Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe: The Creamy Comfort Dish You’ll Crave All Winter

Imagine serving a bowl of this soul-soothing soup to your family, paired with crusty bread or a light salad. Perfectly simple yet incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a busy mom or hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe is your go-to for creating moments that matter.

This isn’t just any soup—it’s a recipe that promises to bring warmth and smiles to your table. From its easy preparation to its delightful flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Cheesy Potato Soup

Creating this delightfully creamy and comforting soup starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. These pantry and fridge staples come together to create a dish that feels indulgent but is easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild, savory base that enhances the flavor of the soup.
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic depth to every spoonful.
• 1 teaspoon oil: Perfect for sautéing and unlocking the flavors of the onion and celery.
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 pound): The heart of the soup, giving it a hearty and satisfying texture.
• 2 cups chicken broth (16 ounces): Provides a rich, flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to balance the creamy elements.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to achieving that velvety, thick consistency without using heavy cream.
• 1 1/2 cups skim or 1% milk (12 ounces): Keeps the soup light yet creamy, perfect for enjoying guilt-free.
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 3 ounces): The star ingredient that brings bold, cheesy goodness to every bite.

Each of these ingredients plays a role in creating a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. With just a few items and minimal prep, you’ll have everything you need to make a dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Creamiest Cheesy Potato Soup

Follow these easy-to-understand steps to create a pot of warm, comforting Cheesy Potato Soup. Each step is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a velvety, cheesy finish that your family will love.

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Begin by heating 1 teaspoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, then sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet, savory aroma. This step lays the foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
2. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
   Stir in the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer. This gentle cooking method ensures the potatoes become tender and absorb the savory goodness of the broth. This step takes about 15 to 25 minutes—check the potatoes with a fork to ensure they’re soft and ready.
3. Thicken the Soup:
   In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of milk, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk to this mixture, then pour it into the simmering soup. Stir constantly as the soup cooks for about 5 minutes. This process transforms the broth into a silky, creamy base. Be careful not to let the soup boil during this step to maintain its smooth texture.
4. Incorporate the Cheese:
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, creating a luxuriously creamy soup that’s bursting with cheesy goodness.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Serve the soup piping hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

This step-by-step process ensures you’ll achieve a soup that’s not only deliciously comforting but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion!