Leftover Mashed Potato Cheddar Soup
Transform your leftovers into a show-stopping comfort food with this creamy and velvety Leftover Mashed Potato Cheddar Soup! This irresistibly rich soup combines the hearty goodness of leftover mashed potatoes with the melty sharpness of cheddar cheese, creating a dish that's as economical as it is indulgent. Aromatic diced onion and garlic form the flavor-packed base, while a splash of heavy cream adds luxurious texture. Perfectly seasoned with black pepper and optional paprika, this soup is a cozy, 30-minute meal the whole family will love. Serve it with garnishes like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheese for an added touch of decadence. Whether you're repurposing holiday leftovers or craving comfort food, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons crispy bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in the leftover mashed potatoes, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely into the soup.
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender and blend in batches.
Return the soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender) and warm over low heat for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and an extra pinch of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
656 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.5 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.1 g | 155% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 148 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 2188 mg | 95% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 20.5 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 453 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 570 mg | 12% | |
*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.
