This quick potato soup is creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly days! With potatoes, cheese, and just a few seasonings, it warms you up in no time.
I love making this soup because it’s so easy—just chop, simmer, and blend! Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, so I can enjoy it before my next Netflix episode! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the creamiest texture. If you’re looking for something lighter, Yukon Golds will work too. Just keep in mind that waxy potatoes won’t yield the same creaminess.
Broth: Chicken broth adds rich flavor, but you can easily use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. Homemade or store-bought, either works just fine!
Cheese: While cheddar gives great flavor, feel free to try other types like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. You could even go bold with pepper jack for a little kick!
Milk or Cream: Using whole milk gives a nice creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even almond milk if you want a lighter or dairy-free version.
How Do I Make My Soup Extra Creamy?
Achieving that smooth, creamy texture in your potato soup requires a few steps! First, the key is to blend your soup just right. Here’s how:
- Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant; this builds flavor.
- Add potatoes and broth, cooking until tender. The more tender, the better the blend!
- Use an immersion blender for convenience. If you don’t have one, carefully blend in batches in a regular blender—just be cautious with the hot soup!
- Adding the milk or cream after blending integrates more creaminess without cooking it down.
For an extra luxurious touch, mix in a bit more cheese after blending. This creates a wonderful creaminess along with rich flavor.
How to Make 30-Minute Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Croutons (optional, for topping)
Time Needed:
This 30-minute potato soup requires about 10 minutes of prep time and just 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to enjoy in half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and aromatic. This will give your soup a great flavor base!
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are very tender. This should take about 15 minutes.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth but still has a bit of chunkiness for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
After blending, stir in the milk or cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is warmed through.
5. Season and Serve:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Now, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and croutons if you like.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting 30-minute potato soup! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal! 🍲
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While starchy potatoes like Russets give a creamy texture, Yukon Golds are a great alternative as they add a bit of buttery flavor. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t yield the same creaminess.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It will still be delicious and maintain a rich flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream with whole milk or even a dairy alternative like almond milk. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options may affect the richness of the soup.