Warm up with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and fills your home with delightful aromas, this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is just what you need! It’s not only warming but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Each spoonful is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this soup comes together quickly, even on the busiest days.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy goodness and rich flavors of garlic and herbs.
Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!
Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs makes this soup a deliciously comforting treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful soup. You probably already have many of these in your kitchen!

4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make It Spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Herb Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different herbs—fresh parsley or chives would be lovely additions!
Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer a different kind of cheese, try using gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute. Sautéing the onions releases their sweetness while the garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add 4 diced potatoes and 4 cups of broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. This step is crucial as it allows the potatoes to absorb all those wonderful flavors from the broth.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

For a creamy texture, partially mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. This gives your soup that rich, velvety feel that makes each spoonful so satisfying!

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. The combination of cream and cheese creates an indulgent backdrop that enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired. Serving it warm brings out all its comforting qualities, making it perfect for sharing around the dinner table.

Enjoy making this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—it’s sure to become a favorite in your house!

Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Making the perfect Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is all about a few key techniques. Here are some pro tips to elevate your soup!

Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your soup, providing a vibrant taste that dried herbs often lack. Consider adding chopped parsley or chives for an extra burst of freshness.
Choose the right potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal for this soup as they break down nicely and create a creamy texture. Waxy potatoes, on the other hand, hold their shape and won’t give you that desired creaminess.
Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the pot deepens their flavor, allowing them to caramelize slightly and release their natural sweetness. This step sets a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Adjust creaminess to your preference: If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a plant-based cream alternative. Your soup will still be delicious while catering to different dietary needs!
Let it simmer longer for deeper flavor: Allowing your soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes after adding the cheese lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more harmonious taste.

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serving your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish that will make it even more delightful.

Garnishes

Chopped green onions: Sprinkle some finely chopped green onions on top for an added crunch and mild onion flavor.
Shredded cheese: A little extra sharp cheddar on top makes for a beautiful presentation while reinforcing that cheesy goodness.
Croutons or toasted bread: Adding croutons can provide texture contrast while toasted bread serves as a lovely side option for dipping.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted with butter and garlic, this side complements the creamy soup wonderfully and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup, refreshing your palate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy veggies add a nutty flavor that pairs excellently with the cheesy soup, plus they’re packed with nutrients!
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables offer color and texture alongside your comforting bowl of soup while keeping everything healthy.

Now that you know how to make, serve, and elevate your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup experience, it’s time to gather those ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch and have it ready to enjoy throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make sure to label your container with the date so you know when it was made.

Freezing

Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
For best results, consider freezing in single servings for easy reheating.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delicious recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just ensure that your cheese is plant-based.

How long does Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup last in the fridge?

This soup will keep well in the fridge for about 4 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container!

What else can I add to my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition! You can also include a sprinkle of crispy bacon or croutons on top just before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different taste profile.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is truly a hug in a bowl! It’s rich and creamy, packed with flavor from garlic and herbs that will warm you up on even the coldest days. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your own twists or serve it up with some crusty bread. Happy cooking!