Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup
This Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to your home. Passed down from my mother-in-law, this recipe is cherished by all of us, and for good reason! It features creamy mashed potatoes, a rich blend of cheddar cheese, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, corn, or peas, depending on what’s in your fridge or what suits your cravings. Perfect for chilly days or any time you want a heartwarming bowl of goodness, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that will undoubtedly become a staple in your household!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
6-8 medium (Peeled and cubed)
Butter
1/4 cup (Unsalted, for melting)
Flour
1/2 cup (All-purpose)
Milk
6 cups (Whole or your preferred milk)
Chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons (Granules or cubes)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground, to taste)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 lb (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Peel and cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
2
Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and either mash them to your desired consistency or leave them in larger chunks for added texture.
3
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring continuously to create a roux.
4
Gradually add half of the milk to the roux while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add the remaining milk and continue to heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring almost constantly to prevent scorching.
5
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mashed potatoes, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and cheese has melted.
6
If desired, add any additional vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn, or peas to the soup and stir well. Allow to sit for a few minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
7
Scoop the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
45g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup?
Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy dish made with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese, often customized with various vegetables.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 6 to 8 medium-sized potatoes.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
Should I mash the potatoes or leave them in chunks?
You can do either; mash them for a creamy consistency or leave them in larger chunks for more texture.
What is the first step in making the soup base?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in 1/2 cup of flour to create a roux.
How do I add milk to the roux without creating lumps?
Gradually add the milk while whisking vigorously to ensure the mixture remains smooth.
How much milk is required for this soup?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of milk, which can be whole milk or your preferred variety.
At what temperature should I heat the milk mixture?
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
How do I prevent the milk from scorching?
Stir the milk mixture almost constantly while heating it to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pan.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of shredded cheddar cheese.
When should I add the cheese to the soup?
Add the cheese after removing the saucepan from the heat, stirring until it is well combined and melted.
What seasonings are used in Hearty Cheesy Potato Soup?
The soup is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I add vegetables to this potato soup?
Yes, you can customize the soup by adding broccoli, carrots, corn, or peas.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this recipe was passed down from the creator's mother-in-law and is a cherished household staple.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving of this soup.
How much protein is in this soup?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of flour should I use for the roux?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe.
Is the butter used in this recipe salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I use bouillon granules or cubes?
Both granules and cubes work fine; you will need 2 teaspoons worth.
How should I serve the soup?
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
How long should the soup sit after adding extra vegetables?
Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after adding vegetables so the flavors can meld together.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to make and perfect for a quick, hearty meal.
Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, the recipe allows for using your preferred type of milk.
What is the consistency of the final soup?
The soup is thick and creamy, especially if the potatoes are mashed into the base.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, excluding any optional vegetable additions.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for chilly days.
Does the recipe require fresh pepper?
Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.