Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of comfort food, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Potato Soup is a dish that definitely belongs on your radar. It’s one of those recipes that people rave about after trying it, with its creamy texture, rich flavor, and hearty ingredients that leave you feeling full and satisfied. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s evening or just craving a cozy meal, this potato soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has built a reputation for its scratch-made dishes, and this soup is no exception. With a combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety broth, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Ready to dive into the details of how you can recreate this masterpiece at home? Let’s break it down from start to finish so you can whip up this delightful soup whenever the mood strikes.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Potato Soup Recipe

This potato soup recipe is not just about the ingredients, but about the method that ensures every bite is as creamy and satisfying as the next. The combination of perfectly cooked potatoes, thickened broth, and that hint of sharp cheddar makes every spoonful indulgent. Let’s take a closer look at how to prepare it at home.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this creamy, cheesy delight:

• 4 cups of russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cups of whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture)
• 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika (optional, for a bit of extra flavor)
• 3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
• Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious, creamy potato soup.

1. Cook The Bacon

   Start by cooking the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot; it will add extra flavor to the soup.

2. Sauté Onions And Garlic

   In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the base of the soup starts to come together.

3. Prepare The Potatoes

   Add the diced potatoes to the pot, and give them a quick stir to coat with the fat and aromatics. Let them sauté for another 3-4 minutes to bring out their natural flavor.

4. Add The Flour To Thicken

   Sprinkle the flour over the potatoes and stir well. This will act as a thickening agent for your soup, so make sure it’s evenly distributed.

5. Add The Liquid

   Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the milk (or cream) and continue stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

6. Blend The Soup (optional)

   If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. You can also blend half of it for a creamy, thick texture while keeping some potato chunks intact.

7. Finish With Cheese And Sour Cream

   Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve And Garnish

   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to potato soup, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference in the final result. Here are some insights on why each one is essential:

• Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are starchy, which makes them perfect for thickening soups. Their fluffy interior breaks down easily to create that smooth, creamy texture you’re after.
• Butter: Adds a rich, velvety base to the soup and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. It’s crucial for that luxurious mouthfeel.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds a depth of savory flavor that water or vegetable broth can’t quite replicate. It’s also a good way to balance the creaminess of the milk and cheese without overwhelming the soup with fat.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the cream. It melts beautifully, creating that perfect creamy, cheesy soup texture.
• Sour Cream: The tangy sour cream is what balances the richness of the soup, cutting through the heaviness of the cream and cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
• Bacon: The crispy bacon crumbles provide a salty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft potatoes. Bacon adds an undeniable smokiness and depth to the dish.

Expert Tips

To ensure that your potato soup turns out as perfect as possible, here are some expert tips you can keep in mind:

• Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them to be tender but not mushy. Overcooking them will cause the soup to become too starchy, which could result in a less creamy texture.
• Use an immersion blender for texture control: If you like a smoother soup, an immersion blender is the way to go. It allows you to control how smooth or chunky your soup is without having to transfer hot liquid to a regular blender.
• Make it ahead: Like many soups, this potato soup gets even better the next day. If you’re prepping it in advance, let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
• Don’t skip the garnishes: A little sprinkle of crumbled bacon, green onions, or even a handful of shredded cheese on top will add that perfect finishing touch to each bowl.

Recipe Variations

Looking to shake things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try to make the soup your own:

• Add vegetables: Carrots, celery, or even leeks can be added to the soup for extra flavor and texture. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions and garlic.
• Go spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to give your soup a little kick. A dash of smoked paprika also works wonderfully for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Use different cheeses: Swap out the sharp cheddar for gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a blue cheese if you want to experiment with different flavors.
• Make it vegetarian: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon. You could even add some roasted garlic or sautéed mushrooms to deepen the flavor.

Final Words

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Potato Soup is more than just a recipe-it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor, and it’s so easy to make at home. The combination of creamy broth, cheesy goodness, and the crispy bacon topping makes it the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in.

With these detailed steps, ingredient insights, and expert tips, you’ll be able to recreate this fan-favorite in your own kitchen. Plus, you can always adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or try out some fun variations to keep it fresh.