Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe

Cheddar Potato Soup-just the name alone evokes warmth and comfort, doesn’t it? Imagine a chilly evening where the wind is howling outside, and you’re curled up with a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness that fills you with a cozy sense of home. That’s the magic of this soup. It’s the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and subtle spices, all simmered together into a rich, velvety bowl of heaven. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a hearty dish for a special occasion, this cheddar potato soup recipe will satisfy all your cravings.

What makes this recipe stand out is its easy-to-follow process, the simplicity of the ingredients, and the rich layers of flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and once you’ve made it, you’ll likely want to add it to your regular meal rotation.

Let’s dive right into the magic of creating this comfort food classic!

Ready to get your hands in the mix? This cheddar potato soup recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s everything you want in a cozy, homemade meal. The ingredients come together effortlessly, and the best part? You can tweak it to suit your preferences!

Ingredients Needed

To make this soup, you don’t need anything too complicated-just a few basic pantry staples that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 large russet potatoes – The heart and soul of the soup, russets are starchy potatoes that break down easily to create that smooth, creamy texture.
1 medium onion – Adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness that complements the cheese.
2 cloves garlic – You can never have enough garlic! It adds a savory punch that elevates the entire dish.
4 cups chicken broth – The base of your soup; you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy. You can swap it with half-and-half if you’re looking for something a bit lighter.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The star of the show! Choose a good-quality cheddar for the best results.
1/2 cup milk – To adjust the soup’s consistency. You can use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
3 tablespoons butter – For sautéing and extra richness.
Salt and pepper – To taste. These will help bring all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – A subtle herb that pairs beautifully with the potatoes and cheese.
1/2 cup green onions (optional) – These bring a mild, fresh flavor and a little crunch, plus they make for an attractive garnish.

Cooking Instructions

Now comes the fun part! Making cheddar potato soup is pretty straightforward, and in under an hour, you’ll have a delicious bowl of comfort food ready to go. Let’s break it down step by step:

Prep the potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook faster and ensures the soup has a smooth consistency.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and aromatic. This is the flavor base of your soup.
Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, and stir them to coat in the butter and onions. Cook for a minute or so to let the potatoes absorb the flavors.
Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easy to break apart with a fork.
Blend the soup: Once the potatoes are cooked, you can either use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. For a smooth, velvety texture, blend it until you reach your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks of potato if you prefer a bit of texture.
Add the cream and cheese: Once the soup is blended to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
Season to taste: Taste your soup and add salt, pepper, and thyme as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little bit of milk to adjust the texture.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or even some crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this cheddar potato soup serves a purpose, and understanding how they work together can make your soup even better:

Russet Potatoes: These are starchy potatoes that help create a smooth and thick texture. They absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings, making the soup richer. They’re the foundation for a comforting, hearty soup.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a strong, tangy flavor that complements the creamy potatoes. It melts smoothly into the soup, creating a rich, cheesy base. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t skimp on this!
Chicken Broth: The broth is the backbone of the soup. It gives the soup its savory depth. Opting for a high-quality broth will really elevate the flavor of the entire dish.
Heavy Cream: The key to that smooth, luxurious mouthfeel. It adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Green Onions: While these are optional, they provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup and give it a pop of color.

Expert Tips

Blend to your preference: For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving some of the potatoes intact for bites of softness. For a super smooth soup, blend everything until it’s velvety.
Use sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar has a stronger flavor and will give your soup a more distinct, tangy taste. If you use mild cheddar, it might get lost in the richness of the potatoes.
Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, don’t be afraid to make a big batch! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors often deepen as it sits.
Garnish with extras: For extra flavor, top your soup with crispy bacon, sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a kick.

Recipe Variations

You don’t have to stick to the classic recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:

Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits to your soup or cook some bacon separately and sprinkle it on top. Bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
Vegan Cheddar Potato Soup: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk), and opt for vegan cheddar cheese. You’ll still get that comforting cheesy vibe without the dairy.
Loaded Potato Soup: Go all out by adding extras like sour cream, chives, shredded cheddar, and more bacon on top. It’s like a baked potato in soup form!
Spicy Cheddar Potato Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup base for a spicy kick.

Final Words

When you make cheddar potato soup, you’re creating something more than just food-you’re crafting an experience. The rich, comforting flavor, the creamy texture, and the satisfying warmth of every spoonful are like a hug in a bowl. It’s the type of soup that can bring the whole family together, fill your kitchen with delicious aromas, and make your heart feel full.

Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe