Are you craving a bowl of pure comfort that will warm you from the inside out? Look no further than Carol's Cheesy Potato Soup – a creamy, decadent recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This soul-soothing soup is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to comfort food heaven. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or simply want to indulge in something absolutely delicious, this recipe is your golden ticket to soup perfection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice the 4 large potatoes into small, even cubes. Chop the 1/2 cup of onion finely and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well to combine with the onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the onion flavor.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- After the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, blend until smooth.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing well to incorporate. Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the cheese may add some saltiness.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once ready, ladle the cheesy potato soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Don't rush the sautéing: Allow onions to become translucent to develop a rich, sweet flavor base.
- Prevent potato sticking by stirring occasionally during cooking.
- For extra smoothness, use an immersion blender to create a velvety consistency.
- Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – the cheese can add significant salt.
- Optional garnishes like crispy bacon bits, chives, or extra cheese can elevate the soup's presentation.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg