Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that hugs you from the inside out - this isn't just any soup, it's a magical blend of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and optional vegetables that transforms a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or craving something hearty, this potato cheese soup promises to be your ultimate comfort food companion that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- Optional: carrots, celery, or other vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, chop the onion, and if you're using any optional vegetables like carrots or celery, chop them into small pieces as well.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- If you're using optional vegetables such as carrots or celery, add them to the pot now and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well to combine with the onion and any optional vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- After the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash lightly; for a creamier texture, blend until smooth.
- Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious potato cheese and optional vegetables soup!
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet work best for creating a creamy texture.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the most melty and flavorful result.
- Don't rush the simmering process - this allows flavors to develop and potatoes to become perfectly tender.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
- Customize your soup by experimenting with different vegetable combinations.
- If the soup becomes too thick, always have extra broth on hand to adjust consistency.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for an extra flavor boost and beautiful presentation.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg