Betsy'S Potato Soup
Betsy's Potato Soup is a creamy, hearty dish featuring tender potatoes simmered in a savory cheese broth. Rich with cheddar and a buttery roux, it's perfect for comforting family dinners or cold evenings, offering a smooth, flavorful experience with a hint of pepper and salt to enhance the taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1 gallon of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add 2 1/2 pounds of cubed potatoes, 1 tablespoon of chicken base seasoning or 4 chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Cook until the potatoes are half tender.
- Add 2 cans of Cheddar cheese soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While simmering, melt 1 pound of margarine in a separate pan.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of flour to the melted margarine to make a paste (roux).
- Add the roux to the potatoes and soup mixture, stirring well.
- Add 2 cups of half and half cream and heat to serving temperature, ensuring it does not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil or a lower-fat spread. Adding chopped onions or garlic can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thicker soup, adjust the amount of flour in the roux to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Betsy’s Potato Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Yummy Sauce For Grilled Chicken Or Pork for a heartier spread. Garnish each bowl with shredded cheese or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of water or milk to regain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betsy'S Potato Soup contains roughly 1461 calories, with 24g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just peel and cube them before adding to the boiling water. Depending on the type of potato, cooking times may vary slightly; aim for half-tender before adding the cheese soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken base seasoning or bouillon with vegetable broth or a vegetarian bouillon cube. This will maintain the depth of flavor without using meat-based products.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables like carrots and celery. Spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper can also enhance the soup's taste. You can even include a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).