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If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich and creamy, with tender chunks of potatoes and a symphony of vegetables, this soup brings together the perfect blend of sharp Cheddar and melty Gruyére cheeses for an indulgent finish. It’s a simple but satisfying dish that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular, hearty meal, perfect for chilly days or any time you want to nourish your soul with something deliciously cheesy and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this soul-satisfying soup shine. Each ingredient plays a special role in building flavor, texture, and a gorgeous hue that invites you in even before your first spoonful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the veggies.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and helps develop a velvety texture.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Sweetness and a subtle crunch brighten the soup’s body.
- ½ cup diced yellow onion: Provides a foundational savory aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup diced green peppers: Offers a mild, fresh bite that complements the other vegetables.
- ½ cup diced sweet bell peppers: Adds color and a gentle sweetness.
- ½ cup diced fennel: Brings a delicate anise-like flavor that deepens complexity.
- 1 medium diced jalapeno pepper (optional): Gives the soup a subtle heat bump for those who like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup, creating that luscious, creamy base.
- 6 cups unsalted chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The heart of the soup, infusing warmth and depth.
- 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced): Provide creamy texture and substance to every spoonful.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon ground white or black pepper: Adds gentle spice and warmth.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: A secret touch that elevates the creamy richness beautifully.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the soup while maintaining a smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar: Gives the soup a bold, tangy, cheesy backbone.
- ½ cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyére or Swiss cheese: Melts with a nutty sweetness, rounding out the cheese blend.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables to Aromatic Perfection
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter creates a flavorful cooking medium that also prevents burning. Once melted, add the diced carrots, onion, green peppers, bell peppers, fennel, and jalapeno if you’re using it. Let these cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their lovely fragrant aromas. This step is where the base flavor truly begins to build.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the tender vegetables, stirring constantly to combine. Cooking the flour for about 30 seconds is crucial as it removes that raw flour taste and starts to thicken the soup once liquid is added. It’s a quick step but an important one for that luscious creamy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and gently stir in the diced Yukon gold potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are perfect in this recipe because they provide a buttery, creamy consistency that thickens the soup even more as they cook down. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Leave the soup uncovered during this time. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when tested with a fork. This gentle simmer enhances the flavors and lets the potatoes absorb the broth, making each bite rich and satisfying. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season and Add Milk
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the kosher salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Nutmeg might be a small addition, but its warm, slightly sweet aroma adds a surprising depth to this soup. Then pour in the milk, stirring regularly as the soup warms and the flavors meld beautifully over about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese
Finally, add the shredded sharp Cheddar and Gruyére cheeses to the pot. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted into the soup, creating that irresistible, creamy, cheesy delight we love so much in the Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe. The combination of cheeses results in a perfect balance of sharpness and nuttiness that makes every spoonful memorable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese has melted through, your soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready for a satisfying, mouthwatering experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings bring a personal touch that makes this soup truly special. Try sprinkling crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream on top to add texture and fresh flavor contrasts. A little cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can also elevate each bowl beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a fuller meal, pair this Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe with crusty artisan bread or warm, buttery garlic bread. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. If you’re serving for a crowd, simple roasted vegetables or a light slaw work wonderfully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the soup in rustic bread bowls makes for a fun, impressive presentation that doubles as an edible bowl. For a family-style meal, use a large, beautiful pot placed in the center of the table with a stack of bowls and all the garnishes nearby, inviting everyone to customize and dive in. This turns a simple soup night into a cozy, shared experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to four days. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and cool it to room temperature before refrigerating. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but with a little caution—cheese-based soups sometimes separate. If you plan to freeze, cool the soup completely and store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. When thawed, some stirring and adding a touch of fresh milk during reheating can help restore the creamy texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Adding a splash of milk or broth during reheating helps maintain that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep the texture smooth and lovely.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any bacon garnishes. The combination of cheeses and vegetables still creates a rich, flavorful soup everyone will adore.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold together well in the soup while thickening it nicely. Russets can also work but may break down more and create a thicker puree-like texture.
Can I use a different cheese than Cheddar and Gruyére?
Of course! Cheddar and Gruyére are recommended for their boldness and meltability, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, fontina, or even mozzarella can add interesting flavor twists and creaminess.
Is it possible to make this soup without flour?
You can omit the flour, but the soup may be thinner. To thicken without flour, try adding a bit of instant mashed potato flakes or blitz some cooked potatoes in the soup with an immersion blender.
How spicy is this soup with jalapeno?
The jalapeno adds a gentle warmth that complements the cheese and vegetables without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer no heat, simply leave it out, or for more kick, keep the seeds or add extra jalapeno.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of homemade Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe—its rich layers of flavor, the comforting texture, and cheesy goodness all wrapped into one heartwarming meal. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this soup brings easy, satisfying cooking straight to your kitchen and onto your table. I encourage you to give it a try, savor each bite, and maybe even share it with someone who deserves a little delicious joy.
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