Who doesn’t love a bowl of warm, creamy, and comforting potato soup? It’s the ultimate dish for chilly nights, offering both flavor and warmth in every bite. This easy potato soup with cheese recipe is everything you need to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish checks all the boxes.
Potatoes are a staple in many households because they’re budget-friendly, versatile, and fill you up. When combined with the richness of cheese and a few basic ingredients, you get a creamy, cheesy soup that everyone will love. But what really sets this recipe apart is how simple it is to make. With just a few steps, you’ll have a bowl of potato goodness that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into the details!
Easy Potato Soup With Cheese Recipe
This soup is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty potatoes, making it the perfect comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and adaptable based on what you have in your pantry. The richness of the cheese and the softness of the potatoes blend together in the most satisfying way. And since it’s made from scratch, it beats any canned soup you’ll find at the store.
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this easy potato soup with cheese recipe. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, so there’s no need for complicated items. Here’s your shopping list:
- 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 tablespoon butter (adds richness and flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced (for a bit of sweetness and flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (to add depth to the flavor)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for a savory base)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this will make the soup extra creamy)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the star of the show!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (enhances all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (adds a wonderful herby note)
- Optional garnishes: chives, extra cheese, crispy bacon bits
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything, let’s get to cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect potato soup with cheese:
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Prep The Potatoes
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook faster and allows the flavors to really absorb into the potatoes.
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Cook The Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic goodness.
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Simmer The Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Blend The Soup (optional)
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Once the potatoes are soft, you have two options:
- For a chunky soup: Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes right in the pot.
- For a smooth soup: Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a blender, blending until smooth. For a slightly textured version, pulse the blender a few times.
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Add The Cream And Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to become rich and velvety.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely and forms a creamy texture.
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Final Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed. The soup should be thick, cheesy, and full of flavor.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, chopped chives, or even crispy bacon bits for that added crunch.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this easy potato soup with cheese recipe plays a specific role to bring out the best flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:
- Potatoes: The foundation of this soup, potatoes are naturally starchy and absorb the rich broth and cream. They give the soup its thick, hearty texture and earthy flavor.
- Butter & Onion: These create a savory base for the soup, building layers of flavor right from the start. The butter adds richness, while the onion brings sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way. It enhances the flavors of the broth and potatoes and adds a savory punch to balance the creaminess.
- Broth: The liquid base is key to the soup’s overall flavor. Chicken broth provides a deep, meaty flavor, but vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Heavy Cream: This transforms the soup into a rich, silky experience. It adds the creamy texture we love in potato soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient! Sharp cheddar adds a tangy and creamy texture that elevates the soup’s richness.
- Thyme: A fragrant herb that ties the flavors together, adding complexity and a hint of earthiness.
Expert Tips
To elevate your potato soup even further, consider these tips:
- For a thicker soup: You can blend part of the potatoes, or mash them directly in the pot. For even more thickness, use a little cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch and cold water) and stir it in during the simmering stage.
- Cheese choice: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mix for a more nuanced flavor.
- Add some heat: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick without overpowering the soup.
- Use leftover cooked potatoes: If you’ve got leftover potatoes from another meal, use them! They can be added directly to the soup to speed up the process.
- Make it smoky: For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika or a few slices of cooked bacon to the soup.
Recipe Variations
Want to get creative with your potato soup? Here are some tasty variations:
- Bacon Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits either while cooking or as a garnish. The salty, smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy soup.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Take it a step further by adding sour cream, green onions, shredded cheddar, and extra bacon on top, just like a loaded baked potato!
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap the cheese for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Spicy Potato Soup: For a kick, stir in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes in the soup.
Final Words
This easy potato soup with cheese recipe is the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and the cooking process is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Plus, it’s versatile-feel free to experiment with toppings, seasonings, and ingredients to make it your own.