:

• Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for extra cheesiness.
• Crispy Bacon: Crumbled bacon on top adds a salty, crispy texture.
• Green Onions or Chives: Fresh herbs like green onions or chives brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy, creamy contrast to the rich soup.
• Croutons: For a crunchy topping, add homemade croutons or toasted bread cubes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair it with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Use bread bowls for a fun and cozy presentation.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup

Serve Cheesy Potato Soup in deep bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes. The soup pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a warm baguette, or

even crackers for dipping. It’s a great main dish for lunch or dinner, or it can be served as a starter before a larger meal.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and use them as edible bowls for serving the soup.
• Layered Toppings: Layer the toppings on top of the soup—first a sprinkle of cheese, followed by bacon and green onions, then finish with a dollop of sour cream.
• Cheese Pull: Broil extra cheese on top of the soup for a gooey, melted cheese pull effect.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: Cheesy Potato Soup stores well and can be made ahead of time. Reheat gently over low heat, adding extra milk or broth if needed.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the milk, cream, and cheese. Add the dairy when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
• Control thickness: If the soup is too thick, thin it out with more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens, or mash more potatoes to thicken naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Cheesy Potato Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients except the cheese, milk, and cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After the potatoes are tender, mash or blend the soup, then stir in the milk, cream, and cheese just before serving.

How do I thicken Cheesy Potato Soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash more of the potatoes, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water), or make a roux with additional flour and butter. Let the soup simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

How long does Cheesy Potato Soup last in the fridge?

Cheesy Potato Soup will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or milk if it becomes too thick.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, rich, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you enjoy it as a simple, classic dish or load it up with your favorite toppings, this soup is easy to make and endlessly customizable. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prepping, this Cheesy Potato Soup will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Print