This Cheddar Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese. With just a handful of simple pantry ingredients, it’s an easy comfort-food classic that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade soup.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Soup, Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Soup
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4–5 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Diced cooked ham
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan or soup pot
- Potato masher
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Potatoes
Place the diced potatoes into a large saucepan.
Add enough water to completely cover them.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2 – Drain and Mash
Drain the potatoes, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of the cooking water in the pot.
Lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 3 – Add Butter
Stir the butter into the hot potatoes until completely melted.
Step 4 – Add the Milk
Pour in the milk and stir well.
Heat over medium heat until the soup is hot, but do not allow it to boil, as boiling may cause the milk to scorch.
Stir frequently.
Step 5 – Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
Continue stirring until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6 – Season
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
If desired, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
Allow the soup to simmer on very low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7 – Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Top with additional shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Stir well after thawing, as dairy-based soups may separate slightly.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt.
- Yukon Gold potatoes create an extra creamy texture.
- Avoid boiling after adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
- Mash only part of the potatoes for a thick, rustic soup.
- Stir frequently to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of milk?
Yes. Replace up to half of the milk with chicken broth for a lighter soup while still maintaining plenty of flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor, but mild cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses also work well.
Can I make it thicker?
Absolutely. Mash more of the potatoes or simmer the soup a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add meat?
Yes! Crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or cooked sausage make excellent additions.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully comforting. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just over half an hour, it’s the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights, cold-weather dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm bowl of homemade comfort.
