Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup with Vegetables
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup, a beloved family recipe perfect for chilly fall and winter days. This heartwarming soup features tender diced potatoes, vibrant carrots, and aromatic celery, all mingling in a luscious cheddar cheese broth. It's a versatile dish that invites creativity—add some crispy crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor or garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch. Enjoy this wholesome soup as a filling meal or a delightful starter, and feel free to double the recipe to share with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
carrots
2 (peeled and diced)
celery rib
1 large (chopped)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
fresh minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
flour
1/4 cup (for thickening)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional)
half-and-half
2 cups (or 1 cup milk with 1 cup half-and-half)
chicken broth
3 cups (for flavor)
cooked diced potatoes
2 1/2 cups (can use more if desired)
grated old cheddar cheese
3 cups (for a rich flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup with Vegetables?
This soup features rich and comforting flavors with a luscious cheddar cheese broth, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables like carrots and celery.
What vegetables are included in this potato soup?
The recipe includes peeled and diced carrots, chopped celery ribs, and a medium chopped onion.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Grated old cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a rich and deep flavor to the soup.
Can I add meat to this vegetable potato soup?
Yes, adding crispy crumbled bacon is a suggested variation to add an extra layer of savory flavor.
Is the Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup suitable for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a heartwarming meal perfect for chilly fall and winter days.
How do I thicken the soup base?
The soup is thickened using a mixture of butter, oil, and 1/4 cup of flour to create a base for the broth.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use a combination of 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of half-and-half if you prefer a slightly lighter consistency.
Do the potatoes need to be cooked before adding them to the soup?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of cooked diced potatoes.
How much garlic should I use?
You can use 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic depending on your personal taste preferences.
Is this soup recipe spicy?
The recipe includes an optional pinch of cayenne pepper for a very subtle warmth, but it is not inherently spicy.
Can I make a larger batch of this soup?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can easily be doubled to share with loved ones or for meal prep.
What garnishes are recommended?
Recommended garnishes include Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or crispy crumbled bacon.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of chicken broth to build the flavorful soup base.
How many potatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 1/2 cups of cooked diced potatoes, but notes you can use more if desired.
Why are butter and oil both used?
Butter is used for its rich flavor while oil is used for sautéing the initial vegetable aromatic base.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is designed to be a simple, wholesome family meal.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is used as a garnish to add a salty, nutty finish to the soup before serving.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and diced into small pieces to ensure they are tender.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe encourages adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What kind of onion is required?
One medium onion, chopped, is used to provide an aromatic base for the soup.
Is this soup a main dish or a starter?
It is versatile enough to be served as a filling main meal or a delightful starter dish.
What makes the soup broth creamy?
The combination of half-and-half and 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese creates the creamy, luscious texture.
How much flour is needed for the thickening process?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of flour to help thicken the liquid into a creamy consistency.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe passed down for comfort and nutrition.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, cheddar cheese, potato soup, comfort food, vegetable soup, and creamy soup.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on carrots and celery, the description mentions it invites creativity, so additional vegetables could be added.
How much celery is needed?
You will need one large celery rib, which should be chopped.
What type of pepper is best for seasoning?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor impact.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh minced garlic for a more vibrant aromatic profile.
Is this a wholesome meal?
Yes, the recipe is described as a wholesome and filling soup that is ideal for family dining.