Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, then add the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer the soup: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Mash or blend the soup: For a creamy texture, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup, or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches (be careful not to burn yourself with the hot liquid). For a smoother texture, blend the soup completely.
5. Add milk and season: Stir in the whole milk (or cream for extra richness). Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to taste. If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stir it in at this point until it melts and creates a rich, cheesy base. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Toasts

1. Preheat the oven: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with the melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano (optional) for extra flavor.
3. Top with cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each slice of bread.
4. Bake the toast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes (keep a close eye on it to avoid burning).
5. Remove from the oven: Once the cheesy toast is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute.

Step 3: Serve the Soup

1. Ladle the soup into bowls: Spoon the creamy potato soup into bowls.
2. Top with garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve with cheesy toast: Place the warm cheesy toast on the side or break it into pieces and float it on top of the soup for a delicious combination of creamy soup and cheesy crunch.

Tips for Success:

• Texture Variations: You can leave the soup chunky for a heartier texture or blend it completely for a velvety smooth consistency.
• Make it Lighter: Use low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this soup lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Add Protein: To turn this soup into a more filling meal, consider adding cooked bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy croutons for added texture and flavor.
• Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning with fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.
• Double the Recipe: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a large batch and store individual servings in the freezer for an easy meal on busy days.

Why This Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast is Perfect:

• Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, creamy potato soup paired with crispy, cheesy toast. It’s the kind of dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, protein, or cheeses to make it your own.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious, filling meal ready in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
• Filling and Nutritious: Potatoes provide a good source of fiber, while the cheese and milk add richness and protein, making this soup a wholesome option.

Conclusion:

Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with the indulgent crunch of cheesy toast. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl to enjoy on a cold evening or serving it as a hearty meal for your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out, and let each spoonful bring you the joy of homemade comfort food at its finest.