A hearty and creamy potato soup with a touch of cheddar cheese, perfect for a cozy meal.
Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
Cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of water until tender, then drain.
Test the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft but not falling apart.
Mash the cooked potatoes to your desired consistency.
For a smoother soup, mash thoroughly or use a blender.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Ensure the butter doesn't brown for a lighter flavor.
Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously for 1 minute.
This step creates a roux, which thickens the soup.
Gradually whisk in half of the milk, stirring until smooth.
Adding the milk slowly prevents lumps from forming.
Add the remaining milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir constantly to avoid scorching the milk.
Stir in the mashed potatoes, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from becoming grainy.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Chopped chives or a dollop of sour cream make excellent garnishes.