Cheesy Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that just hits the spot on a chilly day. This delightful soup brings together the creamy richness of cheese with the earthy goodness of potatoes, creating a velvety texture that’s both satisfying and soul-warming. If you love a hearty soup that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this cheesy potato creation will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why We Love This Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe
There’s something undeniably cozy about a bowl of Cheesy Potato Soup. Perhaps it’s the rich and creamy texture that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug. Or maybe it’s the way each spoonful combines comfort and simplicity, offering a taste of home with every bite. This recipe shines not just for its comforting qualities but also for its straightforward preparation. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter day or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, you’ll appreciate how easily this recipe comes together, transforming your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas.
Ingredients about Cheesy Potato Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for crafting a delicious Cheesy Potato Soup. Here’s what you’ll need to create your next family favorite:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 bag Frozen hash browns (about 30 ounces)
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
How to Make Cheesy Potato Soup Directions
Creating the perfect Cheesy Potato Soup is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these directions to enjoy a delightful soup in less than an hour.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion into small pieces and mincing the garlic cloves finely. Make sure you have your bag of frozen hash browns and your cheeses ready to go.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3–4 minutes. You’re aiming for the onion to become soft and translucent. Once that happens, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The fragrant smell will fill your kitchen!
- Add the Hash Browns: Toss in the frozen hash browns, stirring them around in the pot. Toasting them for about a minute will help enhance their flavor before adding anything else.
- Pour in the Broth: It’s time to introduce the broth! Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is essential for making sure all the flavors meld together.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in your salt and pepper. Stir everything, then let the soup cook for about 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, ensuring the hash browns become tender.
- Add the Creaminess: Once the hash browns are tender, it’s time to add the cream cheese. Cut it into small chunks and stir it into the soup. Watch as it melts and transforms your soup into a rich, creamy base.
- Cheese Galore: After the cream cheese is melted and mixed well, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s completely melted and you have that luscious cheese pull with every spoonful.
- Taste Test: Give your soup a taste! Adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if you desire. Once it’s to your liking, you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Soup
Serving Cheesy Potato Soup is a wonderful opportunity to get creative. Here are some ways to make it even more enjoyable:
- Bowls & Toppings: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, and consider adding toppings. Fresh chives or parsley can bring a pop of color and freshness. You might also add a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top for those who can’t resist even more cheese!
- Pair It With: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. The delightful combination allows you to dip and savor each bite to its fullest. You can also serve a fresh green salad on the side for a well-rounded meal.
- Lunch or Dinner: Cheesy Potato Soup works well for both lunch and dinner. It can be a star on its own or an accompaniment to sandwiches or grilled cheese for a nostalgic combo.
Expert Tips: Cheesy Potato Soup
To elevate your Cheesy Potato Soup experience, consider the following expert tips:
- Fresh Garlic and Onion: Always opt for fresh onions and garlic instead of pre-packaged alternatives. Fresh ingredients provide a more robust flavor that enhances the overall soup.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: If you have more time, allowing the soup to simmer longer can develop deeper flavors. Just be sure to keep an eye on the hash browns to avoid overcooking.
- Cream Cheese Substitution: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. However, this may change the richness slightly.
- Consistency Preference: If you like a thicker soup, consider pureeing a portion of it with an immersion blender. Blend it to your desired consistency before adding in the cheese.
How to Store Cheesy Potato Soup
Storing your Cheesy Potato Soup correctly ensures it stays fresh for future enjoyment. Here are some tips on how to store it properly:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps prevent moisture buildup that could lead to spoilage.
- Refrigeration: Store your soup in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save it for a longer period, this soup freezes well. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion as it freezes. It can last for about 2–3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much when reheating.
Variation of Cheesy Potato Soup
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations of Cheesy Potato Soup that you can try:
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy version of this comforting soup. This gives it a delightful heat that balances with the creaminess.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate some chopped vegetables like carrots or celery for a nutritious twist. You’ll enhance the flavors and textures while adding more health benefits.
- Herbs & Spices: Consider mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary for a hint of earthiness. These herbs pair wonderfully and add a depth of flavor you may find delightful.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with various types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a hint of spice or a smoky gouda for a unique flavor twist.
FAQ
What is Cheesy Potato Soup?
Cheesy Potato Soup is a creamy and comforting soup made primarily with hash browns, broth, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, resulting in a rich, velvety texture.
How can I make my Cheesy Potato Soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider pureeing a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the cheese or thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I make Cheesy Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I top my Cheesy Potato Soup with?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, chopped chives, or parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
How do I make Cheesy Potato Soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re good to go!
Cheesy Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag Frozen hash browns (about 30 ounces)
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Make sure you have your bag of frozen hash browns and your cheeses ready to go.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Toss in the frozen hash browns, stirring them around in the pot for about a minute.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Sprinkle in your salt and pepper, stir everything, and let the soup cook for about 15–20 minutes until hash browns are tender.
- Once tender, cut the cream cheese into small chunks and stir it into the soup until melted.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.
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