Potato Leek and Cheddar Soup is a deliciously kicked up version of the original potato and leek soup, which is one of those dishes I am pretty sure everyone has experienced in their lives at least once. I doubt I would be able to count the amount of times I have had it in my thirty years (eeek, I am turning thirty this year!)
Growing up we had it ALL the time. It is both simple and delicious, and for me, it is basically the epitome of comfort food. From now on, If it’s cold, rainy and miserable outside, you know I will be having some potato, leek and cheddar soup (or at least would like to be).
Now, I have made potato and leek soup in every way imaginable (obviously Potato Leek and Cheddar is now my favourite 🙂 ). In fact, following thanksgiving, I made some with homemade broth from smoked turkey scraps (use everything guys!) – OMG, if you ever smoke a turkey for thanksgiving (or any other occasion) – be sure to make some broth with the bones, followed by some potato and leek soup, coz that my friends, is something else.
Over the years, I have noticed there tends to be a bit of a fierce argument when it comes to whether you are in the chunky or smooth camp (in regards to potato and leek soup). For years, I was firmly in the chunky soup camp, I am pretty sure that’s what my mum made growing up – and that’s what you stick to right? Mum knows best 🙂
Unless you are married of course – and then apparently his mum knows best…Hubby is in the smooth soup camp (yep, his mum is to blame for that). And to get the level of compliments I need these days, I have to make things the way he had it growing up: so we are going smooth with our potato and leek soup (plus it turns out it’s easier for the little ones to eat like this – but he doesn’t need to know that).
I did change it up a bit. I had a busy day, so popped all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do it’s thing, making it a really simple leek and potato soup. I also added some cheddar, because for some reason when it’s cold, cheese is something I need, and Costco had Dubliner, so how could I possibly say no? Potato Leek and Cheddar Soup was born, and there is no going back now, it’s a keeper 🙂
For more cheesy goodness, check out these recipes too:
It was great. Really yummy. I suggest you try it! And, if you happen to have some homemade turkey bone broth, use that to give it an even bigger kick:)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 whole leeks cleaned and thinly sliced, white and light green (reserve 2 tbsp for serving)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 5 cups vegetable broth make your own
- 4 medium gold potatoes peeled and diced, I used yukon
- 1 1/2 cups cream or half and half
- 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
- extra leeks and cheese for topping
-
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks (remember to keep some aside for serving) and salt and sauté until soft. Add the garlic; saute for 30 seconds and then remove from heat
-
Pop the leeks and garlic into the slow cooker. Add in the thyme, oregano, bay leaves, white wine, broth, and potatoes and give it all a good stir
-
Set the slow cooker to low for 5 hours
-
After the 5 hours, add in the cream. Stir to combine and then puree the soup until smooth. If you have a stick blender then use that right in the pot, otherwise blend in batches in a regular blender (remember the soup expands when it is hot, so don't put too much in there)
-
Pop everything back into the slow cooker and set to low for another 30 minutes
-
After 30 mins, stir in the cheese and serve with the extra leeks and cheese
For something extra special, serve with a small drizzle of white truffle oil on top
I have been using the Instant Pot as my slow cooker for the last couple of weeks, and it has been great. You can get it here (note, if you shop through this link, wholefoodbellies may receive a small amount of compensation. Please see privacy policy at top for full details)
Curious if you have ever frozen this?
Hey Annie, I have frozen it. It worked out ok. It wasn’t as good as fresh from the pot soup, but it was definitely still enjoyable.
I love leeks sooo much, but just never know what else to do with them then a flamiche or chicken pot pie. Now I know! This soup looks unctuous and sooo comforting, and the cheddar touch to bring it to another level! Great soup!
It is seriously delicious, and so so easy. But I have to say I am totally craving a nice chicken pot pie now that you have mentioned it 🙂
this potato look soup looks incredible and oh so rich, i wonder if I can make this dairy free and it still would be as tasty. and love that you can make it in the slow cooker.
Oh I am sure you could sub with dairy free alternative. I am always using leftover nut milk in my soups, and they taste delicious!
Not only does it love lovely and delicious, but you do it in the slow cooker? Wonderful!
Oh I know – anything that can be made in the slow cooker gets a big thumbs up around here!
I love creamy soups and potato and leek is probably my favorite combination. I have to try your recipe, adding cheddar too! Sounds so great! Pinning to make it asap!
Yay, thanks Oana 🙂 Potato and leek has definitely been one of my favourite flavour combos since I was little – the cheddar just takes it to the next level!
Delicious soup! Makes me hungry just looking at the pictures! I love those cauliflower fritters as well!
Oh thanks Neli 🙂
This looks incredible! What a great winter soup! Pinning!
Thanks Sara!
Simply gorgeous, I can’t stop staring at these photos! I love the garnish on top. Garnishes can really make a soup!
Oh thank you so much Steph, that made my day 🙂
Beautiful photos! This looks very comforting and hearty!
Thank you Sharee 🙂 It is very comforting indeed!
I’m always looking for easy/delicious soups. I’d have soup every single day. Your version of the potato leek soup sounds wonderful!! Thank you for sharing.
Haha me too Marisa, huge fan of soup over here 🙂
I love potato leek soup and cheddar sounds like a wonderful addition, this looks so creamy (though I like chunky versions too) and delicious!
Oh I am definitely a fan of the chunky version – husbands!!
Oooh. This is a tiny bit fabulous! Soup AND a slow cooked one!
Yum!
Thanks Kylee 🙂 Anything in the slow cooker is a win in my books, especially in winter!
2 kids under the age of three and they stay well behaved enough to let you take these gorgeous shots of dinner… Amazing!!! LOL Looks cozy and delicious.
Haha I wish 🙂 The one year old has to be trapped in his highchair or napping for me to get any photos taken – we have had many ‘incidents’ – those involving soup are not pretty 🙂
Oh wow this sounds DELICIOUS!
Thanks Christine 🙂 We have been loving it!