Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup?
Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender cubed potatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs, finished with half-and-half and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this potato soup?
The main ingredients include potatoes, onion, garlic, celery salt, dried parsley, dried tarragon, black pepper, kosher salt, stock, half-and-half cream, milk, and cheddar cheese.
What type of stock should I use?
You can use either 2 cups of vegetable stock or chicken stock based on your dietary preference.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
You should use 2 pounds of potatoes and prepare them by cubing them into bite-sized pieces.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe calls for one large onion to be diced.
How do I prepare the garlic for the soup?
The 4 cloves of garlic should be smashed before being added to the pot.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
This soup uses a combination of 3 tablespoons of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
After bringing the pot to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer for about 25 minutes until they are tender.
How do I achieve the desired soup consistency?
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes to your preferred texture.
Can I make the soup chunkier?
Yes, if you prefer a chunkier soup, simply mash the potatoes lightly rather than mashing them thoroughly.
When do I add the dairy ingredients?
Add the 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream and 1/4 cup of milk after mashing the potatoes, then warm the soup through on low heat.
Can I boil the soup after adding the cream and milk?
No, you should be careful not to boil the soup once the dairy is added to prevent it from curdling.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How is the cheese incorporated into the soup?
Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the warm soup until it is completely melted and well incorporated.
Are there any garnish suggestions?
You can serve the soup warm and garnish it with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
How much celery salt is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of celery salt.
What type of pepper is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of freshly ground coarse black pepper.
Is this soup considered vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What heat setting should I use to start the soup?
You should bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat before reducing it to a simmer.
How much kosher salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Do I need to cover the pot while cooking?
Yes, cover the pot while bringing the mixture to a boil and while simmering the potatoes.
Should the stock cover the vegetables?
Yes, you should ensure that the stock covers the vegetables completely in the pot.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
Is this a hearty soup?
Yes, it is described as a hearty starter or main dish that is perfect for cozy nights.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup.
What makes this soup aromatic?
The combination of smashed garlic, diced onions, celery salt, parsley, and tarragon provides a fragrant and aromatic profile.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
While the recipe calls for half-and-half, you can substitute heavy cream for an even richer and thicker texture.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be easy to prepare and is described as a family favorite.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cubed potatoes, onion, garlic, and all the seasonings with the stock in a large pot.