There's something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of cheesy potato soup. It's creamy, rich, and packed with the kind of hearty ingredients that can make even the coldest day feel cozy. This easy-to-follow cheesy potato soup recipe skips the bacon but still delivers a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or quiet evenings in. Grab a spoon, get comfortable, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy potato experience with this recipe. Ready to dive in? Keep reading to discover how to create this scrumptious soup!

What is Cheesy Potato Soup?
Cheesy potato soup is a creamy, comforting dish made from a combination of tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, cream, and flavorful seasonings. Traditionally, it often includes bacon to add a smoky flavor, but this version leaves the bacon out for a vegetarian-friendly take. Even without the bacon, the soup retains all the rich, hearty flavors you crave, thanks to the generous use of cheese and other seasonings. This dish is beloved for its simplicity and the way it satisfies on any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Potato Soup
Before you get started, it's important to gather all the necessary ingredients to make your cheesy potato soup rich and flavorful. Here's what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with vegetable bouillon)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Ingredient List Continued
To make sure your soup is both flavorful and creamy, you’ll also want to consider adding these optional ingredients for some extra flair and texture:
- ½ cup sour cream (for a tangy twist)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or gouda cheese (for added creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels (for texture and sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (for a subtle herbal note)
- Croutons or crusty bread (to serve on the side)
- A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
These extra ingredients aren’t necessary, but they offer some great ways to personalize your cheesy potato soup to suit your taste.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is that you can customize a dish to fit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand. Here are some substitutions and variations to try with your cheesy potato soup:
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream for the heavy cream, and opt for a vegan cheese instead of cheddar. You can still achieve a rich, creamy texture without dairy.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables, like carrots or cauliflower, for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you enjoy fresh herbs, consider adding thyme, rosemary, or parsley to infuse more complex flavors into your soup. Herbs can also give the soup a refreshing touch.
- Extra Vegetables: If you want to add more texture or nutrition, you can mix in other vegetables like broccoli, peas, or leeks. This can turn your soup into a more complete meal, especially if you're serving it as a main dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to make the best cheesy potato soup at home:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook quickly and evenly. Set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine. This will create a roux, which will help thicken the soup. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend Half the Soup: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half the soup to a regular blender and pulse until smooth. Be careful not to blend too much—you still want some chunks of potato for texture.
- Add the Cheese and Cream: Once the soup is blended to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot!
How to Cook Cheesy Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the cooking process even further:
- Sautéing Onions and Garlic: This step lays the foundation of flavor for your soup. Cooking the onions until they're translucent ensures they release their sweetness. Adding the garlic toward the end prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
- Making the Roux: A roux is a mixture of fat (in this case, butter) and flour that helps thicken the soup. It's crucial to cook the flour for a couple of minutes before adding liquid, or your soup may taste like raw flour.
- Cooking the Potatoes: Simmering the potatoes in broth until tender allows them to absorb the flavorful liquid. The starch from the potatoes helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Blending the Soup: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks adds heartiness.
- Melting the Cheese: Slowly stirring in the cheese over low heat ensures it melts smoothly without becoming gritty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making cheesy potato soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect bowl of soup every time:
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes for too long, they can become mushy and disintegrate. Aim to cook them until they’re just fork-tender.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, shred your cheese fresh.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping it may result in a thinner, less satisfying texture.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Potatoes absorb a lot of seasoning, so be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is everything, even for something as humble as potato soup. Here’s how to make your cheesy potato soup look as good as it tastes:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions adds a pop of color and flavor. You could also try parsley or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and visual appeal, add a spoonful of sour cream on top of each serving.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread or some homemade croutons can elevate your soup into a more complete meal. Toasted garlic bread also works beautifully as a side.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup
Cheesy potato soup is versatile and can be served as a main course or a side dish. If serving as a main dish, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you're serving it as an appetizer, consider smaller portions in soup cups or small bowls.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Potato Soup
Take your presentation to the next level with these ideas:
- Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollow out small sourdough loaves and serve your soup in the bread itself. This creates an impressive, rustic presentation and gives your guests a bonus treat at the end of their meal.
- Top with Crispy Croutons or Chips: For some crunch, sprinkle crispy croutons, tortilla chips, or even baked potato skins on top of the soup before serving.
Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your cheesy potato soup is perfect every time:
- Grate Your Own Cheese: As mentioned before, freshly grated cheese melts much better and more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Over-Blitz the Soup: When blending, make sure to leave some chunks of potato for texture. Over-blending can turn the soup into a puree, losing that satisfying chunky bite.
- Add Cheese Gradually: Adding the cheese too quickly can cause it to clump or become grainy. Stir it in slowly over low heat for a creamy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, cheesy potato soup can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often improve overnight. Just reheat it gently, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I freeze cheesy potato soup?
A: While you can freeze it, dairy-based soups may separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the cream and cheese and adding them when reheating.
Q: How long will cheesy potato soup last in the fridge?
A: It will keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Cheesy potato soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that’s easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or as a showstopper for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to please. With simple ingredients, customizable variations, and rich, creamy flavors, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy goodness!
PrintCheesy Potato Soup Recipe
This cheesy potato soup is a creamy, flavorful dish made without bacon. Using potatoes, cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings, it's a comforting and satisfying soup that's easy to prepare. Enjoy this warm, cheesy meal perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Ideal for vegetarians, too!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Milk or cream
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into cubes.
- In a large pot, sauté diced onion and garlic in butter until softened.
- Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly add the vegetable broth while stirring.
- Add the potatoes, bring to a boil, and then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese, cooking until the soup is creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer soup.
- Use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or blend for smoothness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking with additional herbs or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620 mg
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