Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Soup
1. **Sauté the onion and garlic**: In a large pot, heat **olive oil** or **butter** over medium heat. Add the **diced onion** and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. **Add the potatoes and broth**: Stir in the **diced potatoes**, then add the **vegetable or chicken broth**. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. **Simmer the soup**: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. **Mash or blend the soup**: For a creamy texture, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup, or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches (be careful not to burn yourself with the hot liquid). For a smoother texture, blend the soup completely.
5. **Add milk and season**: Stir in the **whole milk** (or cream for extra richness). Season with **salt**, **pepper**, **dried thyme**, and **paprika** to taste. If you’re adding **shredded cheddar cheese** to the soup, stir it in at this point until it melts and creates a rich, cheesy base. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

#### Step 2: Make the Cheesy Toasts
1. **Preheat the oven**: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the bread**: Place the **slices of bread** on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with the melted **butter**, and sprinkle with **garlic powder** and **dried oregano** (optional) for extra flavor.
3. **Top with cheese**: Evenly sprinkle the **shredded cheddar cheese** on top of each slice of bread.
4. **Bake the toast**: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes (keep a close eye on it to avoid burning).
5. **Remove from the oven**: Once the cheesy toast is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute.

#### Step 3: Serve the Soup
1. **Ladle the soup into bowls**: Spoon the creamy potato soup into bowls.
2. **Top with garnish**: Sprinkle with freshly chopped **parsley** for a burst of color and freshness.
3. **Serve with cheesy toast**: Place the warm **cheesy toast** on the side or break it into pieces and float it on top of the soup for a delicious combination of creamy soup and cheesy crunch.

### Tips for Success:

– **Texture Variations**: You can leave the soup chunky for a heartier texture or blend it completely for a velvety smooth consistency.
– **Make it Lighter**: Use low-fat milk or a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) to make this soup lighter without sacrificing flavor.
– **Add Protein**: To turn this soup into a more filling meal, consider adding cooked **bacon bits**, **shredded rotisserie chicken**, or **crispy croutons** for added texture and flavor.
– **Seasonings**: Feel free to customize the seasoning with fresh herbs like **rosemary** or **bay leaves** for a different flavor profile.
– **Double the Recipe**: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a large batch and store individual servings in the freezer for an easy meal on busy days.

### Why This Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast is Perfect:

– **Comfort in a Bowl**: There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, creamy potato soup paired with crispy, cheesy toast. It’s the kind of dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
– **Versatile and Customizable**: This recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, protein, or cheeses to make it your own.
– **Quick and Easy**: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious, filling meal ready in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
– **Filling and Nutritious**: Potatoes provide a good source of fiber, while the cheese and milk add richness and protein, making this soup a wholesome option.

### Conclusion:

**Potato Soup with Cheesy Toast** is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with the indulgent crunch of cheesy toast. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl to enjoy on a cold evening or serving it as a hearty meal for your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out, and let each spoonful bring you the joy of homemade comfort food at its finest.