Cheddar Potato Chowder

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this rich and creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder, a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Crafted with tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety base made from a homemade roux, this dish is a true celebration of cozy comfort food. The chowder is thickened naturally by mashing some of the cooked potatoes, creating the perfect balance of creamy texture and satisfying chunks. Aromatics like sautéed onion, garlic, and a touch of paprika elevate the flavors, while optional toppings like crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions add a delightful crunch and pop of color. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Warm, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, this Cheddar Potato Chowder is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
• 0.5 cup crispy bacon bits (optional topping)

Directions

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir well to form a roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 6

Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot, leaving a mix of creamy mashed potatoes and small potato chunks. This will help thicken the chowder.

Step 7

Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent curdling.

Step 8

Season the chowder with salt, black pepper, and paprika, adjusting to taste.

Step 9

Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and crispy bacon bits if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3012.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3023.8

Total Fat 177.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 476.0mg	0%
Sodium 9790.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 37.8g
Protein 137.1g	0%

Vitamin D 262.7IU	0%
Calcium 2447.6mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 5935.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.3%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 31.1%