I’m convinced that a steaming bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup might be the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. There’s something magical about that first spoonful, when the velvety broth, tender potatoes, and melted cheese hit your taste buds all at once. My version comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of rich creaminess without it feeling too heavy? Let’s talk soup.
Why You’ll Love this Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup
When the weather turns chilly, nothing satisfies quite like a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup. This recipe hits all the comfort food notes with its velvety texture and rich flavor profile. The combination of sharp cheddar and tender potatoes creates that perfect spoonful you’ll crave again and again.
I love how versatile this soup is—dress it up with premium toppings or keep it simple. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
And those leftovers? Even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to mingle.
What Ingredients are in Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup?
To make this comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create rich, velvety perfection.
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chives (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (amount not specified in recipe)
Don’t skimp on the sharp cheddar—it’s what gives this soup its distinctive flavor punch, and while you could substitute other potato varieties, Russets break down nicely to help thicken the soup naturally.
How to Make this Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1/2 medium chopped onion and 2 sticks of chopped celery.
Cook them together until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes, creating that perfect aromatic base for our soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Make the Roux
Toss in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it (burned garlic is nobody’s friend).
Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux that’ll thicken our soup beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps from the roux.
Once smooth, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine all these flavor-building liquids.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Add 1.5 pounds of peeled and diced Russet potatoes to the pot, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break down slightly.
For an even smoother consistency, you could use a stand mixer to blend some of the potatoes before adding them to the soup.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from heat—this is essential to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or grainy.
Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup turns gloriously smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that cheese adds saltiness, so start with less than you might think.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup
This comforting soup works beautifully as a lunch or dinner centerpiece. For the perfect meal, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread makes ideal dipping companions—because what’s soup without something to soak up every last drop?
For a heartier spread, add a platter of cold cuts and cheese, or some simple ham and cheese sliders. If you’re feeling fancy, top each bowl with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.
And for drinks? A crisp white wine or cold beer complements the creamy flavors wonderfully on a chilly evening.
Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup Substitutions and Variations
- Spice it up: Stir in roasted green chiles, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it loaded: Top with crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream, and extra cheese—just like a loaded baked potato!
- Seasonal twist: Add roasted corn in summer, or stir in some pumpkin puree in fall.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy, Cheesy Potato Soup
This potato soup actually tastes even better the next day, when all those flavors have had time to get cozy with each other.
Here’s how to handle the leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken considerably in the fridge—totally normal!
- Freezing: While cream-based soups aren’t always freezer champions, this one can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just know the texture might change slightly.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Refresh before serving: A sprinkle of fresh cheese and chives works wonders to bring refrigerated leftovers back to life!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about a bowl of this creamy potato soup. The combination of tender russet potatoes swimming in a velvety broth, with sharp cheddar melted throughout and those subtle notes from onion and celery—it’s comfort in a bowl.
Perfect for chilly weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t want to fuss over dinner, this one-pot wonder has a way of gathering people around the table without much effort.
Whether served with crusty bread for dipping or simply enjoyed on its own, this soup reminds us that sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most memorable meals.