Enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of cheesy potato soup with this easy homemade recipe. Made with tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices, this soup is perfect for a chilly evening. It's rich, creamy, and full of comforting goodness. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and crispy bacon for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it turns golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash the potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crispy bacon.
Interesting Facts
Potatoes were first cultivated in the Andes Mountains of South America over 7,000 years ago. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century by Spanish explorers.
The cheddar cheese in this recipe adds a rich and creamy flavor to the soup. Cheddar cheese originated in the English village of Cheddar in Somerset.
Adding a dash of paprika not only enhances the flavor of the soup but also gives it a beautiful reddish color.