There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, cheesy soup on a busy weeknight. This cheddar potato soup is creamy, hearty, and comes together with simple pantry staples. Best of all it’s quick, affordable, and picky-eater approved.
If you’re a busy parent looking for a meal that keeps everyone happy without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread, and dinner is done in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: bacon bits & green onions for topping
The Best Cheddar Potato Soup (Family Favorite)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheddar Potato Soup is creamy, cozy, and budget-friendly. Made with simple ingredients and ready in 40 minutes perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth, then add diced potatoes.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Ladle the Cheddar Potato Soup into bowls. Top with bacon bits and green onions if desired.
Notes
PRO TIP: For extra creamy Cheddar Potato Soup, mash half the potatoes in the pot before adding the cheese.
STORAGE: Store in the fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container.
FREEZER: Portion into containers and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to keep the cheese smooth.
REHEAT: Warm on the stove over low heat; add a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the veggies
- In a large pot, melt butter.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened.
Step 2: Make the base
- Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in broth, then add potatoes.
- Simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add the creaminess
- Lower heat. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve & enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with bacon bits or green onions if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly ingredients you already have.
- Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Family-approved kids love the cheesy flavor!
- Perfect for meal prep or freezer-friendly meals.
This cozy soup is part of our Seasonal & Holiday Trends, perfect for fall and winter comfort.
Pro Tip
For extra creaminess, mash half the potatoes with a fork before adding the cheese. This thickens the soup without heavy cream.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Cheddar Potato Soup keeps well in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- This creamy Cheddar Potato Soup freezes well. Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to keep the cheese smooth.
- To reheat leftover Cheddar Potato Soup, warm it on the stove over low heat and add a splash of milk if needed.
This cheddar potato soup is cozy, easy, and made with simple ingredients that don’t break the budget. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with friends, or try it for dinner tonight you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
FAQ About Cheddar Potato Soup
Can I make cheddar potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, then stir in cheese and milk at the end.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Mash extra potatoes or stir in a little cornstarch slurry.
