Creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly days or anytime you need a little warmth in a bowl. This rich, cheesy soup is loaded with tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar—all brought together in a velvety, flavorful broth. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers the kind of slow-simmered taste that feels like home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup checks every box for a satisfying one-pot meal:

✅ Creamy and rich without being too heavy
✅ Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt
✅ Cozy enough for winter, easy enough for weekdays
✅ Perfect with crispy bacon, green onions, or crusty bread
✅ Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

Whether you like your soup chunky, blended smooth, or somewhere in between, this flexible recipe lets you make it just the way you like it.

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk or half-and-half
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Crumbled bacon
Green onions
Sour cream
Extra cheddar cheese

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Simmer the potatoes
Add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend for texture
Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (about half) for a creamy consistency. Leave some chunks for texture. (Alternatively, transfer half to a blender, then return it to the pot.)
Add dairy and cheese
Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar. Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—bacon, green onions, or extra cheese for the full comfort experience.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 25% DV

Note: Nutrition will vary based on toppings and dairy used.

Tips & Variations

Want it chunkier? Use a fork to mash some potatoes instead of blending.
Make it ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Freezing tip: Freeze before adding cheese/dairy, then stir those in fresh when reheating.
Add-ins: Carrots, celery, or cauliflower blend in beautifully and boost nutrition.
Low-fat option: Swap cream for milk or unsweetened Greek yogurt.
Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon toppings.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes or red potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes make the soup creamier. Sweet potatoes will add sweetness and color.

How do I thicken potato soup?
Simmer it longer uncovered, or stir in a bit of instant mashed potatoes for quick thickening.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and skip the cheese—or sub in vegan cheese for creaminess.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, a green salad, or homemade garlic croutons make great companions.