Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Dinner

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

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Last updated on January 26, 2024

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Creamy Nacho Potato Soup is packed with flavor – it’s the perfect hearty comfort food! Made with Yukon gold potatoes, classic savory veggies, and yummy chicken broth, it’s seasoned with cumin and chili powder for a classic Mexican flavor, with sweet corn and cheddar cheese!

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Nacho Potato Soup Recipe
  • Easy Nacho Potato Soup FAQs
  • Nacho Cheese Potato Soup Recipe Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Delicious Soup Recipes with Potatoes
  • Creamy Nacho Potato Soup Recipe

This spicy, creamy soup recipe was inspired by aNacho Potato Chowderrecipe I was trying to make but realized I didn’t have all the ingredients I needed.

Sometimes the best meals come about through serendipity, and I’m so glad I rolled with it!

With the creaminess of traditional potato soup and the bold flavors of beloved Mexican recipes, this new soup offering is now one of our favorites.

Nacho Potato Soup is perfect for winter months or any occasion when you want something warm and satisfying without much work.

With only 15 minutes of prep time, it’s ready to eat in about 35 minutes!

This cheesy soup uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry, so give it a go!

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (3)

For more amazing potato soup recipes, try myHam and Potato Soup,Instant Pot Potato Soup Recipe,Sausage Potato Soup with Kale,Potato Leek Soup, and mySlow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup!

Ingredients Needed:

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (4)
  • Oil:use a neutral-flavored oil for sautéing the vegetables, like canola oil or vegetable oil. Coconut oil and olive oil are also good but will add a bit of their own flavors to the dish too.
  • Chicken Broth:a low-sodium chicken broth will provide the liquid base for the soup and add a depth of flavor. If you use a salted broth, you may want to omit the added salt and season to taste before serving.
  • Vegetables:use a classic savory trio of onion, celery, and carrots for this soup to add nutrients, color, and a fantastic flavor base.
  • Garlic:use fresh garlic cloves for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Seasoning:use a combination of chili powder, salt, cumin, and black pepper to elevate the soup’s taste, giving it that delightful spicy kick.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes:they have a great buttery texture and flavor, making the soup creamy without needing too much cream. Other potato varieties can be used, but the texture may vary.
  • Salted Butter:to make the roux to help thicken the soup. Salted butter is best as it helps enhance the flavor of the soup as well.
  • Flour:use all-purpose flour for the roux to thicken the soup. For a gluten-free soup, you can use a cornstarch slurry instead.
  • Milk:to enhance the soup’s creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant, almond or coconut milk can be used, though it might slightly alter the flavor.
  • Frozen Corn:This adds sweetness, texture, and color to the dish. Fresh corn can also be used when in season.
  • Toppings:try sharp shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped green onions for optional toppings to add extra flavor and texture to the soup.

How to Make Nacho Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it’s so delicious! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

  1. Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, carrots, and celeryin a Dutch oven with hot oil.
  2. Add seasonings: Then add the garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and black pepper, and cook.
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Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (6)
  1. Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the broth, deglaze the pot, and stir in the potatoes. Cover and cook.
  2. Make thickened milk: Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, then add the milk. Heat and whisk until smooth.
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Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (8)
  1. Thicken soup and add remaining ingredients: Stir in the thickened milk, corn, and cheddar cheese.
  2. Garnish and serve: Garnish with additional cheese and green onions, if desired.
Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (9)
Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (10)

Easy Nacho Potato Soup FAQs

Can I make Nacho Potato Soup in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Using an instant pot can reduce the cooking time. After sautéing the vegetables, add the rest of the ingredients (except for the roux and cheese). Pressure cook for about 3 minutes, release the pressure, then stir in the roux and cheese until creamy and well combined.

Is Nacho Potato Soup spicy?

The spice level largely depends on the amount and type of chili powder you use. If you prefer a milder soup, use mild chili powder or reduce the amount in the recipe. Alternatively, use hot chili powder or a dash of hot pepper sauce to make it even spicier.

Is Nacho Potato Soup healthy?

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering dietary fiber, essential vitamins from vegetables, and protein from the broth and cheese. You can check out the detailed nutrition information in the recipe card below.

How do I store Nacho Potato Soup?

Store your Nacho Potato Soup in an airtight container, or covered in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it.

Can I freeze Nacho Potato Soup?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing potato soup, as potatoes can have a different texture once you defrost them. If you need to, you can store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 2 months, but you may want to add more butter, milk, or cream to help with the texture and flavor when reheating it.

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (11)

Nacho Cheese Potato Soup Recipe Variations

  • Spice it up.Make this soup spicier by adding in some of your favorite hot sauce, more chili powder, chopped chilis, or red pepper flakes!
  • Garnish.Use your favorite Mexican garnishes to enhance the flavors of your meal. Try adding some fresh herbs like chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme for more flavor.
  • Use other cheeses.Cheddar cheese works great in this soup, but you could use other cheeses for a different flavor. Use cheeses that melt smoothly, like Velveeta or American cheese, for that true nacho flavor. Alternatively, Monterey Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, or some Parmesan cheese would work well too.
  • Change up the veggies.There are lots of other veggies that would work great in this soup! Try sautéed mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, parsnips or see what’s lying around in your fridge that needs to be used.
  • Make it vegetarian: swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’re good to go!
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Serving Suggestions

This yummy soup calls for some bread on the side to soak up the delicious soupiness at the bottom of the bowl!

Try theseButtery (Whole Wheat) Bread Machine Rolls, myNo Knead Artisan Bread, or some slices of thisWhole Wheat Breadwith butter.

You could also serve it with some corn chips or tortilla chips on the side for an added crunch!

Serve this creamy potato soup with some veggies on the side to add nutrients and make it a fuller meal. MyAir Fryer Green Beans,Roasted Carrots, or thisCheesy Baked Asparaguswould all work well!

More Delicious Soup Recipes with Potatoes

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Creamy Nacho Potato Soup

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 3 votes

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup is packed with flavor – it's the perfect hearty comfort food! Made with Yukon gold potatoes, classic savory veggies, and yummy chicken broth, it's seasoned with cumin and chili powder for a classic Mexican flavor, with sweet corn and cheddar cheese!

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (19)

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Review

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Soup

Servings 6 servings

Calories 408cal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 large carrots (halved and sliced)
  • 2 ribs celery (chopped)
  • ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes (cut into ½" pieces)
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • cups milk
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • green onions for garnish

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the oil.

  • Add the carrots, celery, and onion and cook until starting to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring often.

  • Add the garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute.

  • Add the broth and deglaze the pot if necessary. Stir in potatoes.

  • Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, prepare your roux. In a large bowl (make sure it’s big enough; you don’t want it to boil over), melt butter in the microwave. Whisk in flour first, then milk.

  • Heat in the microwave at 1 minute intervals (no longer), whisking each time, until thickened (it bubbles up quickly once it gets thick, so keep an eye on it in the microwave!).

  • When the vegetables are tender, stir in the thickened milk, corn, and cheddar cheese.

  • Garnish with additional cheese and green onions, if desired.

Notes

Storage

Store: Store your Nacho Potato Soup in an airtight container, or covered in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it.

Freeze: I wouldn’t recommend freezing potato soup as potatoes can have a different texture once you defrost them. If you need to, you can store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 2 months, but you may want to add more butter, milk, or cream to help with the texture and flavor when reheating it.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 408cal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 727mg | Potassium: 1245mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5619IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 3mg

Keywords nacho potato soup

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Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (20)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paul Heaton says

    Do you have an instantpot conversion for this recipe?

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Sure do! It’s listed in the post! Enjoy Paul!

      Reply

  2. Linda Moore says

    This sounds yummy. I’d add a can of Rotel to make it spicier and more like the nachos I like. But definitely a keeper recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  3. Pete says

    Made this in the restaurant where I work. Is pretty good.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Glad to hear!

      Reply

  4. Jill says

    Can’t wait to try this! Just confirming it’s 4 cups of carrots?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Yes 🙂 I like carrots in my soup! You can always reduce it

      Reply

  5. Andrea says

    I made it for the first time. I added some grilled chicken for protein and loved it!! Will be making it again soon 🙂

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply

  6. Steve says

    Delish! Will definitely make again! Thank you! : )

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Awesome! Thank you for letting me know!

      Reply

  7. Lee willie says

    Hi, could you add the flour to the veg and then add the broth? And finish the dish of with the milk?

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      You could definitely try! My mom always made potato soup this way, so I guess it’s out of habit that I do it this way. I also find you have to stir more frequently when cooking vegetables in a thickened liquid.

      Reply

  8. marcie@flavorthemoments says

    This soup looks wonderful! I’m a huge soup fan, and this is loaded with so many delicious ingredients and flavors. I’d just love a bowl! 🙂

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      It is so good — I was really surprised how well my random spice mixture turned out! Thanks for stopped by 🙂

      Reply

  9. Sarah @ Devour says

    Hello fellow Canadian! What is condensed nacho cheese soup anyway?! Your soup looks wonderful and I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Nice to meet you! I hope you try it and let me know what you think! Heading over to check out your blog now 🙂

      Reply

  10. Joachim Gabel says

    Looks as if your approach is the same way to new recipes as I do.

    Greetings from Germany, Joachim

    Reply

    • Ashley says

      Nice to hear! Glad you stopped by 🙂

      Reply

      • Joachim Gabel says

        I didn’t stop yet. I’ve to cook for every day, so I use a lot of proofed recipes. On weekends I have time to experiment with new ingredients and new preparations. The results you can find on my site. Ok, only in German but I’m working on an international presentation of my recipes.

      • Ashley says

        Experimenting can definitely be a lot of fun! And you certainly discover some great new combinations! Let me know when you get them posted in English — I’d love to check out your site.

Leave A Reply

Creamy Nacho Potato Soup - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't my potato soup creamy? ›

One trick to make your potato soup a little less grainy is to add some form of dairy –- cream, milk, or even cheese. Because dairy is generally creamy in texture, that characteristic will carry over into your soup. Crisis averted.

Does cream cheese thicken up potato soup? ›

Cream cheese can be a delicious and tangy thickener for mashed potatoes so it stands to reason that it can also be used to add body to your favorite silky potato soup recipes — right? The answer is yes. It only works well if you do it carefully, though.

How to make baked potato soup thicker? ›

To thicken potato soup without creating lumps, you can use a roux made of equal parts butter and flour. Melt the butter in a separate pan, add the flour, and whisk until smooth. Slowly whisk the roux into the soup, and let it simmer until thickened.

Does milk thicken potato soup? ›

Yes, adding heavy cream or milk can be a great way to thicken your potato soup while also adding richness and creaminess. Simply pour in a small amount of cream or milk while your soup is simmering, then continue to cook until it reaches the desired thickness. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid scorching.

How can I make my soup more creamy? ›

Add Something Creamy

Possibilities include cream, coconut milk, yogurt, or even pureed avocado. If you choose coconut milk, be aware that it will impart a sweet, coconut flavor, which might not be right for every soup. Yogurt will add tanginess.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in potato soup? ›

To replace 1 cup (237 mL) of heavy cream in your recipe, add 2 tablespoons (19 grams) of cornstarch to 1 cup (237 mL) of milk and stir, allowing the mixture to thicken. You can use whole milk or opt for skim milk to help slash the calories and fat content of your recipe.

Why won't my cream cheese melt in my potato soup? ›

Cheese is a particularly tricky addition to soups because if the temperature of the soup is too hot or too cold, the cheese won't melt properly and will start to clump. Temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the cheese to release liquid too fast as a result of broken protein bonds.

Why did Panera stop selling potato soup? ›

Although the dish was scrapped due to declining popularity, its biggest fans have not stopped talking about it online. One disappointed fan wrote one on Twitter this week: “I was today years old when I found out Panera discontinued their potato soup.

How do you keep cream cheese from separating in soup? ›

Here's some tips to prevent curdling:
  1. Prepare a warm milk/flour mixture to add to hot soup.
  2. Stir some hot soup liquid into cold dairy product to temper it, then add to the soup.
  3. Do not boil the soup after adding any dairy product, especially cheese.
  4. Add acid to the milk instead of milk into the acid.
Dec 15, 2016

Can you use instant mashed potatoes to thicken potato soup? ›

Honestly, if you just stir in a little instant mash, like Smash, your soup will thicken up in no time at all. Now, you may end up needing more than a spoonful, but it's best to add a little at a time, because remember, you can always add more of it, but you can't take it away.

Can I use potato flakes to thicken potato soup? ›

This soup-thickening hack couldn't be easier. Unlike using flour, which requires either making a little roux before you start cooking or a beurre manié afterwards, or using a cornstarch slurry that can create a gloppy texture, the instant mashed potato flakes can simply be sprinkled into the finished dish.

Why did my milk curdle in my potato soup? ›

Don't Let It Boil

Boiling is a sure way to curdle milk. It's not just boiling. Heating milk too quickly, even if it never comes to a boil, can also curdle it. To prevent the dairy from curdling, heat the milk gently over medium-low heat.

Does adding milk to soup make it creamy? ›

Whether you use a few tablespoons or a few cups, cream gives soup a silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. You can definitely add milk or other dairy as well, though it will taste gradually less creamy as you go down in percent.

Does evaporated milk help thicken soup? ›

Keep in mind that this evaporated milk will make your dish taste richer, but it won't actually thicken the soup. You can always use a bit of flour or cornstarch if you're missing that added texture. Otherwise, you'll find evaporated milk the best dairy addition for your classic slow cooker favorites.

How do you fix bland potato soup? ›

Your potato soup is bland? Try adding a little more salt. That's usually the answer to any issue of blandness, no matter the recipe in question. A basic Appalachian style potato soup uses only a handful of simple ingredients, leaning on milk and water and often bouillon to create the brothy soup base.

Why aren't my potatoes getting soft in my potato soup? ›

It's possible that the variety of potatoes you used may have a firmer texture, even when fully cooked. For soups, it's generally recommended to use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, as they tend to break down and become softer when cooked.

Why is my potato soup mushy? ›

Like many of us chefs and home cooks, potatoes break down when overworked in the kitchen. While it might seem like merciless mashing would lead to a smoother soup, it actually has the opposite effect, creating a base that's more like gluey gunk.

Why does my potato soup look grainy? ›

When the soup comes to a boil, reduce heat a touch to maintain a gentle boil. Boiling at too high of a temperature will break down your potatoes and make your soup grainy. You want your potatoes to be fork-tender but still have a little “bite” to them.

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