Why You’ll Love this Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
When the cool weather hits and comfort food cravings strike, nothing satisfies quite like this creamy potato soup. I’m talking about a warm bowl of pure comfort that comes together with minimal effort—perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
The combination of pre-diced potatoes with onion saves precious prep time, while the Velveeta cheese melts into a velvety smooth texture that store-brand cheeses just can’t match. The chicken broth adds depth without overwhelming the potato flavor, and those optional bacon pieces? They’re the salty, crunchy finish that elevates each spoonful.
You can adjust the consistency to your preference—leave some potato chunks for texture or mash completely for silky smoothness. Your call, your comfort.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Comfort Potato Soup?
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of warm, creamy potato soup. This simple recipe transforms humble potatoes into a velvety, satisfying meal that’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something to warm you from the inside out. The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list – just a handful of items you might already have in your kitchen.
- 1 (20 ounce) package Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes with Onion
- 1 (8 ounce) box chicken broth
- 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon pieces (for garnish)
What makes this recipe so approachable is the use of pre-packaged potatoes, which greatly cuts down on prep time. No peeling or dicing required! The Velveeta cheese might seem like a shortcut, but it’s actually the secret to achieving that silky smooth texture without worrying about cheese separating or becoming grainy. For those who prefer a more “from scratch” approach, you could certainly substitute fresh diced potatoes and onions, and perhaps use a combination of cheddar and cream cheese instead of Velveeta.
The bacon pieces add a wonderful smoky contrast to the creamy soup, but vegetarians could easily omit this or replace with crispy fried onions for that crunchy topping element.
How to Make this Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
Creating this comforting potato soup couldn’t be simpler, and it comes together in just minutes. Begin by cooking the 20-ounce package of Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes with Onion in an 8-ounce box of chicken broth. Let them simmer until they’re nice and soft, which won’t take long since these pre-diced potatoes are ready to go.
Once they’ve softened, take a potato masher (or the back of a wooden spoon in a pinch) and partially mash the potatoes. You’re looking for texture here, not complete smoothness—those little chunks are what make this soup so satisfying.
Next comes the magic ingredient that transforms this from basic to decadent: add 1/2 pound of cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. This processed cheese melts beautifully into the broth, creating that creamy, velvety texture we all crave in a good potato soup. For the best results, use a quality stainless steel Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly to help the cheese melt without scorching. Season with salt and pepper to taste—remember, the broth and cheese already contain salt, so you might need less than you think.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle those bacon pieces either directly into the whole pot or let everyone add them to their individual bowls (perfect for those who might want to skip the bacon). Once that cheese has completely melted into a luscious, golden soup, it’s ready to serve. Couldn’t be easier, right? And on a cold evening, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of creamy potato goodness.
Creamy Comfort Potato Soup Substitutions and Variations
Why stick to the original recipe when there are so many delicious ways to customize this creamy potato soup? I love swapping the Velveeta for sharp cheddar when I want a more pronounced cheese flavor, or using half Velveeta and half cream cheese for extra creaminess. Not a fan of boxed broth? Homemade stock works beautifully here.
For a heartier version, add diced ham or shredded chicken along with those bacon pieces. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead. Sometimes I’ll stir in a handful of corn or some chopped broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Want it spicier? A dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños will give it a nice kick. For a richer finish, drizzle each bowl with a spoonful of heavy cream.
What to Serve with Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
Three perfect companions can turn a simple bowl of potato soup into a complete meal. First, a crusty artisan bread or warm dinner roll makes the ideal vehicle for sopping up every last drop of that velvety, cheesy goodness. Trust me, you’ll want to catch every bit.
Second, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing, invigorating contrast to the rich, creamy soup. Think arugula with lemon dressing or a simple mixed greens salad with cucumber and tomato.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good sandwich pairing—a classic grilled cheese with sharp cheddar creates the ultimate comfort food duo. Who doesn’t love that golden, crispy exterior giving way to melty cheese, perfect for dunking?
Final Thoughts
This homemade potato soup recipe has become my absolute favorite comfort food for those chilly evenings when nothing else will do. There’s something magical about how the Simply Potatoes blend with melted Velveeta, creating that perfect creamy consistency without hours of prep work.
What I love most? The versatility. Need a quick weeknight dinner? This soup delivers. Want to impress weekend guests? Just add those crispy bacon pieces on top for a little extra flair. And honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a recipe with just five ingredients?
Remember to mash those potatoes just enough—leaving some chunks gives the soup wonderful texture. The beauty of comfort food is in its simplicity, and this potato soup proves that sometimes, the easiest recipes create the most memorable meals.
