Bushra Griffith
A potato soup is a great comfort food, especially when it's cold outside. The best cheese to use in a potato soup is cheddar cheese. It is recommended to use a block of good-quality cheese that you grate yourself, as pre-shredded bagged cheese will not melt as well. You can also add cream cheese and sour cream to your potato soup to give it more flavour and thickness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Extra Sharp Cheddar |
| Cheese preparation | Grated, Shredded |
| Soup preparation | Boiled, Blended, Mashed |
| Add-ons | Chives, Bacon, Broccoli, Carrots, Peas, Sour Cream |
| Broth | Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar cheese is the best cheese for potato soup
A recipe for a delicious and simple cheddar cheese potato soup involves first sautéing onion and celery in butter, then stirring in garlic and flour. Next, slowly whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, followed by cream, Worcestershire sauce, and potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are tender, transfer about half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and add sour cream, bacon pieces, and cheddar cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes before serving. Top with additional sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, or chives.
For a vegetarian option, omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian alternative, and consider adding a spoonful of vegetable bouillon paste for extra flavour.
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Grate the cheese yourself for better melting
Grating your own cheese is a simple way to elevate your potato soup. While it may seem easier to buy pre-grated cheese, there are several reasons why grating your own is a better option. Firstly, pre-grated cheese is often coated in starch, preservatives, and additives to prevent it from sticking together in the bag. This coating inhibits the cheese's ability to melt smoothly and evenly, affecting the final texture and consistency of your soup.
Secondly, grating your own cheese gives you access to a wider variety of cheeses. Pre-grated cheese is typically limited to a few standard options, while there are hundreds of unique varieties of cheese available in block form. By grating your own cheese, you can experiment with different types and find the perfect flavor for your soup.
Additionally, grating your own cheese can save you money. Pre-grated cheese often comes with a "convenience charge," meaning you're paying more for the same amount of cheese. With a block of cheese, you get more for your money, and you can grate only what you need, reducing waste.
Finally, freshly grated cheese simply tastes better. It melts more evenly, resulting in a creamier, smoother texture that blends seamlessly into your soup. The improved melting properties of freshly grated cheese are especially noticeable in dishes like potato soup, where a smooth, creamy texture is desired.
To get the best results when grating your own cheese, bring the cheese to room temperature before grating. Use a sharp grater, and select the appropriate size for the desired thickness of your shreds. For a quick and even melt, a medium-sized hole is ideal. Always grate your cheese on a cutting board, then add it to your dish to prevent any accidents.
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Add cream cheese for a luxurious texture
If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your potato soup, consider incorporating some cream cheese. This ingredient not only adds flavour but also helps to create a rich, creamy texture that elevates the overall dining experience.
To begin, it's important to prepare the potatoes just right. Peel and dice them into uniform 1-inch pieces, then boil them in salted water until they're tender. Separately, cook the other ingredients, including caramelised onions, garlic, and herbs. You can also add some flour to the onions to cook out the raw taste, and then whisk in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth.
Now, for the star ingredient: cream cheese. After draining the boiled potatoes, add sour cream and cream cheese, mashing the potatoes to your desired consistency. You can leave them chunky for a heartier texture or mash them until smooth. The cream cheese will blend seamlessly with the potatoes, creating a creamy base for your soup. Adjust the consistency by adding "half and half" or milk to thin it out if needed.
Once you've achieved your desired texture, it's time to incorporate the cheese. Turn off the heat or lower it to prevent scorching, and add your grated cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts beautifully into the soup. The cream cheese provides the perfect base for the cheddar, enhancing its flavour and creating an irresistibly creamy texture.
Finally, serve your luxurious potato soup. Garnish with fresh chives, crumbled bacon, or additional cheese for an indulgent finish. This soup is sure to impress, providing a rich and comforting dining experience.
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Use vegetable broth for a brighter soup
A potato soup is a hearty and delicious meal, perfect for a cold winter's day. While there are many variations, a creamy potato soup is a popular choice, and one way to achieve that creaminess is to use vegetable broth.
Vegetable broth is an excellent base for a potato soup, especially if you want a bright, vibrant colour and a lighter, vegetarian option. It is a great substitute for chicken broth, and you can make your own or buy it ready-made. The key to a tasty soup is to season it well, and this is especially important when using vegetable broth, which can be a little bland. So, be generous with your salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to add some extra herbs and spices to boost the flavour.
When making a potato soup with vegetable broth, you can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russets, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. The type of potato you choose will affect the texture of your soup, with Russets being a good choice if you want the potatoes to fall apart and create a thicker consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can roughly mash the potatoes or only blend a portion of the soup.
To make a creamy potato soup with vegetable broth, start by sautéing your onions, celery, and carrots in butter or vegan butter. Add garlic, herbs, and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a bay leaf for extra flavour. Then, sprinkle in some flour and slowly add your vegetable broth, whisking as you go to create a smooth, creamy base. Finally, add your potatoes and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender.
For an extra indulgent soup, you can stir in some milk or non-dairy milk, such as cashew or almond milk. If you want a truly creamy soup, you can blend it until smooth, or you can leave it brothy with some chunks of potato. Top with your favourite cheese, bacon, chives, or scallions for a delicious, comforting meal.
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Russet potatoes are a good option
When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for your cheese soup, Russet potatoes are a good option. This variety is known for its starchy content, which can add a desirable texture to your soup. Russet potatoes also soften nicely when cooked, making them ideal for soups and mashed dishes.
Using Russet potatoes can provide a good base for your cheese soup, allowing the flavours of the cheese and other ingredients to shine through. Their starchy nature can contribute to a creamy consistency, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Additionally, Russet potatoes are widely available and affordable, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice for your soup. They are a versatile variety that works well in various dishes, so you can easily adjust your recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
When preparing Russet potatoes for soup, it is recommended to peel and dice them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired texture. Cooking techniques such as boiling or simmering can be applied to soften the potatoes, creating a smooth and creamy soup base.
Furthermore, Russet potatoes tend to absorb the flavours of the ingredients they are cooked with. This quality makes them a perfect choice for cheese soup, as they can enhance the cheesy taste and create a harmonious blend of flavours. Whether you opt for sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, or a combination, Russet potatoes provide a neutral canvas that complements the cheese of your choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for potato soup, with some recipes specifically recommending extra sharp cheddar cheese. Other options include cream cheese, sour cream, and crumbled cheese.
It is recommended to use a block of cheddar cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded bagged cheese is covered in starch, which makes it harder to melt.
This depends on personal preference. Some recipes call for one cup of shredded cheese to be stirred into the soup, with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese used as a topping.
Cheese should be added towards the end of the cooking process. It can be added to the soup once the potatoes and other vegetables are tender.
Yes, potato soup is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients. Some popular additions include bacon, chives, carrots, broccoli, and bread.
