Creamy Cheddar Turkey Potato Soup: A Southern Comfort Classic
When it comes to Southern comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a rich and hearty bowl of homemade soup. My Creamy Cheddar Turkey Potato Soup is the perfect combination of cheesy goodness, tender chunks of turkey, and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes. This deliciously simple recipe is a go-to for using up leftover turkey or a budget-friendly deli option like those turkey end chunks you can find on clearance at Walmart.
Rich and Creamy Cheddar Turkey Potato Soup for Comfort Food Lovers
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or a whole lot of time to whip up this Southern creation! With just a few basic ingredients like cheddar cheese, milk, potatoes, and some seasonings, this soup comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something warm and filling.
I love how the potatoes naturally thicken the broth as they cook, giving it that creamy texture that’s thick enough to coat your spoon but still has some hearty potato chunks for a bit of bite. The cheddar cheese adds a delicious sharpness that balances out the savory turkey and smooth milk, while the parsley brings a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- fresh or dried chopped parsley
- mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- whole milk
- real butter
- chicken stock or broth
- leftover turkey, cut into small chunks (I buy clearance deli turkey end chunks at Walmart for a budget-friendly option)
- small onion, finely diced
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
This recipe is one of those heartwarming bowls of soup that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy kitchen somewhere deep in the South, where good food and good company are always at the table. Whether you serve it up on a cold winter day or just when you need a bowl of comfort, this Creamy Cheddar Turkey Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite in your house too.
Quick Tip: Don’t be shy about making this recipe your own! You can swap out the turkey for chicken, ham, or even bacon for an extra smoky twist. Add in more veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
Happy cooking from my kitchen to yours!
Creamy Cheddar Turkey Potato Soup
Equipment
- 1 large soup pot
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp fresh or dried chopped parsley
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 cups milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lb leftover turkey, cut into small chunks (I buy clearance deli turkey end chunks at Walmart for a budget-friendly option)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in chicken broth until they're nearly cooked through. The broth should reduce as the potatoes soften.
- Once the potatoes are about done, lower the heat and stir in the milk and butter. Allow the mixture to heat gently.
- Add the chopped turkey, parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the soup, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- As the potatoes dissolve, they will naturally thicken the soup, but make sure to leave some whole potato chunks for texture.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers. Enjoy this creamy, comforting Southern classic!