Best Cheeses To Add To Your Hearty Potato Soup

There are many types of cheese that can be used in potato soup, including cheddar, sour cream, and chihuahua cheese. The type of cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. Some recipes call for a specific type of cheese, while others allow for more flexibility. For example, extra sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a recipe that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, while Chihuahua cheese is suggested as a secret ingredient to boost the flavour of your potato soup.

Cheddar cheese

Extra sharp cheddar cheese is often recommended for the best flavour, but white extra sharp cheddar can also be used. A yellow cheese will give the richest colour. A good-quality cheddar is crucial to the dish's flavour.

A potato and cheddar cheese soup can be made in around 30 minutes and is a great lunch option, especially served with a sandwich or a cool, crisp salad. It can also be served as an appetizer or with crackers or a crusty roll for a more substantial snack.

Bacon

Choosing the Right Bacon

Use whatever bacon you prefer. Regular, thick-cut, or even bacon ends will work. If you don't eat pork, you can substitute turkey, beef, or soy bacon.

Cooking the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it is browned and crispy. You want the bacon to be just cooked through and slightly crisp around the edges but still pliable so that it doesn't become super crispy and crunchy in the soup. Depending on your preference, you can drain the bacon grease or leave a small amount (about a tablespoon) to cook the onions and other vegetables. Cooking the bacon first also creates a fond, or browned bits, that will stick to the bottom of the pot and add flavour to the soup.

Adding Bacon to the Soup

After cooking the bacon, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. You can add the bacon back to the soup at the end of the cooking process, stirring it in to ensure it is distributed evenly. Alternatively, you can reserve some of the bacon to use as a topping for the soup, along with other toppings like sour cream, green onions, or additional cheese.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover soup, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Avoid boiling the soup as this can affect the texture of the bacon.

Broth

Firstly, you can use chicken broth or chicken stock, which are commonly used in potato soup recipes. They add a savoury flavour to the soup and complement the other ingredients well. If you don't have chicken broth, you can also use chicken bouillon cubes and add water to create the desired amount of broth.

Alternatively, vegetable broth is another option that can be used instead of chicken broth. It provides a similar savoury flavour and is suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

When preparing the broth for your potato soup, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour. For example, you can include chopped onions, celery, or carrots, and sauté them in the broth to create a flavourful base for your soup.

Additionally, seasoning your broth with salt, pepper, and other spices can further enhance the taste of your potato soup. Adjust the seasonings to your preference, tasting as you go to ensure the flavours are balanced.

Remember to choose a broth that aligns with the overall flavour profile you want to achieve in your potato soup, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of broth and seasonings to find the combination you like best.

Blending

To blend the soup, you can use either an immersion blender or a regular blender. If using a regular blender, be sure to let the soup cool down before transferring it to the blender, as blending hot liquids can be dangerous. Blend the soup in batches to avoid overfilling the blender, which can be dangerous and may lead to spills.

When blending, aim for a smooth and creamy consistency. If using an immersion blender, move it around the pot to ensure that all the ingredients are pureed evenly. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more liquid, such as chicken broth or water, while blending.

After blending, return the pureed soup to the pot and continue with the recipe. This step ensures that all the flavours are combined and creates a cohesive and tasty soup.

Some recipes also include a thickening step before blending. This can be done by creating a slurry with milk and flour or using other thickening agents like roux, pureed potatoes, instant potatoes, or even sour cream and cream cheese. This step adds body and richness to the soup, enhancing the overall texture and mouthfeel.

Toppings

There are many different toppings that can be added to potato soup to elevate the dish and enhance its flavour. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your potato soup:

Bacon

Adding bacon bits to your potato soup can provide a crunchy texture and savoury flavour. Fry or cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble or cut it into small pieces. You can garnish the soup with the bacon bits or stir them directly into the soup.

Cheese

As the focus of this soup is cheese, adding extra cheese as a topping can further enhance the creaminess and flavour. Cheddar cheese is a popular option, and it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself for better melting. Other options include Queso Chihuahua, a Mexican melting cheese similar to mozzarella but with a bolder taste, or simply using pre-shredded cheese.

Sour Cream

Sour cream can add a tangy and creamy dimension to the soup. It can be stirred into the soup or simply added as a dollop on top.

Chives/Green Onions

Chopped chives or green onions can bring a fresh flavour and a pop of colour to the soup. They are often used as a garnish, adding a mild onion taste without being too overpowering.

Other Toppings

• Butter
• Spicy elements like hot sauce, pepper flakes, or salsa
• Cream cheese or cream
• Vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions
• Herbs like garlic, parsley, or oregano

Frequently asked questions