You know those nights… when everything feels a bit off, you want nothing but to dive into your softest blanket, and food just needs to be easy? That’s where my favorite cheesy potato soup recipe storms in like a hero. Forget fiddly instructions and a list of ingredients so long you lose your place. This one’s as cozy as old slippers and makes your whole house smell like a hug. Even if you’ve never boiled a potato before, trust me, you can pull this off (awkward confession: I burnt potatoes my first time, so you’re already ahead).
Why you’ll love it
For starters, this soup is basically a comfort in a bowl. If you’ve ever craved food that doubles as a security blanket, cheesy potato soup is precisely it. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and absurdly cheesy (honestly, it’s almost over-the-top). Even picky eaters will ask for seconds — I’ve seen it happen at my own dinner table, and we have some real soup skeptics in the house.
But here’s the kicker: the cheesy potato soup recipe comes together way faster than you’d guess. No wild chopping marathons or fancy gadgets required. It tastes like five-star restaurant food without, you know, the fancy attitude or price. This is the kind of meal you practically look forward to all day, especially when the weather decides to go all “dreary February” on you.
I know some folks get anxious about “simple” recipes because, let’s be honest, they don’t always deliver flavor. Not the case here. Between the potatoes, the melty cheddar, and just enough garlic? Magic. My neighbor tried it last week and texted me: “Hands-down best soup of my entire life.” (Her words, not mine.)
Pro tip
Want to know what takes this cheesy potato soup recipe from just-good to unforgettable? It’s all about the cheese (of course) but also a tiny pinch of smoked paprika. Trust me on this one. It adds something you didn’t know you were missing, gives the soup a subtle, warming depth that regular paprika tries for but just can’t nail. Here’s another trick—let your potatoes get a little toasty in the pot before adding the broth. Not burned, just a hint of gold and crisp. Adds unexpected flavor with, frankly, zero extra effort.
Little hiccup — if you’re using pre-shredded cheese, it sometimes makes the soup a bit grittier because of the stuff they coat the shreds with (I learned this the hard way). If you can, use a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Your soup will be so much smoother and the cheese melt is just… insane.
“This is now my go-to comfort food recipe. Silky, cheesy, and totally easy to make—they want it every week!”
How to make cheesy potato soup
All right, let’s break this process down into something you can follow even if your brain is fried after a long day. Here’s how I do it, with zero judgment if you eyeball half the measurements (we’ve all been there).
Start with a big ol’ pot. Melt some butter, toss in diced onions, and a couple of minced garlic cloves. Let them hang out and get soft, maybe 4-5 minutes. Next, peel and chop your potatoes (Yukon golds are my favorite—they just get so buttery). Dump them into the pot, stir them around, and grab a generous pinch of salt. Now, pour in chicken or veggie broth until your potatoes are just barely covered.
Bring everything to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it all cook for about 15 minutes or until your potatoes are fork-tender (the best part? You can poke ‘em while watching TV). When that’s done, use a potato masher or even the back of a spoon to break some of the potatoes down. You want some bits left, trust me, bitey is better. Then, add whole milk (or half-and-half if you’re feeling wild) and lots of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until that soup is creamy and dreamy.
Don’t forget the finishing touch: a pinch of smoked paprika, some cracked black pepper, and if you want to get wild—crumbled bacon bits or chives on top. There you go. Cheesy potato soup, made at home. Pair it with a crusty piece of bread and dinner is done (and your soul is happy).
What to serve with this potato soup
All right, so your pot of cheesy potato soup recipe is bubbling away and you’re thinking, what would make this into a full meal? Here are some foolproof ideas:
- Warm, crusty bread. Sourdough forever wins, but honestly, whatever you have works.
- Simple green salad. If you need to pretend you’re being healthy, it helps!
- Garlicky roasted veggies. Brussels or carrots, whatever’s rolling around in your fridge.
- Bacon crumbles or crispy fried onions. Sprinkle these on top for a little crunch.
There, now you’ve got all the options to make your soup night feel extra snazzy. Don’t overthink it—sometimes a solo bowl is plenty.
Leftovers and storage
One of my favorite things? Cheesy potato soup only gets better the next day. If you have any leftovers (which honestly, might be wishful thinking), pop them into a covered container and they’ll chill in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re hungry again, just reheat on the stove top over medium-low. Give it a good stir so things get creamy again. If it seems thicker than you like, just splash in a little bit of milk or broth.
I would skip freezing, though. Dairy-heavy soups can be a bit—awkward, let’s say—after thawing. The texture just isn’t the same, gets almost grainy. Stick to the fridge, and your next bowl will be just as comforting and delicious as the first.
Common Questions
Can I use any type of potato?
Yeah, you can! Yukon golds are my fave, but russets work fine. Even red potatoes, though they’re less creamy.
What if I want my soup less chunky?
Use a stick blender (carefully!) or a regular blender in batches. But really, some chunks are part of the fun.
Can I make this cheesy potato soup recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just swap the broth for a veggie version and skip the bacon topper.
Can I lighten it up?
Yes—use skim milk or less cheese. It won’t be wicked creamy, but you’ll still get good flavor.
Is this cheesy potato soup recipe gluten free?
As long as your broth and cheese are safe, yep. Just double-check any labels to be sure.
Cuddle Up with Your New Favorite Soup
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that cheesy potato soup recipe is foolproof comfort, made for the kind of days you’d rather just hide from the world. It’s not diet food and definitely not for the people who count every calorie, but wow, is it ever worth it. Next time you’re after a meal that feels like a warm embrace, reach for this one. Oh, and if you want more soul-warming recipes, you’ll find loads of great ideas on foodie blogs like this one. Now, go on—grab a spoon, your fuzziest socks, and let the coziness commence.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon and green onions or chives if desired.