Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup. Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this soup is perfect for those days when you need a little extra indulgence. Loaded with tender potatoes, melted cheese, and topped with crispy bacon and green onions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or serving it to guests, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!

this Recipes

What is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a creamy soup made from tender potatoes, rich broth, and loads of melted cheese, usually cheddar, which gives the soup its smooth, luscious texture and bold flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest, often topped with crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions for added depth of flavor. This soup can be made with basic ingredients, but the result is always satisfying and indulgent, making it a popular dish for cold nights or special occasions.

---

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy delight:

1. Russet Potatoes – 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2. Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3. Bacon – 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
4. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
5. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
6. Chicken Broth – 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
7. Butter – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8. Flour – 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
9. Heavy Cream – 1 cup (or whole milk for a lighter version)
10. Sour Cream – ½ cup for extra creaminess and tang
11. Green Onions – 3 green onions, chopped for garnish
12. Salt and Black Pepper – To taste
13. Paprika – ½ teaspoon for a smoky kick (optional)
14. Parsley – Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

---

Substitutions and Variations

Cheesy Potato Soup is versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some suggestions:

1. Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the bacon. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
2. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
3. Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese substitute.
4. Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
5. Add Vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots, celery, or broccoli to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
6. Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Cheesy Potato Soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cheddar cheese. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside for garnishing.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for flavor (or add butter if you prefer). Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Melt the butter in the pot with the onions and garlic. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes and Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Blend the Soup (Optional)

For a smoother, creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup. Use an immersion blender to blend half the soup directly in the pot, or transfer some of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Then return the blended soup to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.

Step 7: Add the Cheese and Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley for a pop of color.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Potato Soup is easy, but here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results:

1. Overcooking the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove the soup from the heat once they are just fork-tender.
2. Curdling the Cheese: Cheese can curdle if the soup is too hot when it’s added. Lower the heat and stir in the cheese gradually to prevent it from separating.
3. Not Blending Enough: If you prefer a super creamy soup, don’t be afraid to blend more of the soup. Blending part of the soup gives it a silky texture while keeping some chunks for bite.
4. Underseasoning: Potatoes need a good amount of seasoning to bring out their flavor. Don’t forget to taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and any other seasonings before serving.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Cheesy Potato Soup is not only delicious but can be beautifully presented. Here are some ideas:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy soup. It’s great for dipping and soaking up the cheesy broth.
2. Generous Toppings: Pile on the toppings! Crispy bacon, extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream add both flavor and visual appeal.
3. Bread Bowls: For a special touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but adds an extra layer of indulgence when the bread absorbs the cheesy soup.

---

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course. Pair it with a fresh salad or a simple sandwich for a full meal. This soup is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy lunch. It also makes great leftovers — the flavors get even better the next day!

---

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

If you’re looking to impress, here are a few presentation ideas for your Cheesy Potato Soup:

1. Cheese Swirl: Drizzle a swirl of melted cheddar cheese on top of each bowl for a visually appealing finish.
2. Crispy Bacon Garnish: Arrange crumbled bacon neatly in the center of the soup and top with fresh herbs for a clean, elegant look.
3. Layered Toppings: Start with shredded cheese, then add sour cream, crumbled bacon, and finally a sprinkle of green onions for a layered, eye-catching presentation.

---

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup is great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or milk as the soup tends to thicken over time.
• Freezing: You can freeze Cheesy Potato Soup, but it's best to do so before adding the cheese and cream. Thaw it, reheat, and stir in the dairy ingredients just before serving for the best texture.
• Blending Tip: If using a traditional blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid hot liquid explosions. Blend in batches and cover the blender lid with a kitchen towel.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great for this recipe. Yukon Golds will give the soup a naturally buttery flavor, while red potatoes hold their shape better for a chunkier soup.

2. Can I freeze Cheesy Potato Soup?

Yes, but for the best texture, freeze the soup before adding the cheese and cream. When ready to eat, thaw it, reheat it on the stovetop, and stir in the dairy ingredients just before serving.

3. How can I make the soup thicker?

If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can either blend more of the soup or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.

---

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with delicious toppings. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just because, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in no time. Don’t forget to top your soup generously with bacon, cheese, and green onions for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your cozy bowl of cheesy goodness!

Print