Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, then my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! This delicious soup is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it brings everyone together around the table, sharing hearty bowls of creamy goodness. The blend of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a wonderful aroma that will have your loved ones eagerly waiting to dig in.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. It uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it accessible for everyone. Plus, the creamy texture and rich flavor mean you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup comes together in about 30-40 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a warm bowl of cheesy potato soup — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: With sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, every spoonful bursts with flavor.
• Customizable Options: Whether you want to swap ingredients or add toppings, this recipe accommodates your creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather everything we need to create this mouthwatering dish!

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
• 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 for ultimate creaminess)

Cheese & Herbs

• 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)

Seasoning

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Spice: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Garnish

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

Variations

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a little heat!
• Swap the Cheese: Try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack if you want to mix up the flavors.
• Creamy Vegan Option: Substitute coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free 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 prevents the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set aside while you work on the aromatics.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your butter or olive oil/butter combination until melted and shimmering. Add in the finely chopped yellow onion; sauté for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent but not browned. This step brings out their natural sweetness which enhances our soup’s overall flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once your onions are ready, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful here — burnt garlic can turn bitter fast!

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic mixture. Stir continuously as you cook for about every minute; this helps eliminate any raw flour taste while creating a roux that thickens our soup later on.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth little by little while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this is called fond! Whisking constantly ensures we avoid lumps forming in our soup base.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add those rinsed potato cubes into your pot now! Stir well before bringing everything back to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes until your potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Step 7: Blend Half of the Soup

To achieve that creamy consistency while keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle about half of your soup into a blender. Securely fasten the lid—make sure to vent it with a kitchen towel so steam can escape safely as you blend until smooth! Pour this back into your pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs

Now reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you’re using it! Stir constantly while adding fresh parsley, chives, and thyme next—and allow everything to heat through gently without letting it boil after adding dairy.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time! Stir continuously until fully melted before adding more; this ensures it incorporates beautifully without becoming grainy.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Finally, taste test your glorious creation! Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper—remember that cheese adds saltiness too—so adjust gradually based on personal preference.

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle hot bowls of creamy potato goodness topped generously with whatever garnishes you fancy from crumbled Turkey Bacon to extra cheese or even sour cream! Enjoy immediately as you savor every delightful spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making a comforting bowl of potato soup doesn’t have to be stressful—follow these tips to elevate your cooking experience!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they’re creamy and hold their shape well. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, which can break down too much and make the soup mushy.

• Don’t rush the aromatics: Taking the time to sauté the onions and garlic until softened not only enhances their flavors but also builds a delicious base for your soup. The aromatic oils released during cooking add depth to the dish.

• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme bring brightness and complexity to the soup. While dried herbs are convenient, fresh varieties provide a more vibrant taste.

• Adjust thickness to your liking: If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip blending some of the soup. Conversely, for an ultra-creamy version, blend all of it! Customize it to fit your family’s preferences.

• Always taste and adjust seasoning: Flavor develops as the soup simmers, so be sure to taste before serving. Adjusting salt and pepper ensures that each bowl is perfectly seasoned and delicious.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this hearty soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance its deliciousness.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
• Crispy toppings: Consider adding cooked crumbled Turkey bacon or crunchy croutons for added texture and richness.
• Creamy dollop: A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top creates a creamy contrast that balances the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy potato soup. The buttery flavor complements the dish while providing an irresistible crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a delightful earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy soup.
• Cheese Toasts: Melted cheese on toasted bread served alongside makes for a comforting side that echoes the cheese in your soup.

Enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe—it’s sure to warm your heart and fill your tummy! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen for later, making it a convenient choice for busy weeks.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• If possible, separate any toppings (like cheese or crumbled turkey bacon) to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave about an inch of space at the top of containers for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, reheat from frozen rather than thawing first.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

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

Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based as well.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

You can boost flavor by adding more herbs like rosemary or bay leaves during cooking. A splash of lemon juice just before serving adds brightness too!

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! While sharp cheddar gives great flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that melting properties may vary.

What is the best way to store leftovers of the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave room for expansion in your containers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and make it your own. Happy cooking and enjoy every spoonful!