Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and soul, you’ve landed in the right place! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a family favorite in my home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting gathering with loved ones. Nothing beats curling up with a bowl of this delicious soup on a chilly evening!

This recipe is not just satisfying; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it a go-to for anyone who loves a good bowl of soup. So grab your favorite spoon, and let’s dive into the delightful world of this creamy potato soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This recipe comes together in about 30-40 minutes, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious 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 but recommended for ultimate creaminess)

For Flavor and Garnish

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
• 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:
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth)

Optional Garnish

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

Variations

The beauty of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Swap the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for unique flavors.
• Go vegan: Replace dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream 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 which can make your soup gummy. Set them aside while you prepare the base.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your choice of fat—either butter or an olive oil/butter combo. Once melted and shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned; this sweetness will enhance your soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic next. Cook for another minute or two until fragrant while stirring constantly; this step ensures you don’t burn the garlic since burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about one to two minutes; this creates a roux that thickens your soup beautifully by cooking out any raw flour taste.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth—scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom as you go. This adds depth to your soup’s flavor! Bring it to a gentle simmer once all is incorporated.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Now it’s time to add those rinsed potato cubes! Give everything a good stir before bringing it back to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and cook for about15-20 minutes until tender enough to pierce easily with a fork—make sure to stir occasionally!

Step 7: Blend Halfway

For that perfect creamy texture while still keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth then pour it back into your pot with the remaining chunky mixture.

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy

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 as you add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme; gently allow everything to heat through without boiling after adding dairy.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Once heated through, take your pot off heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese—one handful at a time—stirring until melted before adding more. This method prevents cheesiness from becoming grainy!

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your delicious creation now! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, plus optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired. Ladle hot soup into bowls garnished with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, additional cheese servings or croutons before enjoying immediately!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making a delicious potato soup is all about the details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your soup is as hearty and flavorful as possible.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color that makes your soup visually appealing.

• Avoid overcooking the potatoes: While you want them tender, overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Aim for just fork-tender to maintain some texture in the soup.

• Blend with care: If using a blender, remember to vent it properly to avoid hot splashes. This step creates a lovely creamy texture without losing all the chunky goodness!

• Gradually add cheese: Adding cheese off the heat helps prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy, ensuring a smooth and cheesy finish in every bite.

• Adjust seasoning last: Taste your soup after adding cheese; this way, you can adjust the salt and pepper more accurately since cheese contributes additional saltiness.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this comforting dish into something truly special.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives or parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle on top melts beautifully and enhances that cheesy goodness everyone loves.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the richness of the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding texture and heartiness to your meal.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potato soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can provide a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor alongside your bowl of soup.
• Cheesy garlic bread: This indulgent side pairs wonderfully with potato soup, providing an extra layer of comfort that’s hard to resist.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy a heartwarming bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s a comforting dish that can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors 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 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
• For convenience, consider freezing in individual servings for easy reheating later.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much).
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful soup!

Can I use another type of cheese in this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for a unique twist.

How do I make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for added flavor!

What herbs work best in this recipe?

While parsley, chives, and thyme are fantastic in this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, feel free to get creative! Fresh dill or rosemary can also add a wonderful flavor profile.

Can I add vegetables to this potato soup?

Definitely! You can stir in veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so they become tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s a cozy dish that warms both your heart and stomach. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days ahead or gathering around the table with loved ones, this soup brings comfort and joy. Happy cooking!