This Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup is rich, velvety, and loaded with tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful blend of herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and comes together in just under an hour.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Optional Toppings

• Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Croutons

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 3: Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until mostly smooth, leaving a few potato chunks for texture.

Alternatively, carefully blend half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.

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Step 4: Add Dairy

Reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the milk and heavy cream.

Gradually add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cheese, as it may become grainy.

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Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls.

Top with bacon, extra cheese, green onions, parsley, or sour cream if desired.

Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or crackers.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 465
• Protein: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Potassium: 780 mg
• Calcium: 360 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

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Tips

• Freshly shred the cheese for the smoothest, creamiest soup.
• Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally buttery, creamy texture.
• Blend only part of the soup if you prefer a chunkier consistency.
• Add the cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.

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Variations

• Loaded Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon, diced ham, and extra cheddar cheese.
• Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup: Stir in 2 cups of steamed broccoli before serving.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Lighter Version: Replace the heavy cream with evaporated milk or additional whole milk.

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze without the cheese and cream for up to 2 months. Add the dairy after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup becomes too thick.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What potatoes are best for this soup?
A: Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, while Russet potatoes create a thicker, heartier soup.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Freshly shredded cheese is recommended because pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: Simmer it a little longer, mash more of the potatoes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, if your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Q: What can I serve with Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup?
A: It pairs perfectly with garlic bread, dinner rolls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.