Easy Potato Soup With Cream Cheese Recipe

Potato soup is one of those comfort foods that everyone seems to gravitate toward, especially when the weather turns chilly or when you’re just craving something warm and hearty. But let’s be honest-sometimes the classic potato soup can feel a bit plain or overly heavy. So, what if you could take your potato soup to the next level with a secret ingredient that brings both creaminess and richness to the table? Enter cream cheese! Adding cream cheese to your potato soup not only boosts its creaminess but also infuses the soup with a tangy twist that pairs perfectly with the savory potatoes.

In this recipe, we’re making an easy potato soup with cream cheese that’s simple, flavorful, and quick to whip up. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let’s dive into the recipe and see how to make this creamy, comforting bowl of deliciousness!

Easy Potato Soup With Cream Cheese Recipe

This potato soup recipe is a straightforward way to create a thick, velvety soup that tastes rich without being overwhelming. Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, the texture is smooth and luxurious, and it doesn’t take much to pull it all together. With ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you’ll be savoring a bowl of this soup in no time.

Ingredients Needed

• 6 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or russet work best)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for sautéing the onions)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Green onions or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Bacon bits (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on for extra texture) and cut them into small cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly and quickly in the soup. Set them aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir them to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Cream it Up: Add the cream cheese to the pot. Stir it well to melt and incorporate it fully into the soup. This will add the signature creaminess and a hint of tang to the soup base. Once the cream cheese is fully mixed in, add the heavy cream and stir again. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mash the Potatoes: For a smooth and creamy texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This gives the soup body without completely pureeing it. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture.
6. Final Touches: Once your soup is at the perfect creamy consistency, taste it again and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions or chives, and optional bacon bits for an extra punch of flavor.

Ingredient Insights

• Potatoes: Potatoes are the backbone of this soup, offering a hearty, filling base. They provide natural starch that helps thicken the soup and gives it a comforting, satisfying feel. Yukon gold potatoes are a great choice here due to their creamy texture when cooked, but you can use russets if you prefer a fluffier, more starchy texture.
• Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show! It adds an incredible depth of creaminess and a tangy richness that’s not overwhelming but perfectly balanced. It’s also a great way to thicken the soup without using flour or cornstarch, making it a gluten-free option.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds the richness that rounds out the soup’s texture, but you can use half-and-half if you want something a bit lighter. However, using heavy cream gives you that silky, velvety feel that makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
• Chicken Broth: Broth adds the savory base to the soup, and it also helps to thin it out without compromising flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water, but the broth does make a noticeable difference in depth.

Expert Tips

• Texture Tips: If you prefer a velvety-smooth soup, using an immersion blender can be a game-changer. Just blend the soup to your desired smoothness after adding the cream cheese and cream, and you’ll have a perfectly creamy soup without a single chunk.
• Adjusting Thickness: If your soup turns out too thick after mashing the potatoes, just add a little more chicken broth or milk to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
• Flavor Boosters: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. It’s a little unconventional, but it enhances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds an extra layer of complexity.
• Make It Ahead: Potato soup actually improves with time, so making this soup a day ahead can help the flavors meld together even more. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits into the soup or as a garnish for an extra smoky flavor. The combination of cream cheese and bacon is a match made in heaven!
• Cheese Lovers’ Soup: If you love cheese, add more than just the shredded cheddar! Try incorporating gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a little parmesan for a richer cheese flavor profile.
• Spicy Potato Soup: For a little heat, stir in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while the soup is simmering. This will give the soup a mild heat that complements the creaminess.
• Herb Potato Soup: Add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more aromatic soup. Fresh dill also pairs wonderfully with potatoes and cream cheese, so give it a try!
• Vegan Version: Swap the cream cheese and heavy cream for vegan alternatives (like cashew cream or coconut cream) and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get a rich and creamy soup, but in a plant-based form.

Final Words

This easy potato soup with cream cheese is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s warm, comforting, and versatile, making it perfect for cold nights, casual dinners, or even a cozy lunch. With minimal prep and a few pantry staples, you can make this flavorful soup in under an hour, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the richness of every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a cozy weekend project, this recipe hits the spot.