Description

This cheesy potato soup is just like Grandma’s homemade recipe—thick, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. Made with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, it’s the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly day. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this rich and hearty soup will bring back nostalgic family memories with every spoonful!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Toppings (Optional, but Recommended!):

6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
A dollop of sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1️⃣ In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, then sauté for about 3 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 1 minute to create a light roux. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

3️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth, then add diced potatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4️⃣ Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a creamier consistency. If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend until silky.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

5️⃣ Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously.

6️⃣ Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Velveeta cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Be sure to add the cheese in small batches to prevent clumping.

7️⃣ Season with smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

8️⃣ Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

9️⃣ Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate cozy meal. Enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker soup: Add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux or reduce the broth by ½ cup.
For a vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Make-ahead tip: This soup stores well! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating tip: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy potato soup, creamy potato soup, homemade soup, comfort food, cheddar potato soup, thick potato soup, cozy soup