Special Potato Soup
Creamy and hearty, this potato soup combines tender vegetables, savory broth, and melted cheddar for a comforting meal perfect for chilly days and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter ⓘ
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery and onion in butter in a large Dutch oven until tender.
- Add water, chicken bouillon cubes, potatoes, carrots, thyme, marjoram, garlic powder, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and mash vegetables with a potato masher.
- Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after mashing the vegetables. If you're out of chicken bouillon cubes, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor, or incorporate leftover cooked chicken for added protein. This soup is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty potato soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jeannette'S Hot Chicken Salad for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with additional shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavor. This soup is perfect for cozy family gatherings or chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Potato Soup contains roughly 647 calories, with 15g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 816mg per serving (35% 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 different vegetables in this potato soup?
Absolutely! This soup is quite versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember that the flavor may deepen over time. When reheating, add a bit more milk to restore the creamy texture, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Definitely! To make this soup vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and replace the chicken bouillon with a vegetable version. Use non-dairy milk and omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative for a creamy finish.
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).