Timko'S Cream Of Po-Cheesy Soup
Creamy, cheesy potato soup with ham and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals. Rich flavors and smooth texture make it a family favorite or cozy lunch option.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons granular chicken bouillon or 4 crushed chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 6 cups cold milk ⓘ
- 1/2 pound shredded or small cubed Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed ham (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook potatoes until tender in water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onions and celery in melted butter and margarine until softened.
- Add flour and crushed chicken bouillon to the sautéed vegetables and stir to blend.
- Gradually add cold milk, stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add cooked potato cubes and their cooking liquid to the soup, stirring well.
- Add shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- If desired, add cubed ham and stir to combine.
- Season the soup with white pepper to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. Adding a pinch of thyme or garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile. If you want extra depth, try incorporating some sautéed mushrooms or even a splash of white wine, similar to what you might find in Chicken Frecaissee.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Timko's Cream Of Po-Cheesy Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a light dish like Herbed Chicken Soup or a refreshing salad. For added texture, top each bowl with croutons or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Timko'S Cream Of Po-Cheesy Soup contains roughly 2632 calories, with 16g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 256g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1944mg per serving (85% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
Can I freeze this soup?
While the soup can be frozen, it may alter the texture of the cheese once thawed. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute with Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese. For a sharper taste, consider using aged white Cheddar. Just keep in mind the melting characteristics may vary slightly between different cheeses.
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).