Cheesy Potato Soup is a cozy and hearty dish that captures the essence of home-style comfort cooking. Made with tender potatoes, savory onions, rich evaporated milk, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect cold-weather meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas. Slow-cooked for hours, the flavors blend into a creamy, velvety texture that’s both filling and satisfying. The finishing touch of crispy bacon and chives adds depth and a touch of indulgence. It’s a family-favorite classic that brings warmth to every bowl, often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes (medium, peeled and chopped)
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ cup onion (chopped )
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cheese (shredded, cheddar recommended)
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- bacon (crumbled, for garnish)
- chives (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Peel and chop potatoes. Finely chop onion. Gather remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Combine and Cook
- Add potatoes, water, onion, bouillon granules, and pepper to a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–4½ hours until potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Milk
- Stir in shredded cheese and evaporated milk.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 hour longer.
Step 4: Adjust Texture
- Mash potatoes slightly with a spoon or potato masher for a thicker consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chives before serving.
Tips
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture without much mashing.
- Substitute vegetable bouillon for chicken bouillon for a vegetarian-leaning version.
- For thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes directly in the cooker before serving.
- Add diced celery or carrots with the onion for extra flavor and vegetables.
- Stir in a dollop of sour cream at the end for added richness and tang.
- Replace evaporated milk with half-and-half for a richer soup, or with regular milk for lighter texture.
- For extra cheesiness, use a blend of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack.
- Top with optional garnishes: bacon, chives, extra cheese, or cracked black pepper.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokey note.
- If using pre-shredded cheese, add gradually and stir well to avoid clumping.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 1.2mg