Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs adds that extra touch of warmth that just feels like home.

Whether you’re serving it as a comforting dinner on a chilly evening or as a delightful starter at your next gathering, this soup will surely become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this soup comes together quickly, making it perfect even for novice cooks.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness. It’s a hit for everyone at the table!
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable flavors: With various herbs and toppings, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
• Comfort in a bowl: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup on a cool day. It’s like a hug in food form!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe uses simple and wholesome elements that you likely already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that deliciously creamy comfort food we all love.

For the Soup Base

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
• Aromatics:
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)

Liquid Base

• Broth: 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• Dairy:
• 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)

For Flavor

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
• Herbs:
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Seasoning

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Optional spice: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a hint of warmth)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• More fresh chives or parsley
• Croutons

Variations

One of the best things about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the cheese: Try using different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Add veggies: Toss in some carrots or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat.
• Creamy alternatives: Use oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy for a lighter version.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform cubes. Rinsing them under cold water helps remove excess starch—this step is key to ensuring your soup isn’t gummy!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your choice of fat. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sautéing for about five to seven minutes until soft brings out their sweetness without browning them.

Step 3: Bring in the Garlic

Add in those fragrant minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic can turn bitter!

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your aromatic mix. Stir continuously for about one to two minutes—this creates a roux that thickens our soup beautifully.

Step 5: Add Broth Gradually

Whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth slowly while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this adds depth to our soup!

Step 6: Cook Those Potatoes

Add your rinsed potato cubes into the pot. Stir well before bringing it back to a gentle simmer. Covering it allows those potatoes to cook until tender—15-20 minutes should do!

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

For that signature creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle about half of your soup into a blender and blend until smooth! Pour it back into the pot with the remaining chunky goodness.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if using—stirring constantly prevents curdling! Add those lovely fresh herbs now too.

Step 9: Melt That Cheese

Take your pot off heat completely before gradually adding shredded cheddar cheese—stirring continuously ensures it melts evenly without becoming grainy.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your delicious creation! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne or smoked paprika if desired.

Step 11: Serve Warm

Ladle this hot creamy masterpiece into bowls and garnish with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

Now you’re all set to create this comforting bowl of joy! I know you’ll love every spoonful as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect bowl of potato soup is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color and aroma to your soup, making it more appetizing.
• Opt for Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that lends itself beautifully to soups, ensuring a rich and hearty dish.
• Blend in batches carefully: If you’re using a blender, always blend hot liquids in small batches to avoid dangerous splatters, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Add cheese off heat: Incorporating cheddar cheese after removing the pot from heat prevents it from becoming grainy or clumping, giving you that silky texture you desire.
• Taste as you go: Don’t forget to adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. It’s easier to build flavors gradually than to fix an overly salty soup later.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

When it comes to serving your delicious potato soup, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ideas on how to elevate your dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or chives adds freshness and color, making your soup visually appealing.
• Shredded cheese: Top each bowl with extra sharp cheddar cheese just before serving; it will melt slightly into the warm soup for added richness.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up every last drop.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty nature of the soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: For a classic pairing, serve with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of warm cheese and crispy bread complements the soup perfectly.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal while keeping it wholesome.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! Whether for lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy comforting soup anytime you desire. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup may expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• If the soup thickens too much after freezing, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore consistency.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common queries!

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Additionally, choose vegan cheese for a fully plant-based version.

How do I thicken my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

The flour roux helps thicken the soup, but if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potato cubes or add a bit more flour mixed with water during cooking.

Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives it great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different taste profiles.

Can I add vegetables to my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or even spinach can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and variations. Happy cooking!