Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

This cheesy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or cozy nights in. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ham, and creamy Velveeta cheese, it’s rich and satisfying.

With a simple blend of sautéed vegetables and hearty broth, this recipe comes together easily and is sure to warm you from the inside out. Whether served as a meal or a side, it’s a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Cheesy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

Potatoes: 10 medium, peeled and diced

Butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup)

Onion: 1 medium, diced

Celery: 2 stalks, diced

Carrots: 2 medium, diced

Ham: 1 cup, diced (adjust to taste)

Flour: 1/3 cup (for thickening)

Chicken broth: 2 cups (plus reserved potato water)

Velveeta cheese: 2 cups (or to taste)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Potatoes:

In a large pot, add diced potatoes and cover with water.

Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Drain, saving the cooking water, and set the potatoes aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and ham.

Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Thicken the Soup:

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine.

Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Add Liquid:

Gradually stir in the chicken broth, mixing well to avoid lumps.

Then, add enough of the reserved potato water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine and Melt:

Add the cooked potatoes back into the pot and stir to combine.

Reduce heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Season:

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Adjust cheese and seasoning as desired.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your creamy, cheesy potato goodness!

Feel free to garnish with chives or croutons for extra flavor and texture!

Notes:

Potato Variety: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down nicely and create a creamy soup.

Vegetable Options: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix. Adding garlic, bell peppers, or even corn can enhance the flavor.

Cheese Substitutes: While Velveeta gives a smooth, creamy texture, you can also use shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Just make sure to add a bit more liquid if using a firmer cheese.

Thickening Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour slightly or reduce the amount of broth/water. For a thinner soup, add more liquid gradually.

Seasoning Variations: Experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If possible, add cheese after thawing for the best results.

Garnish Ideas: Top with chopped chives, green onions, croutons, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and crunch.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water if it thickens too much.

What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?

You can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

If using firmer cheeses, be sure to add a little extra liquid to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I freeze the cheesy potato soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

It’s best to add the cheese after thawing for optimal consistency.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can add more vegetables or beans for protein.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.

You can also top it with chives, croutons, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?

Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.

They should be tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes of boiling.

Can I use leftover potatoes for this soup?

Answer: Absolutely! Leftover cooked potatoes can be diced and added directly to the soup.

Just adjust the cooking time since you’ll only need to heat them through.

What if my soup is too thick?

If your soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or reserved potato water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.

You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil.

Ensure your broth is also dairy-free for a complete dairy-free soup.