Hearty Potato-Cheese Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Potato-Cheese Soup is your cold-weather best friend — warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something creamy and soul-soothing.

Ingredients for Hearty Potato-Cheese Soup

The base of this soup is made up of four large russet potatoes, chosen for their starchy goodness which helps thicken the soup naturally. A large onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile, while garlic offers that irresistible aroma and a hint of spice. Chicken broth serves as the liquid foundation, infusing the soup with a savory warmth. Whole milk adds creaminess, and sharp cheddar cheese is the star of the show, providing a bold, cheesy kick. A couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter ensure everything starts on a flavorful note. Finally, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender for a quick blend before adding the milk and cheese.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • To save time, you can prep the potatoes and onions the night before.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or homemade garlic bread for dipping. If you're feeling indulgent, top with crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream. It's also great alongside a fresh, citrusy salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it's best to freeze it before adding the milk and cheese. When ready to eat, defrost and add them when reheating.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Hearty Potato-Cheese Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes, so keep an eye on them and give a stir every now and then.

Next, toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. You want the potatoes to be tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Test them with a fork — they should be easy to mash.

Once the potatoes are ready, use a potato masher to mash them slightly in the pot. Leave some chunks for a hearty texture. Now, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup looks creamy and smooth.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Rich and creamy texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 large onion (chopped)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. Use a potato masher to slightly mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
4. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives.

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