Why You’ll Love this Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup will win you over from the first spoonful. I’m talking about pure comfort in a bowl—velvety smooth, rich, and oh-so-satisfying on chilly evenings. What makes it special? The combination of tender diced potatoes with onions and that gloriously melty Velveeta cheese creates a texture that’s simply perfect.
You’ll appreciate how quick it comes together, too. No peeling or chopping required when you use pre-diced potatoes. Just simmer in chicken broth, mash to your preferred consistency, and stir in those cubes of Velveeta until they transform into liquid gold. And those bacon pieces on top? Non-negotiable in my book. They add that salty, smoky contrast that elevates each bite from delicious to absolutely crave-worthy.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Comfort Potato Soup?
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly day. This classic comfort food combines simple, hearty ingredients that most of us already have in our pantry or refrigerator. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare, when in reality, it comes together rather quickly.
- 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)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but doesn’t have to break the bank. The convenience of pre-diced potatoes saves prep time, though you could certainly dice your own if you prefer. The Velveeta gives that unmistakable creamy texture that’s hard to achieve with regular cheese, but in a pinch, a good sharp cheddar with a splash of cream could work too.
And while the bacon pieces are listed as optional, I’d argue they’re essential—that smoky, savory note really elevates the soup from good to memorable. Just like fashion needs accessories, soup needs garnishes, right?
How to Make this Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
Start by simmering your 20-ounce package of Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes with Onion in an 8-ounce box of chicken broth. You’ll want to cook them until they’re nice and tender—a fork should easily pierce through. This usually takes about 15 minutes, depending on your stovetop.
Once soft, grab a potato masher and partially mash the potatoes. We’re going for rustic texture here, not baby food, so leave some chunks for that perfect hearty bite.
Next comes the magic ingredient that makes this soup so irresistibly creamy—add 1/2 pound of cubed Velveeta cheese to the pot. The way it melts into the broth and potato mixture is nothing short of miraculous, creating that silky smooth texture we all crave on chilly evenings. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the broth and cheese already contain some saltiness.
For the perfect soup experience, consider preparing this recipe in a quality cast iron cookware that distributes heat evenly and maintains temperature beautifully.
For the finishing touch, sprinkle those bacon pieces either directly into the pot or, for more control, let everyone add their desired amount to individual bowls. The salty, smoky bacon complements the creamy soup beautifully, don’t you think? Just make sure the cheese has completely melted before serving this bowl of comfort to your enthusiastic diners.
Creamy Comfort Potato Soup Substitutions and Variations
While I love this basic potato soup recipe, let’s plunge into some delicious ways you can switch things up when you’re in the mood for variety or need to work with what’s in your pantry.
No Simply Potatoes? Regular russets work beautifully—just peel, dice, and add 5-10 minutes to your cooking time. Velveeta not your thing? Try sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or even smoked gouda for a flavor twist. The chicken broth can become vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or beef broth for a richer base.
Want it heartier? Toss in some diced ham, shredded chicken, or sautéed mushrooms. Craving greenery? Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes. And don’t forget toppings—green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese. Your soup, your rules.
What to Serve with Creamy Comfort Potato Soup
Finding the perfect companions for a steaming bowl of creamy potato soup can elevate your meal from simple comfort food to a memorable dining experience. I love pairing this Velveeta-rich soup with a crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic toast—something substantial for dipping into that velvety broth.
A simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing creates a rejuvenating contrast to the soup’s richness. Think crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a tangy dressing.
Need something heartier? Grilled cheese sandwiches are potato soup’s soul mate, especially when made with sharp cheddar on sourdough.
For drinks, try a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp apple cider. The slight acidity helps cut through the creamy texture, invigorating your palate between each comforting spoonful.
Final Thoughts
After ladling yourself a bowl of this creamy potato soup, you’ll understand why simple comfort foods persist through generations. There’s something magical about the combination of tender potatoes, melted Velveeta, and savory bacon that speaks directly to the soul on chilly evenings.
I love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between homemade goodness and convenient shortcuts. Those pre-diced potatoes? Genius time-saver. And using Velveeta guarantees that velvety-smooth texture without any grainy cheese issues—who has time for that?
When life gets complicated, sometimes the answer is as simple as a good potato soup. Make this your go-to recipe when you need culinary comfort without fuss. Isn’t that what cooking should be about? Nourishment, simplicity, and a warm, satisfied smile.