Quick & Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy potato soup with a cheesy twist has been my comfort food companion through countless chilly evenings.

Warm memories flood back whenever I stir this classic recipe in my kitchen.

Potatoes provide the perfect canvas for melted cheese and rich flavors.

Unexpected ingredients like crispy bacon and fresh chives make this soup shine beyond traditional recipes.

Hearty and satisfying, each spoonful promises a delightful culinary experience.

Smooth textures and bold tastes come together in a bowl that feels like a warm embrace.

Come explore this simple yet spectacular soup that will quickly become your new winter favorite.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep ceramic mugs or rustic bowls for a warming, homey feel that invites relaxation.
• Hearty Sidekick Combo: Pair with crusty sourdough bread, garlic toast, or a light green salad to balance the soup's rich, creamy texture.
• Topping Treasure Trove: Offer a small plate of crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, shredded cheese, and croutons so guests can customize their soup experience with personal favorite toppings.
• Winter Wellness Meal: Create a complete dinner by adding a simple roasted vegetable side or grilled chicken to transform this soup into a satisfying, nutritious meal that warms from the inside out.

How to Store Cheesy Potato Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy soups as texture might separate.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese from breaking.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of liquid if soup seems thick. Stir well before serving to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Why use both olive oil and butter?

The combination adds rich flavor and prevents butter from burning. Olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon. The cheese and cream will still provide delicious flavor.

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk flour thoroughly when adding and stir continuously while cooking to create a smooth base. Adding liquids gradually helps prevent clumping.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creamy consistency.

Why Cheesy Potato Soup Is a Comfort Food Essential

• Create Comfort Quickly: Whip up a soul-warming soup packed with creamy goodness and hearty ingredients that hugs your taste buds with every spoonful.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Learn simple sautéing and simmering skills that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Meal: Swap toppings like bacon, chives, or extra cheese to match personal preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Sharing: Designed as a crowd-pleasing meal that works brilliantly for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Onions: Provide a sweet and aromatic base for the soup's flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, pungent taste to enhance the overall depth of the dish.
• Potatoes: Create the hearty and creamy texture of the soup.

• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the soup's smooth and velvety consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and classic cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty and savory note to the soup.
• Half and Half: Creates a creamy and luxurious base for the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and add a subtle flavor.
• Butter: Enhances the richness and provides a smooth cooking medium.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.

• Chives: Adds a fresh, mild onion-like flavor as a topping.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy and savory garnish.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Swirl olive oil and butter together, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and release their sweet fragrance, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Cook for a minute to remove raw flour taste.

• Chicken broth
• Half and half
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Add diced potatoes and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften Potatoes

Reduce heat and let the soup gently bubble.

Cover the pot and cook until potatoes become tender and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Blend in Luxurious Cheeses

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until all cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Chopped chives
• Crispy bacon bits
• Extra shredded cheese

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Potato Soup

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop rich, sweet undertones before adding garlic.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth or cream if soup becomes too dense during simmering.
• Remove pot from heat when stirring cheeses to prevent separation and ensure silky smooth texture.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add diced cooked chicken for extra protein content.
• Experiment with crispy pancetta, green onions, or roasted jalapeños for unique flavor variations.

Variations to Customize Cheesy Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap bacon for crispy roasted mushrooms, and use plant-based cream cheese for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use cornstarch instead of flour, select gluten-free chicken broth, and ensure all cheese brands are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Lighter Wellness Option: Substitute half and half with low-fat milk, use reduced-fat cheeses, and add cauliflower with potatoes to decrease overall calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, sprinkle cayenne pepper, incorporate pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeño slices for a zesty flavor profile.

Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty cheesy potato soup, where creamy goodness and rich flavors dance together. Warm bowls of happiness welcome you with each spoonful, promising pure deliciousness that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux and prevent burning.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half and half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Add seasonings and cubed potatoes, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender and fully cooked.
6. Reduce heat to low and incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
7. Blend in sour cream, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the soup reaches a creamy, uniform consistency.
8. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
9. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or additional shredded cheese as desired.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution when sautéing onions and garlic.
• Dice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and a smooth texture throughout the soup.
• Grate cheese fresh for maximum melting quality and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling additional salt during seasoning process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg