Healthy Life, Simple Style

I used to love the Johnny’s Potato Soup mix from Costco.
If I’m being honest? I still do. It’s fast, it’s tasty, and it’s the perfect “dump, stir, done” soup when you’re cold or tired.

But over the past couple of years, I’ve been trying to eat as many whole, unprocessed foods as I can — not because I’m trying to be perfect, but because I genuinely feel better when I do.

So I set out to create my own version of my favourite cozy soup…
with the same comfort, but using real ingredients — plus a little nutritional upgrade.

And this Homemade Potato Cheddar Soup is exactly that:
creamy, hearty, flavourful, and nourishing.

Add a slice of sourdough and it’s true winter comfort. 🤎

🥣 Homemade Potato Cheddar Soup (Whole-Food Johnny’s Dupe)

Enhanced with Beans • Broccoli • Nutritional Yeast • Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled & diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup cooked navy beans (or canned)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp mustard powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

• 1️⃣ Sauté aromatics
• Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Add onions and cook until softened.
  Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• 2️⃣ Simmer the veggies
• Add potatoes, broccoli, and vegetable broth.
  Simmer 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are soft.
• 3️⃣ Add beans + blend
• Add the navy beans, then use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
• 4️⃣ Make it rich & comforting
• Stir in milk, cream, nutritional yeast, and cheddar.
  Mix until melted and smooth.
• 5️⃣ Add mushrooms
• Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook 5–10 more minutes.
• 6️⃣ Season to taste
• Salt, pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika make it perfect.
• 7️⃣ Serve warm
• Garnish with extra cheese, chives, or cracked pepper.

Why I Love This Whole-Food Version

Even though it’s still creamy and comforting, this version gives you:

✔ More protein (beans + dairy + nutritional yeast)
✔ More fiber (potatoes, broccoli, beans, mushrooms)
✔ Slower-digesting carbs
✔ Better blood sugar balance
✔ Zero preservatives or “mystery powder” ingredients

It’s comfort food, but you still feel good after eating it — and that’s my favourite kind.

A Quick Note on Protein

If you’re trying to increase your protein intake (especially on a plant-forward diet), beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, and nutritional yeast go a long way in supporting fullness, muscle, and hormone balance.

If you need more high-protein meal inspiration, I put together a little resource you might love:

👉 My Plant-Based Protein Recipe Ebook — $9

It includes simple, delicious, high-protein meals and snacks designed to support energy, weight loss, and midlife wellness.

Perfect if you’re trying to eat more plants and hit your protein goals.
Grab it HERE

📦 Storage Tips

• Fridge: keeps 4–5 days
• Freezer: freezes beautifully for up to 2 months (thaw gently)
• Add a splash of milk/cream when reheating if it thickens

Nutrition (per 2 cups)

This soup is filling and macro-balanced thanks to the beans, dairy, and veggies.

Macro	Amount
Calories	~526 kcal
Protein	~18 g
Carbs	~47 g
Fiber	~8 g
Fat	~31 g

For a potato soup, these are amazing numbers — high fiber, good protein, and very satiating.

Optional Swaps

Want to lighten it up?

• Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk
• Use half the cheese
• Add extra broccoli or cauliflower to stretch volume
• Use plant-based milk + coconut cream for dairy-free

Want even more protein?

• Add ½–1 cup extra white beans
• Add ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt when serving
• Sprinkle hemp hearts on top

Final Thoughts

This soup is warm, cozy, nourishing, and a much cleaner alternative to the powdered mixes — without sacrificing that cheesy comfort factor.

If you make it, tag me or let me know how it turns out.
It’s one of my favourites for a reason.