From time to time I like to revisit old blog posts to see if there are ways that I might improve them. I was going through some of the oldest posts the other day when I ran across one for Potato Cheddar soup, from October 2013. The blog post caught my eye because at the end of the post was a sweet picture of His Royal Highness licking out the bowl. Atchee had given this soup his Meatless Monday approval.
Seeing that picture of my sweet boy licking the bowl really pulled at my heartstrings. Our home is just not the same since his passing in March, nor will it be ever again. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think about him. We miss him so much!
I’m not sure why, but I haven’t made this soup since I took the picture of Atchee cleaning the bowl out on the October evening. So I decided to make the potato cheddar soup again.
Mercy me! Why did I wait so long? I had forgotten just how good this soup is. No wonder Atchee was cleaning out the bowl!
I published the post about 6 months after I started this blog. Needless to say, the photography was not great and I really didn’t say enough about the soup. In fact, the only thing good about the old blog post was the picture of Atchee and the recipe. So, I decided to repost this potato cheddar soup in honor of Atchee’s favorite Meatless Monday.
Here’s how I made the soup:
First, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, over medium-high heat. Add in the onions, carrots, and celery (mirepoix) until softened, then stirred in the potatoes. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, until the potatoes are softened; about 5 to 10 minutes.
Mirepoix is derived from French cuisine and dates from the 18th century. This mirepoix is the
When the potatoes are tender, stir in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover with a lid, (venting slightly). Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and stir in the milk.
Carefully ladle the soup into a blender or a food processor in batches, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Puree until creamy and smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed, but do not turn the heat back on. Stir in the cheese in batches until the soup is well combined. Add cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste
This homemade Potato Cheddar Soup is gluten-free, hearty soup with richly seasoned
This time I garnished the soup with some pickled jalapenos to give it a spicy kick!
This is a soup for the soul. In a way, I guess Atchee found a way to comfort us from missing him so much. Thanks, Atchee Boy!
We hope this soup will comfort your soul this winter too!
Potato Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced (approximately 2 cups)
- 2 celery ribs diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot peeled and diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3 russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 7 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes: jalapenos, fresh parsley, croutons, extra cheese
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil and cook the onions, carrots and celery over medium-high heat until soft; about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the potatoes; stir well. Allow the vegetables to cook for 5 to 10 minutes over medium-low heat. Give them a good stir now and then to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- When the potatoes are tender, stir in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover with a lid, (venting slightly). Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and stir in the milk.
- Carefully ladle the soup into a blender or a food processor in batches, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Puree until creamy and smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed, but do not turn the heat back on. Stir in the cheese in batches until the soup is well combined. Add cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with jalapenos, croutons, parsley and more shredded cheese, if desired.
Debbie - MountainMama says
I love, love, love a good potato soup, Mountain Sister – you inspired me, I think I’m going to make this tonight!!! Would you ever consider opening your home to another sweet kitty that needs a warm cozy home? I’m sure Atchee would approve!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Maybe one day, Mountain Sister… I nursed my kitty a long time and gave up a lot to take care of him. I just don’t want to think about it right now. I hope you enjoy this soup! ❤️
Debbie - MountainMama says
Guess what I made for dinner last night, Mountain Sister – you inspired me!!!! I had some turkey broth in the fridge and some leftover mashed potatoes from another meal…..a sauteed onion, turkey broth, mashed potatoes, and cheddar, all whizzed up with my immersion blender – it was AWESOME!! Of course I had to top it off with bacon bits and sour cream, as you do…..too bad my chives and scallions are buried under snow!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Yummmmm! I’m so glad you like and even improved the recipe!! I hear ya on the chives…(sigh) Thanks for sharing! 🤗
Annie says
Awww just as I got to Atchee Leo walked on my keyboard! I think he wanted to send a virtual hug. <3 Also, this sounds amazing, love the little kick of cayenne!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Awww! Thanks, Annie and Leo! ❤️
Julie says
That soup definitely is delicious comfort food and it was so sweet to see Atchee! I hope you have a great holiday Debbie!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hi Julie! Thanks. I hope you have a great holiday also!
Betsy Maness says
Made this tonight. My family loved, loved, loved it!
The Mountain Kitchen says
So happy to hear this. Thanks for the great review!