Cheesy Potato Soup: A Delicious Comfort Recipe

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk Cheesy Potato Soup! It’s one of those meals that just screams comfort, am I right? For my family, it’s a total win on those nights when everyone’s running in different directions and dinner needs to be quick, easy, and something that everyone will actually eat. Trust me, that’s a HUGE win in my book. This creamy, dreamy Cheesy Potato Soup is a staple for so many reasons, and I’m excited to share all my secrets with you.

I remember the first time I made this Cheesy Potato Soup. It was a freezing cold January evening. The kids were bouncing off the walls after being cooped up all day. I needed something warm and filling, but I was also completely exhausted. I stumbled upon a super simple recipe, tweaked it a bit, and BAM! Cheesy Potato Soup magic happened. The smiles around the table that night were totally worth it. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and I know it will be yours too. This Cheesy Potato Soup recipe is so versatile, you can adjust the ingredients to what you have on hand.

Fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this sanity-saving Cheesy Potato Soup. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet because, let’s be real, mama doesn’t have time for complicated recipes.

• 6 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: I prefer Yukon Golds because they get super creamy, but Russets work too!
• 4 cups chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth to make this Cheesy Potato Soup vegetarian.
• 1 cup diced onion: Yellow or white onion works great.
• 1 cup diced carrots: Adds a little sweetness and veggie power!
• 1/2 cup butter: Because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken our creamy potato soup.
• 3 cups milk: I use 2%, but whole milk will make it extra rich.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives it that classic Cheesy Potato Soup flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese!

No worries if you don’t have carrots on hand, I often skip them, and my Cheesy Potato Soup turns out amazing every time! You can grab the cheddar cheese at Target while you’re doing your regular grocery run. Easy peasy! This Cheesy Potato Soup doesn’t have to break the bank. Use store-brand cheese, and don’t be afraid to buy potatoes in bulk!

Here’s a mom hack that saved my sanity more than once: pre-chop your veggies on Sunday and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to make your Cheesy Potato Soup, you just dump them in! My family loves when I add extra cheese on top! I usually buy an extra bag just for topping.

Leftover Cheesy Potato Soup? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s dive into the fun part: making this delicious Cheesy Potato Soup! Don’t be intimidated – it’s seriously easier than folding a fitted sheet (and way more rewarding).

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Get that pot nice and hot so the butter melts evenly.
2. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid any lumps! This step helps thicken your Cheesy Potato Soup.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Whisk, whisk, whisk! No one wants lumpy Cheesy Potato Soup.
5. Add the potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This is a great time to catch up on that laundry pile!
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Don’t rush this step! You want that cheese to be perfectly melted and gooey.
7. If you like a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the Cheesy Potato Soup. Be careful not to over-blend! You still want some chunks of potato. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings! Get creative! Sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese… the possibilities are endless!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Cheesy Potato Soup: I wouldn’t cook the flour long enough, and it would taste pasty. Don’t make my mistake! Cook that flour for a full minute to get rid of that raw taste.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Cheesy Potato Soup usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal! While your Cheesy Potato Soup is simmering, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t panic if your Cheesy Potato Soup looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it simmers and the cheese melts.

For an even creamier homemade potato soup, try using an immersion blender to puree some of the potatoes after they’re cooked!

Want to make it even easier? Use pre-shredded cheese! It melts just as well and saves you a few precious minutes.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so now you’ve got this amazing pot of Cheesy Potato Soup, but how do you make it a meal? Here’s how my family loves to enjoy it.

The kids devour this Cheesy Potato Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s the perfect comfort food combo! A side of crusty bread is also a winner for dipping! This cheddar potato soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when everyone’s starving and you need something quick and filling. It’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers.

For a fun presentation, I like to serve the Cheesy Potato Soup in bread bowls. It’s a little extra effort, but the kids love it! We often have leftover Cheesy Potato Soup, which I then use to make potato cakes the next day. Just mix the soup with a little flour and an egg, form into patties, and fry until golden brown. Yum!

For a seasonal variation, try adding roasted butternut squash in the fall for a sweeter, heartier soup. It’s delicious! My friend Sarah tried this Cheesy Potato Soup and said it was the best she’d ever had! That made my day!

This Cheesy Potato Soup reminds me of another family favorite. Check out this Cheesy Broccoli Tater Tots for another kid-approved recipe.

And if you want another easy soup recipe, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Sweet Potato and Spinach is a great choice!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this Cheesy Potato Soup, so I’ve rounded up some of the most common ones I get asked. Let’s dive in!

Can my picky eater handle this Cheesy Potato Soup?

Absolutely! My kids are pretty picky, and they love this Cheesy Potato Soup. The creamy texture and mild flavor are usually a hit. You can also sneak in extra veggies by pureeing them into the soup.

What if I burn my Cheesy Potato Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t panic! Carefully pour the unburned soup into a clean pot, avoiding the scorched bits at the bottom. You might lose a little flavor, but it’s better than serving burnt soup!

Can I make this Cheesy Potato Soup ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This Cheesy Potato Soup is perfect for meal prepping. Just make it according to the instructions and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this Cheesy Potato Soup?

While you can freeze it, the texture might change a bit. The potatoes can get a little grainy. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely before reheating and give it a good stir.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack would be delicious in this Cheesy Potato Soup. Get creative and use what you have on hand!

How can I make this Cheesy Potato Soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk and cheese, and load it up with extra veggies! You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for topping.

What can I serve with Cheesy Potato Soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, a side salad, or even just some crackers are all great options.

This easy potato soup is a family favorite! I think you will love it.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Final Thoughts:

This Cheesy Potato Soup is special to my family because it’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend. It reminds me of those precious moments around the dinner table, laughing and connecting with my loved ones.

My Cheesy Potato Soup Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop veggies: Save time by prepping your veggies ahead of time.
• Use pre-shredded cheese: It melts just as well and saves you a few minutes.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite toppings and spices to make it your own.

Family-Tested Cheesy Potato Soup Variations:

• Bacon Cheesy Potato Soup: Add cooked bacon bits to the soup and as a topping.
• Spicy Cheesy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapenos for a little kick.
• Broccoli Cheesy Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets to the soup for extra veggies.

My son, loves the bacon version, while my daughter prefers it plain with extra cheese! Encourage you to make this Cheesy Potato Soup your own. Add your favorite toppings, spices, and veggies to create a version that your family will love.

I hope you enjoy making this Cheesy Potato Soup as much as my family does. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be perfect. Just have fun and enjoy the process!

You’ve got this, Mama! Go make some Cheesy Potato Soup magic!

 

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