Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both your heart and your home, my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! This creamy, cheesy soup has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during chilly evenings or when I want to impress guests with little effort. Its delightful blend of flavors makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and the best part? It’s so easy to make!

Imagine the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this comforting dish. Each spoonful is rich and satisfying, making it a go-to comfort food that everyone will love. Trust me; once you try it, this recipe will find a special place in your heart too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Flexible ingredients: You can easily customize the flavors based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Make-ahead convenience: It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
• Satisfying and hearty: The combination of potatoes and cheese creates a filling dish that warms you up from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious soup!

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)

For the 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
• Herbs:
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika: Pinch (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 wonderful things about this soup is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
• Go vegan: Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and cheese alternatives for a delicious vegan version.
• Switch up the cheese: Try different varieties like gouda or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and chopping them into uniform cubes. Rinsing them under cold water removes excess starch, which helps keep our soup from becoming too thick or gummy. Setting these aside allows us to get our pot ready while ensuring they stay nice and fresh.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your choice of fat—either butter alone or a mix of olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sautéing until softened brings out their sweetness without browning them too much—about five to seven minutes should do! Then add minced garlic for another minute or two until fragrant.

Step 3: Make Your Roux

Sprinkle flour over those lovely onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about one to two minutes to cook off any raw flour taste while creating a roux that will help thicken our soup later on.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually whisk in your choice of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. Keep whisking until smooth; then let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes

Now it’s time to add your rinsed potato cubes! Stir well before covering the pot and letting it cook for about fifteen to twenty minutes until tender enough to pierce with a fork. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess

To achieve that signature creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle half of your soup into a blender—just be cautious with hot liquids! Blend until smooth before returning it back into the pot.

Step 7: Incorporate Dairy

Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in whole milk alongside heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir consistently while adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme before allowing everything to heat through gently—this part is key since we don’t want anything curdling!

Step 8: Add Cheese

Remove from heat entirely as we gradually incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese by handfuls—stirring after each addition ensures everything melts beautifully without clumping.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

Taste your luscious soup before seasoning generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, plus cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired. Remember that cheese brings some saltiness too!

Step 10: Serve Up Warmth

Ladle this hot creamy goodness into bowls! Don’t forget those optional garnishes like crumbled bacon bits, extra cheese sprinkles, dollops of sour cream or yogurt on top—and maybe even croutons for crunch! Enjoy every warm bite immediately—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating a delightful potato soup is all about the little touches that make it special. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme add brightness and depth to the soup. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh herbs release more flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor when cooked. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can break down too much and won’t offer the same hearty consistency.
• Blend carefully: When blending hot liquids, always vent the blender lid using a kitchen towel to let steam escape. This prevents pressure build-up and potential splatters, keeping you safe while achieving that smooth texture.
• Gradually add cheese: Adding shredded cheddar cheese slowly off the heat helps it melt evenly without clumping. This creates a silky finish rather than a grainy texture, which can happen if cheese is added too quickly or while boiling.
• Taste as you go: Be sure to taste your soup throughout the cooking process to adjust seasoning. The flavors will develop as it simmers, so don’t hesitate to tweak salt, pepper, or even add a dash of cayenne for extra warmth according to your preference.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is an opportunity to showcase its deliciousness while making it visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped chives or parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Shredded cheese: Extra sharp cheddar melted on top creates an inviting look and enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Croutons: Crunchy homemade or store-bought croutons provide a delightful contrast in texture that complements the smoothness of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls pairs perfectly with potato soup for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
• Green salad: A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches made with your favorite bread and cheese make for a nostalgic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Vegetable platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with hummus or dip adds crunch and nutrition alongside your hearty soup.

No matter how you serve it, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is sure to be a hit at your table! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a warm, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (2-3 minutes) and stir in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe without cream?

Yes! You can omit the heavy cream or substitute it with additional milk for a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese in the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

You can try using other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or dietary option.

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even spinach to enhance both nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Enjoy every creamy spoonful and feel free to get creative with toppings! Your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas, and I can’t wait for you to experience this cozy dish. Happy cooking!