Randy Chandler
Potato soup is a hearty meal, perfect for cold weather. It can be made in just one pot and is a great comfort food. While there are many ways to make potato soup, a popular option is to add cheese, creating a creamy and delicious meal. This soup can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as bacon, chives, and additional cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Swiss, sharp cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Butter, onion, garlic, broth, milk, sour cream, bacon, chives, broccoli, oregano, parsley, thyme, mustard powder, black pepper, soy sauce, hot sauce, vegetable broth, chicken broth, cream cheese, carrots, peas |
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Freezing suitability | Not suitable for freezing |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice
Cheddar cheese potato soup can be served as a side or appetizer, or as a main course with a salad, French bread, or sandwich. It can be made in about 30 minutes, making it a great lunch option.
Some recipes suggest offering additional cheese on the side, along with fresh chives or crumbled bacon. The soup can be made up to two days ahead of serving and refrigerated, though it will thicken in the fridge and should be gently reheated without boiling. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture changes when frozen.
For a thinner soup, more milk can be added. Alternatively, some wine can be added, though this will affect the flavour.
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Broth options: vegetable or chicken
When it comes to making potato soup, there are a variety of ingredients and methods that can be used to create a delicious, hearty meal. One of the key choices is the type of broth or stock used as a base. Vegetable broth and chicken broth are two popular options, each offering distinct advantages and contributing to the overall flavour and character of the soup.
Vegetable broth is an excellent choice for those seeking a vegetarian or vegan option, as it provides a rich, savoury foundation without the use of animal products. It enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and other vegetables, creating a well-rounded, satisfying soup. This option is also ideal for those who want to highlight the freshness and brightness of the ingredients, resulting in a soup that is comforting and nourishing.
Chicken broth, on the other hand, imparts a distinct savoury flavour to the soup. It adds depth and complexity, making the soup even more indulgent and satisfying. Chicken broth is an excellent choice for those who want a heartier, richer soup. It pairs well with ingredients like cheese, cream, and butter, enhancing their creamy textures and flavours.
The choice between vegetable and chicken broth ultimately depends on personal preference and dietary considerations. Both options can serve as excellent bases for potato soup, providing a canvas for additional ingredients and flavours. When using broth, it is essential to consider the salt content and adjust seasoning accordingly to achieve the desired taste profile.
In terms of specific recipes, some potato soup creations call for chicken broth, such as the recipe that includes butter, onion, garlic, potatoes, and chicken broth, resulting in a hearty and flavourful soup. This recipe benefits from the savoury notes of the chicken broth, which complements the other ingredients. However, it is worth noting that some cooks prefer to use vegetable broth in their potato soup, as it can result in a brighter, more refreshing soup.
Additionally, the type of broth used can influence the consistency of the soup. For a thicker soup, a roux or flour can be added, but this may vary depending on the starch content of the potatoes and other ingredients. The cooking method, such as boiling or pureeing, also plays a role in the final texture of the soup.
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Add-ons: bacon, sour cream, chives
While cheese is often added to potato soup, there are several other add-ons that can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some ideas for add-ons: bacon, sour cream, and chives.
Bacon
Bacon is a popular add-on for potato soup, adding a salty, savoury flavour and a crispy texture. To incorporate bacon into your potato soup, start by cooking bacon pieces in a large pot over medium heat until they are crisp and browned. Remove the bacon pieces from the pot, leaving the fat behind. This bacon fat can then be used to cook the other ingredients, adding even more flavour to the soup. Alternatively, you can add cooked bacon pieces to the soup just before serving, using them as a topping or mix-in.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is another delicious add-on that can enhance the flavour and texture of potato soup. It adds a tangy, creamy element to the soup. You can stir sour cream into the soup itself, or use it as a topping, allowing each person to add a dollop to their bowl as desired.
Chives
Chives are a type of herb that can add a mild onion flavour and a bright, fresh touch to potato soup. They are often used as a garnish, sprinkled on top of the soup just before serving. Chives not only enhance the flavour of the dish but also add a pop of colour, making the soup more visually appealing.
These add-ons can be used individually or in combination to create a delicious and flavourful potato soup. Feel free to experiment with different amounts and combinations of these ingredients to find your perfect potato soup recipe!
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Freezing: not recommended
While some sources claim that potato cheese soup can be frozen, others advise against it due to the potential change in texture. Here's why freezing might not be the best option for this delicious soup:
Freezing potato cheese soup can affect its texture and overall quality. Potatoes have a high starch content, and when frozen, they tend to become grainy, mushy, or gritty upon thawing. This change in texture can make the soup less appealing and impact its creamy consistency.
Dairy-based soups, such as those containing cheese, milk, or cream, can also separate during freezing and thawing. The dairy components may curdle or develop an unpleasant texture, detracting from the smooth and creamy mouthfeel that is characteristic of potato cheese soup.
Additionally, cheese itself does not always freeze well. Some types of cheese can become dry and lose their creamy texture, affecting the overall taste and mouthfeel of the soup.
The process of freezing and thawing can also affect the overall flavor of the soup. The soup may not taste as fresh, and the delicate balance of flavors may be altered.
While it is possible to mitigate some of these issues by using pureed potatoes instead of chunks and being careful with the thawing process, it is still a delicate process that may not always yield desirable results.
Therefore, to enjoy potato cheese soup at its best, it is recommended to consume it fresh and avoid freezing if possible. This way, you can savor the rich, creamy texture and flavor without compromising its quality.
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Pureeing: half or all of the soup?
Pureeing half of your potato soup will give it a chunkier texture, with some actual pieces of potato remaining. This can be done by transferring half of the soup to a blender or food processor and pureeing until smooth, before stirring it back into the rest of the soup. You can also use an immersion blender to puree around half of the soup directly in the pot.
If you prefer a completely smooth soup, you can puree all of it. However, note that blending the soup may alter its consistency, especially if it contains dairy products or potatoes. Therefore, it is not recommended to freeze pureed potato soup as the texture changes when frozen.
To adjust the consistency of your soup, you can add more liquid, such as milk or broth, to make it thinner, or add potatoes or pureed vegetables to thicken it.
Additionally, if you are adding cheese to your potato soup, it is best to stir the cheese into the soup towards the end of the cooking process. This allows the cheese to melt into the soup without overcooking, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for potato soup, but other options include Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar.
The amount of cheese you put in potato soup depends on your preference. You can add as much or as little cheese as you like.
Cheese should be added at the end, after the soup has been pureed and returned to the saucepan. This allows the cheese to melt into the soup gently.
Yes, you can add various ingredients to potato soup, including bacon, sour cream, chives, sliced carrots, peas, broccoli, and various herbs and seasonings.
