The Best Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe (How To Make It At Home)

As winter’s chill spreads, our culinary journey leads us to a bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe – a melting pot of comfort. An orchestra of succulent spuds and velvety cheese. Gourmet and homey converge in this dish, whispering stories of cozy hearths and family gatherings.

This culinary masterpiece fuses creamy textures with a luscious cheese-infused broth, perfect to warm your soul.

Diced potatoes, a waltz of spices, and an embrace of molten cheese create a symphony of flavors, filling each spoonful with a delightful medley. 

Steam dancing off the surface draws you into its creamy depths, promising a sumptuous escape from the chill. Cheesy Potato Soup offers an irresistible invitation for those pursuing a heartwarming, home-cooked dish. 

Dive into our recipe as we unveil the secrets to crafting this soup that echoes warmth, comfort, and a symphony of flavors in every bite.

What Is Cheesy Potato Soup?

Cheesy Potato Soup is a comfort food staple that combines the heartiness of potatoes with the rich, savory goodness of cheese. It’s a creamy concoction, usually made with diced potatoes, a melange of aromatic spices, and a velvety, melted cheese base.

Often served piping hot, this dish warms from the inside out, offering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Its simplicity in preparation does not compromise its deliciousness, making it a beloved choice for a cozy meal at home.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

1. Keto Substitute traditional potatoes with lower-carb options like cauliflower or turnips. Use high-fat cheese and cream for the soup base.
2. Paleo Replace regular cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use ghee instead of butter. Use sweet potatoes or other root vegetables in place of traditional potatoes.
3. Gluten-Free This recipe is naturally gluten-free without thickening it with flour. Check your broth and cheese, as some brands may contain gluten.
4. Whole30 Use clarified butter or ghee, and replace the cheese and cream with a dairy-free cheese alternative and coconut cream. Opt for sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
5. Vegetarian Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the traditional recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
6. Vegan Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives. For example, use vegan cheese, vegan butter, and plant-based milk. The vegetable broth will replace chicken broth.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Play with the cheese: Try blue cheese for a punchy twist or smoked gouda for a hint of smokiness.
• Vary the potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory blend or purple potatoes for a vibrant color contrast.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Go gourmet: Add a swirl of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.

Add-Ons

• Toss in veggies: Corn, bell peppers, or carrots add flavor and color.
• Protein boost: Include cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a meaty variation.
• Veganize it: Substitute dairy with almond milk, vegan butter, and vegan cheese.

Toppings

• Fresh herbs: Chives or cilantro add a burst of freshness.
• Extra cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or parmesan adds richness.
• Crunch factor: Croutons or toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch.
• Creamy touch: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt creates a creamy contrast.
• Smoky notes: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy finish.

Can I Make Cheesy Potato Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Sauté the onions and celery in a pan with butter until tender, then transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add the potatoes and water (or broth) into the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the cheese until melted.
• Mix the flour with milk until mostly dissolved in a separate bowl, then stir into the soup. Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes until the soup has thickened.
• Garnish and serve.

Instant Pot

• Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Melt the butter, add the onions and celery, sautéing until tender.
• Add the potatoes and water (or broth) to the pot.
• Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After cooking, use the quick-release function to release the pressure.
• Open the lid, add the cheese, and stir until melted.
• Mix the flour with milk until mostly dissolved in a separate bowl, then stir into the soup. Set the pot back to the sauté function and cook for a few more minutes until the soup has thickened.
• Garnish and serve.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth 

• Opt for a higher-quality, organic broth if possible. It typically has a better flavor profile and fewer preservatives. Many store-bought broths can be high in sodium. Look for low-sodium versions to control your salt intake better. Ensure no ingredients in the broth that you’re allergic to or trying to avoid, such as gluten or certain flavor enhancers.

Homemade Broth

• Making your broth can be a great option if you have the time and want to utilize leftover vegetable scraps or bones. Homemade broth allows you to control the ingredients and the sodium level. It can often provide a deeper, more nuanced flavor to your soup.

How To Serve?

• In a Bread Bowl: For a truly indulgent treat, serve the soup in a hollowed-out round loaf of bread. The bread soaks up the soup and can be eaten as you finish serving.
• With Toppings: Add texture and flavor with toppings like crumbled bacon, chopped chives or green onions, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat.
• Paired with a Side: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal. A classic grilled cheese sandwich could pair particularly well.
• Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness and color.
• In a Soup Tureen: If you’re serving soup at a dinner party, consider using a soup tureen. It’s an elegant way to keep the soup warm and makes serving easy.

 Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup. For a sweet contrast, consider salads with apples, pears, or dried fruits.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing with any soup, the gooey melted cheese complements the cheesiness of the soup, and the crisp bread adds a nice texture contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables make a healthy and flavorful side. Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or root vegetables.
• Quiche or Frittata: A slice of a simple, veggie-loaded quiche or frittata can complement the soup for brunch or lunch.
• Fruit: A side of fresh fruit can provide a refreshing, light contrast to the rich soup.
• Cornbread: A piece of warm, buttery cornbread would pair wonderfully with Cheesy Potato Soup, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Pickles: Some crisp, tangy pickles or pickled vegetables (like cucumbers or beets) can cut through the soup’s richness and refresh the palate.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Once cooled, transfer the soup into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup entirely, excluding any dairy or toppings. Refrigerate, then reheat and add cheese and toppings just before serving for fresh flavors.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Baked Casserole: Turn the leftovers into a hearty baked casserole by adding some extra cheese and baking until golden and bubbly.
• Potato Dip: Blend the soup to create a creamy potato and cheese dip, perfect for pairing with chips or vegetables as a tasty snack.
• Stuffed Omelet: Use the leftovers as a filling for a mouthwatering potato-stuffed omelet for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.
• Vegetable Stew: Incorporate the soup into a vegetable and grain stew for a flavorful and comforting meal.
• Cheesy Pasta Bake: Mix the leftovers with cooked pasta and bake it in the oven for a cheesy and satisfying pasta bake.
• Grilled Cheese: Create an exciting twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich by adding Cheesy Potato Soup as a filling.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Use the soup as a delicious topping for loaded baked potatoes, adding bacon and other toppings for extra flavor.
• Freezing: Store the leftovers in portions and freeze them for quick and convenient ready-to-eat meals.

TIPS

• To enhance the flavor of your cheesy potato soup, use a combination of sharp cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses.
• For a smoother texture, blend half of the soup before adding the cheese, then stir in the remaining cheese for a creamy finish.
• Add depth to your soup by sautéing onions and garlic before adding the potatoes and broth.
• For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Serve your soup with crispy bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a classic loaded potato soup experience.

Nutrition Table