Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms both the heart and soul, then this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! This recipe has been a family favorite of mine for years. It’s the kind of soup that brings everyone together, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends on a chilly day. The rich flavors of cheddar, garlic, and herbs blend beautifully to create a bowl of deliciousness that feels like a warm hug.

This potato soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. You can whip it up in under an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand; this soup is flexible and adaptable.
• Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.
• Deliciously Comforting: Packed with flavor, it’s like a warm blanket in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty potato 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)

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 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)

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)

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 things about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a kick!
• Go Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter and use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.

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 helps remove excess starch which prevents the soup from getting gummy later on. Set them aside while you prepare the base.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your butter or olive oil with butter combination. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your finely chopped onion. Sauté it until softened and translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sweet aroma of onions filling your kitchen is just heavenly!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about a minute or two. Keeping an eye on it is crucial since burnt garlic can spoil your soup’s flavor! Then sprinkle the flour over this mix; stirring constantly will help eliminate any raw flour taste while creating a roux that thickens our soup beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step ensures every last bit of flavor makes its way into your soup! Once smooth, bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes

Now add those rinsed potato cubes into the pot and stir well to combine everything. Gently simmer until they are fork-tender—around fifteen to twenty minutes should do it. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick!

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess

This step is key to achieving that creamy texture we crave! Carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender—remember to vent it properly! Blend until smooth before returning it back to pot with remaining chunky goodness.

Step 7: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat again before slowly pouring in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir continuously as you add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme. Allow everything to heat through gently without boiling—it helps keep that creamy consistency intact!

Step 8: Add Cheese & Season

Off heat, gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted into velvety perfection. Taste-test before seasoning generously with salt plus black pepper—and don’t forget that pinch of cayenne if desired!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out this glorious hot soup into bowls! Top generously with any garnishes like crumbled bacon or extra cheese as preferred. Enjoy immediately while it’s warm—you’ll want every last drop!

Now go ahead and indulge yourself in this comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making a delicious potato soup is all about the little details, and these tips will help you achieve that perfect bowl of comfort!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup as they have a creamy texture that blends beautifully while still holding their shape. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can make the soup too mushy.

• Don’t rush the onions: Sautéing the onions until they’re soft and translucent develops their natural sweetness, which adds depth to your soup. Take your time during this step for maximum flavor!

• Blend carefully: When blending hot liquids, it’s important to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup. Use a kitchen towel over the lid to safely allow steam to escape without splattering.

• Add cheese off heat: Gradually adding shredded cheddar cheese after removing the pot from heat helps ensure a creamy texture without any clumps or graininess. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.

• Taste as you go: Since flavors build throughout cooking, tasting your soup at various stages allows you to adjust seasoning and achieve just the right balance of flavors in your finished dish.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this hearty potato soup can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enhance your meal experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some extra fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: A handful of additional sharp cheddar cheese on top creates a melty, gooey finish that everyone will love.
• Croutons: Add some crunchy homemade or store-bought croutons for texture contrast and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal. Think carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs.
• Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair wonderfully with potato soup. They’re perfect for dipping and add an indulgent touch.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors throughout the week without any hassle. You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Before storing, let the soup cool down to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers to allow for expansion when freezing.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you may have about this recipe!

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

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, using non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and omitting the heavy cream. Replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option or omit it altogether for a lighter version.

What types of potatoes work best for this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. However, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes if you prefer. Just ensure they are cubed evenly for consistent cooking.

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

To boost flavor, consider adding additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves during cooking. A splash of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten up the flavors. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s not only comforting but also versatile and perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, you’re bound to savor every spoonful. Happy cooking!