Creamy Potato Soup

## The Comfort of a Good Potato Soup Few things in life are as universally comforting as a bowl of creamy potato soup on a cold evening. It is the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm blanket, filling and satisfying in the most uncomplicated way possible. This recipe captures that feeling perfectly while keeping things simple enough for any home cook to pull off without stress. What makes this version special is the balance between creamy and chunky. Rather than blending everything smooth, you mash the potatoes right in the pot, leaving some pieces intact. This gives you a soup with body and texture rather than something that feels like baby food. The cheddar cheese melted in at the end adds richness and a subtle sharpness that elevates the whole bowl. ## Getting the Texture Right The roux made from butter and flour at the beginning is what gives this soup its silky consistency without needing heavy cream. It thickens the broth just enough to coat the back of a spoon while still feeling like soup rather than a sauce. Do not rush the roux step. Cooking the flour for a full minute eliminates the raw, pasty taste that can ruin an otherwise great soup. When mashing the potatoes in the pot, aim for roughly half mashed and half intact. This gives you the best of both worlds. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, use an immersion blender, but go slowly and leave a few chunks for interest. The starch released from the mashed potatoes naturally thickens the liquid, so the soup will continue to thicken as it sits. ## Why This Is a Budget Champion At a dollar and twenty-five cents per serving, this might be the cheapest satisfying dinner you can make. Potatoes are one of the most affordable foods in any grocery store, and a two-pound bag costs next to nothing. The rest of the ingredients are basic pantry and refrigerator staples. Even the cheddar cheese, which is the most expensive component, stretches across six generous servings. This is the kind of recipe to lean on during weeks when the grocery budget is tight. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread, and you have a complete meal that costs less per person than a cup of coffee at most cafes. ## Topping Ideas and Variations The toppings are where you can really personalize this soup. Classic choices include a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, and crispy bacon bits. Shredded cheese on top that melts into the hot soup is always a crowd pleaser. For something different, try a drizzle of hot sauce, a handful of crumbled crackers, or a scoop of salsa. To make the soup heartier, stir in some chopped cooked broccoli, sauteed leeks, or roasted garlic. A handful of corn adds sweetness that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. For a loaded baked potato version, pile on all the toppings you would put on a baked potato and stir some of them in. ## Storage and Reheating This soup keeps in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. It thickens considerably as it cools, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency. Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching. The microwave works fine for individual portions, but stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. This is one of those rare soups that actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.