Vermont Cheddar Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or serving at gatherings with family and friends. This recipe strikes a delightful balance between creamy potatoes and sharp Vermont cheddar cheese, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour and 35 minutes, including simmering, blending, and garnishing, it’s an easy yet impressive dish to add to your culinary repertoire.
To begin crafting this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 Spanish onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 64 ounces (8 cups) of chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 cup of shredded Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to bring this delightful soup to life:
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Start by melting the butter in a large 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cracked black pepper, and sauté until the onions are tender and translucent, infusing the butter with their sweet aroma.
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Next, add the cubed potatoes and chicken stock to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to become tender and flavorful as they cook in the savory broth.
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Once the potatoes are soft and cooked through, it’s time to add the star ingredient: the sharp Vermont cheddar cheese. Gradually stir in the cheese until it melts completely into the soup, imparting its rich and tangy flavor to every spoonful.
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With the cheese fully incorporated, it’s time to give the soup its signature creamy texture. Carefully ladle the contents of the pot, including the bay leaves, into a food blender, and puree until smooth and velvety.
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After blending, return the pureed soup to the pot, and gently reheat it over low heat until it’s warmed through and ready to serve, taking care not to let it boil once the cheese has been added to prevent separation.
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To add the finishing touches, garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg and a generous handful of shredded Vermont cheddar cheese, adding both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor to each serving.
With its creamy texture, robust flavor, and comforting aroma, Vermont Cheddar Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or sharing it with loved ones at a special gathering. So why not whip up a batch today and experience the delicious taste of this classic comfort food for yourself?
