Cheesy Potato Soup Clara quick dinners

Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, rich, and loaded with hearty potatoes and melty cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for chilly nights, easy to whip up in one pot, and guaranteed to satisfy with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cold weather or when you’re craving something cozy.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and simple steps make this a go-to weeknight recipe.
• Rich and Creamy: Made with real cheddar, potatoes, and cream for luscious texture.
• Customizable: Add bacon, broccoli, or hot sauce to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Heavy cream or whole milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: chopped chives, bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, sour cream

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 12 minutes to form a roux.
3. Add Broth and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 1520 minutes.
4. Blend for Creaminess: Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for a smoother soup—blend to your preferred consistency.
5. Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in cream or milk. Once warm, remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your choice of chives, bacon, sour cream, or more cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup: Cook chopped bacon first and use the drippings to sauté onions; stir cooked bacon back in before serving.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top with sour cream, green onions, and shredded cheese.
• Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup: Add chopped broccoli with the potatoes for a veggie-packed twist.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold and red potatoes work well too, though they’re less starchy than Russets.

How do I thicken potato soup?

Using a roux (butter and flour) and partially blending the soup helps create a thick, creamy base.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip bacon for a meat-free version.

What cheese is best for potato soup?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Gruyère too.

How do I avoid gritty or stringy cheese?

Remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese and stir gently until melted.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives. Coconut milk can work for creaminess.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté onions and garlic first, then cook everything except the cheese and cream on low for 68 hours. Add dairy and cheese at the end.

What toppings go best?

Bacon bits, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and croutons are all popular choices.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, make a day in advance and reheat gently before serving. It even tastes better the next day.

Conclusion

Cheesy Potato Soup is everything you want in a bowl—warm, rich, filling, and completely satisfying. With its creamy texture and deep cheesy flavor, this soup is sure to become a favorite comfort food in your home. Make a pot, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal.

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