Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, this Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup is the ultimate cozy bowl for chilly days. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s a family favorite that’s ready in just 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup

This Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup brings together tender potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich, creamy base. The extra-sharp cheddar gives each spoonful a bold, savory kick. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out.

Because it uses simple pantry staples, you won’t need to make an extra grocery trip. It’s ready in under an hour, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. The texture is thick and satisfying, while the flavor balances creaminess with a touch of sharp cheese.

You can easily adapt it for different diets by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth or trying Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly buttery taste. Whether topped with crispy bacon or enjoyed plain, this soup feels like comfort in a bowl. Kids love it, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers, making it a meal-prep winner too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

You’ll need six medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced, along with two diced carrots and two diced celery ribs. These veggies create the hearty base. A small diced onion brings in mild sweetness, and four cups of chicken broth provide depth.

The creamy texture comes from four tablespoons of butter, a quarter cup of flour, and two cups of milk. Then, two cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar melt right in, delivering the rich cheesy flavor that makes this soup irresistible. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning.

Optional Toppings & Substitutions

For a finishing touch, add crumbled bacon or chopped chives. If you’d like a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth. Russet potatoes make the soup thick, but Yukon golds give a buttery texture if you prefer. Using freshly shredded cheddar ensures smooth melting and the best taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot, combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Make the Cheese Sauce

While the veggies cook, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one to two minutes, until it turns lightly golden. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, about five minutes.

Combine and Simmer

Once the sauce thickens, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Carefully pour this cheese mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir well to combine the broth and cheesy sauce into one creamy soup.

Season and Serve

Taste the soup, then season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Serve hot, topped with bacon and chives if desired. Each bowl should be creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty vegetables.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Potato Cheese Soup

Always shred your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that keep them from melting smoothly. Adding the cheese off the heat also prevents it from clumping or turning grainy.

If the soup thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. For a chunkier texture, leave some potatoes slightly larger. For extra creaminess, mash part of the soup before adding the cheese sauce.

Don’t rush the roux. Cooking the butter and flour together for a minute before adding milk gives the soup a richer flavor and prevents a raw flour taste. Finally, seasoning at the end is key since cheddar adds saltiness on its own.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup is a full meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

If you’re serving guests, consider offering a toppings bar with bacon, chives, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of paprika. For kids, simple buttered toast alongside makes a comforting dinner. It’s also perfect for casual gatherings when paired with sandwiches like grilled cheese or turkey melts.

For more cozy ideas, you can check out other Soup Recipes that complement this dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If it becomes too thick, add a little milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.

Avoid boiling when reheating, as that can cause the cheese to separate. For quick lunches, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. This soup keeps its flavor well, making it a great choice for meal prep.

Conclusion

Cheddar Cheese Potato Soup is a comforting classic that combines creamy texture with bold, cheesy flavor. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet delicious enough to serve guests.

Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with bacon and chives, each spoonful is hearty and satisfying. Try it this week for a warm, family-friendly dinner that reheats beautifully. For more comfort food inspiration, don’t miss our full collection of More Recipes. And if you love collecting recipes visually, check out my boards on Pinterest.