Potato And Cheese Soup
Creamy potato and ham soup with melted cheese, perfect for comforting meals. Rich flavors and smooth texture make it a satisfying dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Add the cubed red potatoes and cook until tender; drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and reserved potato cooking liquid, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add sugar and cooked cubed ham to the soup.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with cheese or herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or celery along with the onions. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Using low-fat milk can lighten the recipe without sacrificing creaminess. For a thicker soup, blend part of the soup and return it to the pot. This dish pairs beautifully with Bernice Heugatter'S Very Good Chocolate Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty potato and cheese soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a light white wine or a crisp apple cider. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped chives or parsley. This comforting soup is a great starter for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato And Cheese Soup contains roughly 1368 calories, with 36g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 860mg per serving (37% 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 other types of potatoes instead of red potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or Russet. Each type will offer a slightly different texture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked until tender, as this will help achieve the desired creaminess in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. However, if you're planning to freeze it, consider omitting the milk and adding it fresh when you reheat, as dairy can separate when frozen.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions before adding the flour. This will enhance the soup's overall taste and make it even more filling.
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).