Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

If you're looking for a bowl of comfort, you’ve come to the right place! Our Cheesy Potato Soup recipe is a creamy, hearty dish that's perfect for any time of year, whether it’s a cold winter evening or a cozy autumn lunch. With its velvety texture and rich, cheesy flavor, this soup will easily become a family favorite. Ready to make your kitchen smell like comfort and indulge in a dish that will warm your soul? Keep reading to learn the step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to common questions about making the best Cheesy Potato Soup!

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What Is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a rich and creamy dish made with potatoes, cheese, and a variety of flavorful ingredients. It’s often thickened with cream, milk, or a roux (a combination of fat and flour), giving it that comforting, hearty consistency. The star of the show is, of course, the cheese, which melts into the soup to create a silky smooth texture that’s hard to resist. Potatoes add a starchy, satisfying element to the soup, while extras like bacon, onions, and garlic give it depth and dimension. The end result? A perfectly creamy soup that is both indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup

To make this delicious soup, you'll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s the list of everything you’ll need:

• 4-5 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is ideal for strong flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Extra shredded cheese, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Cheesy Potato Soup is that it's incredibly versatile. Here are some easy substitutions and variations to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the bacon.
• Dairy-free version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese.
• Different cheeses: Swap the cheddar cheese for gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick.
• Low-carb version: Substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower to reduce the carb content while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy version of the soup.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow the steps below to create this cozy, flavorful dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes and chopping them into bite-sized cubes. You want uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Set the potatoes aside as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to drain. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

4. Create a Roux

Melt the butter in the same pot with the onions and garlic. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

5. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Mash the Potatoes

For a smoother soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip this step and leave the potatoes whole.

7. Stir in the Cheese and Cream

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Then, slowly add the heavy cream or milk, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

8. Season the Soup

Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, adjusting to your liking. Remember, the bacon and cheese will add saltiness, so be careful not to over-season.

9. Add Bacon and Garnishes

Crumble the cooked bacon and stir half of it into the soup. Reserve the other half for garnishing. Serve the soup hot, topped with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions if desired.

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

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Key Steps:

1. Peel and cube potatoes: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
2. Crisp up the bacon: Adds a smoky crunch and flavor to the soup.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: These aromatics lay the foundation of flavor.
4. Make a roux: A mixture of butter and flour thickens the soup.
5. Simmer potatoes in broth: Potatoes absorb flavor and soften to the perfect texture.
6. Mash the potatoes: Control the texture of your soup by mashing some or all of the potatoes.
7. Incorporate cheese and cream: The final touch of richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Curdling the cream: Always add cream or milk at the end, and keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cook until tender, but not mushy, as they will continue to soften when mashed.
• Skipping the roux: Skipping this step can lead to a watery soup. The roux thickens the broth and adds depth of flavor.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go. Potatoes can soak up a lot of seasoning, so make sure to adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Cheesy Potato Soup can elevate the experience. Here are a few creative ideas:

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup

• Bread bowl: Serve the soup in a crusty bread bowl for an extra-special presentation.
• Croutons: Top with homemade croutons for added crunch.
• Cheese lovers’ garnish: For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or even Parmesan over each bowl.
• Loaded soup: Add extra toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, and chopped chives to mimic a loaded baked potato.

Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Color contrast: Top your soup with green onions, paprika, or bacon to add a pop of color against the creamy base.
• Personal bowls: Serve in individual bowls with a small side of toasted bread for dipping.
• Swirl effect: Drizzle a bit of heavy cream or sour cream on top in a swirl pattern for a visually appealing touch.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes will give the soup the perfect texture.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For best results, grate your own cheese.
• Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to adjust the consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Cheesy Potato Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup! However, soups with dairy can sometimes separate when reheated. To avoid this, let the soup cool completely before freezing, and reheat it gently on the stove while stirring in extra broth or cream if necessary.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk for heavy cream, but keep in mind that the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.

3. How long will Cheesy Potato Soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup will last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply cook the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

There you have it—a comforting, indulgent Cheesy Potato Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. With just the right amount of creaminess, smokiness from the bacon, and a hearty helping of cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you serve it in a bread bowl, topped with bacon and green onions, or enjoy it as is, this recipe will bring warmth and comfort to your table. Ready to dig in? Gather your ingredients and get cooking today!

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