Description
A rich and comforting potato soup loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, smoky seasonings, and jalapeños for a flavorful kick. Perfect for chilly days, this creamy soup combines the warming flavors of smoked paprika and spicy jalapeños with tender potatoes and melty cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until fully melted and starting to foam.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and seeded diced jalapeños to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, and the jalapeños have softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Combine Potatoes and Broth: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend Soup: For a creamier texture, ladle out about half the soup and puree it using an immersion blender or in a standard blender, then return it to the pot and stir to combine. This step is optional but recommended for a smoother consistency.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Stir in the milk and shredded sharp cheddar cheese slowly, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Final Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes more to blend flavors, but avoid boiling to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in when dicing.
- Adding cooked bacon as a topping enhances the smoky flavor and adds texture.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese, as it can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
