Creamy Potato and Cheese Soup
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delightful potato soup, inspired by the beloved recipe from St. Louis Bread Company (Panera). Perfect for chilly winter days, this comforting dish features tender cubed potatoes simmered in a savory chicken broth, accented with a hint of seasoning salt and a touch of heat from ground red pepper. The addition of cream cheese makes it luxuriously smooth and rich. This hearty soup is ideal for warming up on a cold night, and it's easy to prepare for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Serve it alongside crusty bread for the ultimate warm meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
4 cups (N/A)
Potatoes
4 cups (Peeled and cubed)
Seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Cut into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, peeled and cubed potatoes, seasoning salt, white pepper, and ground red pepper.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Once the potatoes are tender, use a masher to gently smash some of the potatoes, releasing their starch to help thicken the soup.
4
Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese chunks to the pot.
5
Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Potato and Cheese Soup?
It is a rich and comforting soup featuring tender cubed potatoes simmered in chicken broth and thickened with cream cheese, inspired by the Panera recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: chicken broth, potatoes, seasoning salt, white pepper, ground red pepper, and cream cheese.
What kind of broth is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth as the flavor base for the soup.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into cubes before being added to the pot.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 4 cups of peeled and cubed potatoes for this recipe.
What seasonings are used for the flavor profile?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper.
Is this soup spicy?
It contains a small amount of ground red pepper which adds a hint of heat, but it is generally considered a mild and creamy soup.
How long does it take to cook the potatoes?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, you should reduce it to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
What is the secret to thickening this soup?
The soup is thickened by using a masher to gently smash some of the potatoes to release their starch and by adding cream cheese.
What kind of cheese is added to this recipe?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, cut into chunks, to create a smooth and rich texture.
When should I add the cream cheese?
Add the cream cheese after the potatoes are tender and you have smashed some of them, making sure to reduce the heat to low first.
How do I ensure the cream cheese melts properly?
Reduce the heat to low and stir frequently until the cream cheese chunks are fully melted and incorporated into the broth.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired thickness.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the beloved potato soup from St. Louis Bread Company, also known as Panera.
Can I serve this with anything else?
It is recommended to serve this hearty soup alongside crusty bread for a complete and warm meal.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty and filling dish that can be prepared for family dinners or gatherings and reheated easily.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper is used to provide a mild peppery flavor without adding dark specks, keeping the soup's appearance creamy and light.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
You will need a large pot for cooking the soup and a potato masher to help thicken the broth.
Do I need to boil the soup after adding the cream cheese?
No, you should reduce the heat to low before adding the cream cheese to prevent it from curdling; just stir until melted.
Is the seasoning salt amount adjustable?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the soup and adjusting the seasoning as needed before serving.
Can I use red pepper flakes instead of ground red pepper?
The recipe calls for ground red pepper for a smooth integration, but red pepper flakes can be used if you prefer visible bits of heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, a recipe with 4 cups of broth and 4 cups of potatoes typically yields about 4 to 6 servings.
Does the soup contain any fiber?
The potatoes in the soup provide a source of fiber, making it a hearty choice.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy soup recipe with simple steps and a short list of ingredients.
What is the purpose of mashing the potatoes?
Mashing some of the potatoes releases their natural starch, which helps to naturally thicken the chicken broth into a soup consistency.
Can I use pre-cut potatoes?
Yes, as long as you have 4 cups of cubed potatoes, pre-cut ones will work and save preparation time.
What makes the soup 'luxuriously smooth'?
The combination of melted cream cheese and the starch from the mashed potatoes creates a luxurious and rich texture.
Is this recipe good for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting dish perfect for chilly winter days and cold nights.
Should I leave the potato skins on?
The recipe recommends peeling the potatoes first to ensure a smooth and consistent creamy texture.