Creamy potato soup is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re battling cold weather or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this rich, cheesy soup hits the spot every time. Made with buttery potatoes, savory broth, sautéed onions, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Serve it with crusty bread or top it with bacon for a true bowl of happiness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥣 Creamy texture with just the right amount of chunkiness
- 🧀 Cheesy but not heavy, thanks to just enough shredded cheddar
- ⏱️ One pot, 40 minutes, no fuss
- 🥄 Flexible recipe — easy to make vegetarian, lighter, or dairy-free
- ❄️ Make ahead and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream, extra cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. - Add potatoes and broth
Stir in diced potatoes and pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. - Blend to desired consistency
Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer half to a regular blender, then return it to the pot. For a chunkier soup, mash some potatoes instead of blending. - Add dairy and cheese
Stir in milk or half-and-half and shredded cheddar. Simmer another 5 minutes until thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Garnish and serve
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, or extra cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a green salad.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Soup, Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Highlights (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: ~7g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Bonus: High in potassium and vitamin C
Tips & Variations
- 🥦 Add veggies: Carrots, celery, or cauliflower add nutrients and texture
- 🥛 Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt or skim milk instead of cream
- 🥓 Loaded option: Top with bacon and extra cheddar for a baked potato vibe
- 🌱 Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip meat-based toppings
- 🧊 Freezer tip: Freeze before adding dairy; stir it in after reheating
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes or red potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes are extra creamy; sweet potatoes add a slight sweetness and extra color.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut or almond milk and skip the cheese — or try your favorite dairy-free cheddar.
How do I thicken my potato soup?
Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of instant mashed potatoes for a quick fix.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes — for best texture, freeze before adding milk or cheese. Add them after reheating.
Creamy Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- – Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Ladle
- – Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- – 4 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- – 1 medium onion chopped
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- – 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- – ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- – Salt and black pepper to taste
- – Optional: crispy bacon green onions, sour cream, extra cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth. Bring to boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
- Use immersion blender to partially blend for creamy texture (or fully for smooth).
- Stir in milk and cheddar. Simmer for 5 more minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
– For dairy-free, use plant milk and vegan cheese.
– Add extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower for nutrition.
Conclusion
Creamy potato soup is pure comfort in a bowl — warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner or meal-prep champion. Whether you dress it up with toppings or enjoy it just as it is, this soup is sure to become a repeat favorite.