Creamy potato soup recipe nights are always a good idea. This cozy bowl is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor from tender potatoes, fresh herbs, melty cheddar cheese, and savory vegetables simmered together into one hearty, satisfying soup.

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The backstory.
There's something about homemade potato soup simmering on the stove that instantly makes a house feel warmer. I started making this recipe years ago after one too many disappointing canned soups that somehow tasted both bland and salty at the same time.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
A creamy potato soup recipe like this earns a spot in the dinner rotation fast because it's cozy, hearty, easy to make, and packed with comforting flavor in every bite.
- It's creamy without being too heavy. The half and half or oat milk keeps the texture silky while letting the potato flavor shine through.
- It's loaded with flavor. Fresh herbs, cheddar cheese, onions, carrots, and celery create that classic homemade potato soup taste everyone loves.
- Flexible. You can turn it into loaded potato soup, keep it vegetarian, or make it extra cheesy depending on your mood.
- Wholesome comfort food. Packed with vegetables and hearty potatoes, this healthy soup feels satisfying and nourishing at the same time.
Soup season may come and go, but honestly? I could eat this cheesy potato soup year-round.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
This cheese and potato soup is creamy, velvety, and packed with cozy flavor in every spoonful. The potatoes blend into a rich, hearty base while the cheddar melts into the soup for that smooth, cheesy finish. The carrots, celery, and onions add just enough sweetness and savory depth to keep things balanced, while fresh thyme and parsley brighten everything up. It's the kind of potato soup with cheese that somehow tastes even better curled up under a blanket.
What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make this easy potato soup recipe with cheese.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables until soft and flavorful.
- Celery: Gives the soup a savory, classic homemade soup flavor.
- Carrots: Add subtle sweetness and color to the soup.
- Onions: Build the flavor base and make everything smell amazing.
- Potatoes: The heart of this recipe for potato soup. Use peeled or unpeeled potatoes depending on your preference.
- Chicken broth: Creates the savory soup base. Vegetable broth works great too.
- Fresh parsley: Adds fresh flavor and a little brightness.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Gives this homemade potato soup cozy earthy flavor.
- Salt: Helps balance and deepen all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spice.
- Half and half or oat milk: Makes the soup creamy and smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The key to that cheesy potato soup goodness.
- Chives or green onion: Optional, but perfect for garnish and extra flavor.
If you love cozy, comforting soups as much as I do, there are plenty more delicious options to add to your list. Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe is creamy, wholesome, and packed with fresh broccoli flavor for an easy plant-forward dinner. Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Soup brings rich, savory flavor with a cozy creamy broth that feels restaurant-worthy without the extra effort. Vegan Potato Leek Soup is smooth, hearty, and full of classic comforting flavor, while Potato Asparagus Soup is a fresh and cozy twist that's perfect when you want something creamy but still light and bright.
Customize it your way.
A bowl of creamy cheese potato soup is easy to tweak depending on what sounds cozy, cheesy, or extra comforting that day.
- Stir in cooked bacon for an easy loaded potato soup version.
- Add a dollop of sour cream right before serving for extra richness.
- Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Leave the soup chunky instead of fully blended for extra texture.
- Toss in corn or broccoli for more veggie-packed comfort food.
- Top with extra shredded cheese, green onions, or crunchy croutons.
- Add protein by adding in some bacon, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even beans.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, and cayenne, or top your soup with your favorite hot sauce for a little extra kick!
Flexible dietary swaps.
One of my favorite things about this creamy potato soup recipe is how easy it is to adapt for different lifestyles and preferences.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, creamy oat milk, and vegan shredded cheese.
- Dairy-free: Swap the half and half for unsweetened creamy oat milk.
- Gluten-free: This soup is naturally gluten-free as written, just double-check packaged ingredients.
- Lower sodium: Use reduced-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end.
How to make creamy cheese potato soup.
A pot of creamy potato soup recipe comes together in a few simple steps and fills your kitchen with the best cozy smells.
- Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in butter until soft and fragrant.
- Add the potatoes, broth, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper, then simmer until the potatoes are very tender.
- Blend the soup until it reaches your favorite consistency - silky smooth or a little chunky.
- Warm the half and half before stirring it into the soup along with the shredded cheese.
- Stir until creamy and melted, then season to taste.

How to enjoy it.
A creamy potato soup recipe like this is best served hot, cozy, and loaded up with your favorite toppings or sides.
- Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, or green onions.
- Add a spoonful of sour cream for loaded potato soup vibes.
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Pair it with a crisp green salad for an easy dinner.
- Ladle leftovers into a thermos for a cozy lunch the next day.
Kori's tips.
- Warm the half and half first. Cold dairy can curdle when added straight into hot soup.
- Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and gives the soup a creamier texture.
- Blend to your liking. Leave a few chunks of potato if you like a heartier homemade potato soup.
- Taste before serving. Potatoes soak up seasoning, so add extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Let it sit for a few minutes. The soup thickens slightly as it rests and gets even cozier.
FAQ's
Store leftover potato soup with cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often. If heating in the microwave, cover and heat in 30-second increments until your desired temperature.
Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze it flat for easier storage.
For a thicker soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry a little at a time until it reaches your favorite consistency. Mix equal parts cold water and cornstarch - starting with 1 tablespoon of each - then slowly stir it into the simmering soup.
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📖 The recipe.

Easy Potato Soup Recipe with Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- ¾ cup chopped carrots
- ¾ cup chopped onions
- 1½ pounds chopped potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, your preference)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)
- 1½ cups half and half or creamy oat milk
- ½ pound shredded cheddar cheese (plant based cheddar may be used, or another favorite)
- optional: ¼ cup chopped chives or green onion
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, preheat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft, about 7 to 8 minutes.

- Add potatoes, broth, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Continue simmering until the potatoes are very soft, about 30 minutes.

- Using a handheld immersion blender (or a traditional blender - 2 cups at a time), blend until the desired consistency is reached.

- Pour half and half into a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for 1 minute on 50% power. Add to the soup along with the cheese and green onion (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Video
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS:
- Make it loaded potato soup: Chop and cook 4 ounces of bacon. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and continue with the next step of sautéing the vegetables. Add bacon back in when the shredded cheese is added. Add in sour cream and chives.
- Vegetarian and vegan: use vegetable broth, plant-based milk, and vegan sour cream.
- TIPS: Do not add cold half-and-half or milk to the soup; it could curdle. Warm it before adding it to the soup. You can warm it in a microwave or mix it with a couple of ladles full of soup first.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Adjust seasoning to taste. Top with green onion or chives, a dollop of sour cream, and a little extra shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
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