Potato Cheese Soup is one of those comfort foods that everyone seems to love. There’s something about the creamy texture, the earthy richness of the potatoes, and the melty goodness of cheese that makes this dish the perfect solution to a chilly day. Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup recipe is a beloved classic, with its smooth texture, savory flavors, and delightful cheesiness that has won the hearts of many.
This recipe takes the simple potato soup to new heights by adding a cheesy twist. The blend of potatoes, cheese, and seasonings creates a rich, hearty dish that is perfect for dinner, lunch, or even a cozy snack. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just treating yourself to a warm bowl on a quiet evening, this Potato Cheese Soup is a winner every time.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, from the ingredients you’ll need to expert tips to make it even better!
Potato Cheese Soup Marie Callender Recipe
This Marie Callender-inspired Potato Cheese Soup is perfect for anyone who wants to create that familiar, comforting taste at home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate that creamy, cheesy goodness from the restaurant right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make, even for beginner cooks!
Ingredients Needed
To whip up this delightful soup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. You may already have most of them in your pantry and fridge, but here’s the full list:
- 4-5 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs) – Russet potatoes work best for this soup, thanks to their starchy texture that helps thicken the soup.
- 1/2 cup chopped onions – Adds a nice savory flavor that blends seamlessly into the soup base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds a subtle depth to the soup.
- 1/4 cup butter – For that rich, creamy flavor that gets everything started.
- 4 cups chicken broth – This is the soup base, adding both flavor and depth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth.
- 2 cups half-and-half – This gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show! It provides that glorious cheese pull and creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning, don’t skimp on these! The salt balances the flavors, and the pepper adds a little kick.
- Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, sour cream, or more shredded cheese.
Cooking Instructions
Now, onto the fun part! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making this soup:
- Prep the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well and peeling them. Then, chop them into small cubes, about 1-inch in size. This will help them cook faster and make the soup smoother when blended.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend the soup (optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Just remember to leave a few chunks of potatoes for texture.
- Stir in the half-and-half: Once the soup is blended to your liking, stir in the half-and-half to make it creamy and velvety.
- Add the cheese: Turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup completely. This will create that rich, cheesy base everyone loves.
- Season: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your preference. You might also consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for a little extra flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top it with optional garnishes like crispy bacon, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the ingredients that make this Potato Cheese Soup extra special:
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down and soften easily during cooking, making them perfect for soups. Their texture helps thicken the broth, giving you that creamy consistency without needing to add any flour or thickening agents.
- Chicken Broth: This ingredient is the backbone of your soup’s flavor. Chicken broth offers a savory, umami-rich base that complements the potatoes and cheese perfectly. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
- Half-and-Half: A mix of equal parts whole milk and cream, half-and-half gives the soup its rich, smooth texture without being as heavy as cream alone. It strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and lightness.
- Cheddar Cheese: The type of cheese you choose will greatly affect the flavor of the soup. Sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy flavor, while mild cheddar offers a smoother, more subtle taste. If you want a more complex flavor, you can blend in some Monterey Jack or Gruyère cheese.
Expert Tips
Want to take your Potato Cheese Soup to the next level? Here are some tips that even seasoned cooks swear by:
- For extra creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream instead of the half-and-half for a richer, more indulgent soup.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give the soup a little heat. This pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese and potatoes.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a burst of freshness and flavor to the soup. Just toss in a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking the potatoes, and remove them before blending.
- Don’t rush the cheese: When adding the cheese, make sure the soup is on low heat. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become stringy, which isn’t ideal.
- Make-ahead option: This soup actually tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together overnight, giving you a richer, more complex flavor.
Recipe Variations
As with any good recipe, this one can be adapted to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Bacon Lover’s Potato Cheese Soup: Add crispy bacon bits either into the soup or as a topping. The salty, smoky bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy, cheesy base.
- Broccoli and Cheese: Add chopped broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a fun twist. The broccoli adds texture and freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
- Loaded Potato Soup: For a fully-loaded version, top the soup with extra cheese, green onions, sour cream, and bacon crumbles for the ultimate indulgence.
- Vegan Version: Replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese and swap the half-and-half with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Final Words
Potato Cheese Soup is the epitome of comfort food-hearty, creamy, and full of rich flavors that make every spoonful feel like a warm hug. With Marie Callender’s version as inspiration, it’s easy to recreate a bowl of this soup in your own kitchen and make it as indulgent or simple as you like.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just a cozy meal on your own, this soup is sure to satisfy. The key to making it truly special is in the ingredients and the love you put into it.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Marie Callender Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?
The ingredients typically include potatoes, cheddar cheese, onions, butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, garlic, salt, and pepper. Some versions may also include sour cream for added creaminess.
How Do I Make The Potato Cheese Soup From Marie Callender’s Restaurant At Home?
To make the soup at home, begin by cooking diced potatoes in a pot with chicken broth until tender. In another pan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft. Add flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk to create a creamy base. Combine the potatoes, roux, and cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is thickened.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese For The Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?
Yes, while cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup?
The preparation time typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, with an additional 30 to 45 minutes of cooking time, depending on the size of the potato cubes and the heat level used to cook the soup.
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of The Marie Callender Potato Cheese Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, ensure that the cheese you are using is rennet-free, as some cheeses may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Can I Make Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld together as it sits. Just be sure to reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How Can I Make The Potato Cheese Soup Spicier?
To add spice to the soup, you can incorporate ingredients like chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of heat.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes For This Soup Recipe?
Frozen potatoes can be used in the recipe, though they may release more moisture than fresh potatoes. It’s important to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the soup to prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
What Is The Best Way To Thicken Potato Cheese Soup?
To thicken potato cheese soup, you can use a roux (a mixture of butter and flour), puree a portion of the soup and return it to the pot, or add cornstarch slurry. Adjust the thickness to your preference by simmering the soup longer to reduce it.
Can I Freeze Marie Callender’s Potato Cheese Soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato cheese soup, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to stir in a little extra milk to restore the consistency.