Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it up for a chilly evening at home or bringing it to a potluck, everyone will be asking for seconds!

What makes this potato soup special? It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and care you put into every step. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to make, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro whipping this up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: All you need are wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good creamy potato soup! It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Flexible Recipe: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Make Ahead: It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

For the Aromatics

• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• Garlic: 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)

For the Liquid Base

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

For the Cheese and Herbs

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• Herbs:
• Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Chives: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

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

Optional Garnish

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery for extra texture and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Swap the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Go Vegan: Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan 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 ½-inch cubes. Rinsing them under cold water helps remove excess starch. This step is crucial because it prevents your soup from becoming gummy later on. Set those aside while you prepare the rest!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add either butter or your olive oil/butter combo. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned. This brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now it’s time to bring that beautiful garlic aroma into play! Add in your minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two while stirring constantly. Be cautious here—burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over those sautéed onions and garlic while stirring continuously. Cooking it for about a minute develops flavor without leaving behind that raw flour taste.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—that’s where all the goodness lies! Keep whisking until everything is combined smoothly before bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Next, add those rinsed potato cubes into your simmering broth mixture; stir well! Bring everything back up to a gentle simmer before covering it up and letting it cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Blend Half of Soup

Now comes the fun part—creating that creamy texture! Carefully ladle half of the soup into your blender (remember not to overfill!) and blend until smooth before returning it back to the pot with the remaining chunky mix.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low now as we add richness! Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you want that ultimate creaminess. Stir gently here—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil after adding dairy.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese & Herbs

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time while stirring continuously until fully melted between each addition. Then toss in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme; stir again!

Step 10: Taste & Adjust Seasoning

This is where you can make magic happen! Taste your soup now—it may need more salt or pepper depending on how cheesy you’ve gone with it. Don’t forget about that pinch of cayenne or paprika if desired!

Step 11: Serve & Garnish

Ladle out portions into bowls while garnishing generously with any optional toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream/yogurt—whatever calls out to you! Enjoy immediately while it’s hot!

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is bound to become one of your favorites too—it’s simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect potato soup is all about technique and a few secret tips that can elevate your dish to new heights.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme not only provide vibrant flavor but also enhance the overall aroma of your soup, making it more inviting and delicious.

• Don’t rush the sautéing process: Taking your time to cook the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant will build a robust base for your soup. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors that will shine through in every spoonful.

• Choose high-quality cheese: Opting for freshly shredded sharp cheddar ensures a smooth melt and a rich flavor profile. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture and taste.

• Adjust thickness to preference: If you prefer a creamier consistency, blend more of the soup or add a bit more heavy cream. On the other hand, if you like it chunkier, feel free to blend less or skip that step altogether.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning gradually allows you to adjust flavors to your liking. Remember that cheese adds saltiness, so be cautious with added salt until you’ve mixed in all ingredients.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your hearty potato soup is just as important as preparing it. A well-presented dish makes it even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a pop of color and an onion-like flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: Add a generous handful of cheese on top just before serving. It melts slightly from the heat of the soup, creating an irresistible cheesy layer.
• Croutons: Toss on some crispy croutons for an added crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light, mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy potato soup and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables can complement the hearty soup while adding color and nutrition to your meal.
• Cheese Biscuits: Fluffy cheese biscuits are delightful alongside this soup, enhancing its comforting nature with their buttery goodness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to warm hearts and tummies alike. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and enjoy this comforting soup later.

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.
• For best texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quick defrosting.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If desired, add a splash of milk or broth during reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries from fellow soup lovers.

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

Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use olive oil instead of butter. Also, opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How can I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe extra creamy?

For added creaminess, include heavy cream as suggested in the recipe. You can also blend more of the soup if you prefer a smoother consistency!

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. You can also use Russet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese in my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and will give your soup a smoother texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s a bowl of comfort that warms both body and soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or simply a day that calls for something cozy, this soup is sure to bring smiles around your table. Happy cooking!