Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Potato Soup

Dreaming of cheesy potato soup? This easy recipe is even better than Panera's! Think creamy, cheesy, and ready in under an hour. Bob's your uncle!

Alright, let's get cooking!

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Potato Soup

Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? have you ever craved something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying? this cheesy potato soup recipe is it, my friend.

Think of it as a big hug in a bowl.

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love potatoes and cheese? This soup is a creamy, dreamy delight, packed with cheesy flavour. It's so simple even your nan could nail it.

Brief Overview

This cheesy potato soup is a classic comfort food. it started as a simple way to use potatoes, but cheese takes it to the next level.

Making this is pretty easy, with prep taking about 20 minutes and cook time around 35 minutes. the recipe makes around 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

It’s also great made in your slow cooker for fall. this is one of my fave fall crock pot meals dinners.

Main Benefits

Potatoes are surprisingly good for you, providing essential vitamins and fibre. this soup is perfect for a cold evening or when you just need some comfort.

What makes this recipe special? it’s quick, easy, and completely customisable. it's one of the most delicious leftover potato soup recipes , too.

Ready to get started? Let's grab those ingredients!

Okay, let's dive into making some glorious Cheesy Potato Soup ! Forget that diet you started Monday, trust me. We're making comfort food, and sometimes, you just need it.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Foundation of Flavour

Let's get real, having the right kit makes all the difference. this ain't rocket science, but using decent ingredients and gear will totally elevate your soup.

We're talking about that panera potato soup recipe crock pot level goodness, but without the panera price tag, eh?

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I've got both US and metric 'cause, well, we're all friends here, right?

• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Real butter, please! It makes a difference.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , diced. About 1 cup . If you're feeling fancy, try a sweet onion.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About 2 teaspoons . Jarred is fine in a pinch, but fresh is boss.
• Chicken Broth: 5 cups (1.2L) . Low-sodium is your mate; you can always add salt later.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 pounds (900g) , peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces. These are creamy and hold their shape.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon , or to taste. Don't be shy.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Honestly, this is where the magic happens. Don't skimp.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Get a good block and shred it yourself, trust me.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , shredded. Optional, but adds extra meltiness.

For the potatoes, look for ones that are firm, with no sprouts or green spots. A good cheddar will be aged and have a nice sharp bite.

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up a Bit

Don't underestimate the power of herbs and spices. It can be a Soup Easy Crockpot !

• Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo for potato soup. They add a cozy, earthy flavour.
• A pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle warmth. I like to add a dash for depth.
• For a bit of heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Flavour enhancers: A bay leaf added during simmering can add depth but remove before serving.

Quick Substitution: If you don't have fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will do. Just don’t tell my Nonna.

Equipment Needed: Essential Tools Only

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this glorious Cheesy Potato Soup.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential. Something big enough to hold all the ingredients. I use my dutch oven for this because I can basically throw it in the Crock Pot Chowder .
• Immersion Blender (Optional): If you want a super smooth soup. Otherwise, a regular blender works. Just be careful blending hot liquids!
• Cutting Board and Knife: Obvs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Unless you're like me and eyeball everything.

Common household alternatives: no immersion blender? a regular blender will do, just blend in batches. no dutch oven? a large stockpot is fine.

Things to cook in crock pot can be surprisingly forgiving.

If you're thinking about soups for fall crock pot , then this recipe is a total winner. and if you accidentally make too much, it's even better the next day! think leftover potato soup recipes , but even creamier.

Honestly, making this cheesy potato soup is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a saturday. and nothing beats a good, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly autumn evening.

Maybe try using a potato soup recipe crockpot and save yourself the hassle. now get in that kitchen!

Cooking Method: Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Potato Soup

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. we're making creamy dreamy cheesy potato soup . it's comfort food, pure and simple.

This is one of those fall crock pot meals dinners that just hits the spot. honestly, this recipe is proper easy – even if you're not exactly gordon ramsay.

It's a great one to add to your list of things to cook in crock pot as well! ever find leftover potato soup recipes ? i bet it does not taste so good than the newly cooked potato soup.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised

First, the mise en place ! this just means having everything ready. dice that one medium yellow onion. mince the two cloves of garlic.

Peel and dice two pounds of yukon gold potatoes into small, ½-inch pieces. honestly, the smaller you dice them, the quicker they cook.

Time-saving tip: do this while the kettle boils for your cuppa! safety first though – keep those fingers tucked in!

The Cheesy Potato Soup Process: Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt four tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add that diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they're soft, about 5 minutes . You don't want them brown, just softened up, like you are on a rainy sunday!
2. Broth and Taters Time: Pour in five cups of chicken broth (low-sodium is best). Then, add the diced potatoes, one teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste), and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste).
3. Simmer 'Til Soft: Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20- 25 minutes . The potatoes need to be very tender. A fork should slide right in.
4. Blend It (If You Fancy): If you want a super smooth soup, use an immersion blender. You can leave it a little chunky if you like, too. If you're using a regular blender, be careful! Let the soup cool a bit and blend in batches. Hot soup can make a mess .
5. Cheese and Cream Magic: Turn the heat right down to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. If you're feeling fancy, add ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Don't let it boil! This is key.
6. Taste and Season: Have a taste! Add more salt, pepper, or thyme if you need to. Maybe a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling cheeky.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

• Use a good cheese! Pre-shredded cheese can be a bit pants. Grate your own for a proper melt.
• Don't overcook the potatoes! Mushy potatoes = gummy soup. You want them just tender.
• You could even try making this in the potato soup in slow cooker setting. It's great as a soup easy crockpot meal.

So there you have it! a proper cheesy potato soup recipe crockpot that's sure to warm your cockles. this is how to do potato soup and it will make it even better.

Whether it's the soups for fall crock pot or a quick mid-week meal, this is the perfect way to get your fill.

Enjoy and if you get it right then, bob's your uncle! if not, try again!. or even make your own delicious crock pot chowder .

You won't find this panera potato soup recipe crock pot as tasty as the one you will make!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this amazing Cheesy Potato Soup. Honestly, it's more than just a recipe, it's an experience.

Recipe Notes

Think of this section as your personal cheat sheet. It's all the extra bits and bobs to make your soup chef's kiss perfect.

Serving Suggestions: Soup's On!

So, you've got this beautiful bowl of cheesy potato goodness. what next? for plating, a simple swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives always looks fab.

Presentation is key, right? i like to serve it with a side of crusty bread. perfect for dipping! it's a meal in itself.

Or why not try a grilled cheese? seriously, try it . you know what else goes great? a nice crisp salad.

You know, something to cut through all the richness.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Lucky You!

Got some leftover cheesy potato soup? result. here's the drill. let it cool completely. then, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. wanna freeze it? you can! bear in mind the texture might change a bit.

The potatoes can get a little grainy. for reheating , just gently warm it on the hob, stirring regularly. don't boil it! or, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each.

This also works great in many leftover potato soup recipes .

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a change? i love adding a bit of spice. a pinch of cayenne pepper gives it a lovely kick.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try adding some chorizo. for a veggie version, just swap the chicken broth for veg broth.

Easy peasy. speaking of easy, potato soup in slow cooker is a great choice for fall crock pot meals dinners .

Just bung it all in, leave it, and come back to a pot of deliciousness. this is also a wonderful option among the soups for fall crock pot .

Things to cook in crock pot are endless. check out panera potato soup recipe crock pot for inspiration!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so this cheesy potato soup isn't exactly a salad, right? but it does have some good stuff in it.

Potatoes are a source of vitamin c and potassium. plus, the dairy gives you calcium. it's also quite filling, which is always a bonus.

It’s worth noting this will depend on ingredients. honestly, soup easy crockpot , this cheesy potato soup is a winner.

This will probably be your number one potato soup recipe crockpot . don't be scared to give it a go! and the best thing? there's a crock pot chowder version too.

Enjoy!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheesy potato soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cheesy potato soup is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the potatoes may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You know, a bit like a good Sunday roast, it's often better the next day!

How do I store leftover cheesy potato soup?

Storing leftover cheesy potato soup is a doddle. Let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it'll be good for about 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and scorching. A microwave works too, just zap it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure it heats evenly.

My cheesy potato soup is too thick! What can I do?

No worries, that's easily fixed! If your cheesy potato soup is thicker than you'd like, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Start with a small amount (like ¼ cup) and add more as needed. Remember, it's easier to add liquid than to take it away. Bit like adding gravy, a little at a time!

What's the best way to prevent my cheesy potato soup from curdling?

Curdling can be a pain, but there are ways to avoid it! The key is to not boil the soup after adding the cheese and cream. Low and slow is the motto here. You can also temper the cream by whisking a small amount of hot soup into it before adding it to the pot. This helps to gradually raise the cream's temperature and prevent it from shocking and separating.

Can I freeze cheesy potato soup?

Freezing cheesy potato soup can be a bit tricky due to the dairy content, as it can sometimes become grainy upon thawing. For best results, it's recommended to freeze the soup before adding the cheese and cream. Thaw it completely in the fridge, then heat it gently on the stovetop, stirring in the cheese and cream just before serving. This will help maintain a smoother texture. Alternatively, use a soup that doesn't contain any cream!

What kind of potatoes are best for cheesy potato soup? Does it matter?

The type of potato does indeed make a difference! Yukon Gold potatoes are fantastic for cheesy potato soup because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. Russet potatoes will work too, but they release more starch, potentially leading to a thicker (and potentially gummy) soup. Ultimately, it is up to you, but something like a Maris Piper would be an excellent choice too.

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