Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul and brings smiles all around, you’ve landed in the right spot! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The rich aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table.

Not only is this soup deliciously indulgent, but it’s also simple to whip up. You’ll find that it comes together quickly, even on those hectic days when time is short. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in under an hour, so it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, everyone—kids and adults alike—will love digging into a warm bowl of this comforting soup.
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins—it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; just reheat and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items you might already have at home. Check out what you’ll need to make this delicious 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)

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 & Garnish

• 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)
• Optional Garnish:
• Cooked crumbled Turkey Turkey 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 its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or use up what you have on hand.

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or celery for added nutrition and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
• Go Creamy with Cauliflower: Substitute half of the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version that’s still creamy.
• Herb Infusion: Try different herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a unique twist on flavor.

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 pieces. Rinsing the cubed potatoes under cold water helps remove excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming gummy later on. Setting them aside ensures they’re ready for cooking when you need them.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about five to seven minutes until they are softened and translucent but not browned. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be cautious here—burnt garlic can turn bitter! This aromatic duo gives our soup that irresistible savory kick.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle flour over sautéed onions and garlic while stirring continuously. Cook this mixture for about two minutes; this process cooks out any raw flour taste while thickening your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth little by little while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Whisking prevents lumps from forming; once smooth, bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Toss in your rinsed potato cubes next! Stir well before bringing everything back up to a gentle simmer. Covering helps cook them evenly—you want them tender enough to pierce with a fork after about fifteen to twenty minutes.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

To achieve that signature creamy texture while retaining some heartiness from potato chunks, ladle half of your soup into a blender. Blend until smooth then pour it back into the pot with remaining chunky bits. Just remember—blending hot liquids requires caution!

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if using. Stir constantly as you add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heating gently—without boiling—is key here; we want everything well combined without curdling!

Step 9: Melt That Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese by handfuls. Stir continuously until each addition melts fully before more goes in—this keeps our lovely cheese from turning grainy.

Step10: Season & Serve

Taste your creation now! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper—and cayenne if desired—for that extra warmth. Finally, ladle into bowls garnished with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon or extra cheese.

And there you have it—a delightful bowl of comfort! Enjoy every warm spoonful of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with loved ones gathered around!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect potato soup is all about the little details! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and freshly shredded cheese make a world of difference in taste. They enhance the overall flavor profile and give your soup that homemade touch.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the potatoes to simmer until they’re tender is key for a creamy texture. This step ensures that each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious rather than chunky and undercooked.
• Blend carefully: If you’re using a blender, remember to vent it properly to prevent pressure build-up. This helps avoid any kitchen disasters while achieving that smooth consistency we all crave.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! Because cheese can add saltiness, adjust your seasonings gradually to find that perfect balance without overwhelming flavors.
• Experiment with garnishes: Personalizing your soup with different toppings can elevate its presentation and flavor. Don’t hesitate to mix and match according to your preferences!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is just as delightful as making it! With some simple garnishes and side dishes, you can create a cozy meal perfect for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Extra cheese: A handful of shredded sharp cheddar on top not only looks inviting but also melts beautifully into the warm soup, enhancing its cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Crispy green salad: A light, crunchy salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes for an irresistible pairing. Its crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the potato soup while providing extra nutrients.
• Cheesy quesadillas: Quick and easy, these can be made with any favorite fillings. Their cheesy goodness pairs well with every spoonful of hearty soup.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, surrounded by friends and family or savored during a quiet evening at home. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can store leftovers or even freeze portions for a later date.

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.
• If storing with toppings, keep them separate until you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When freezing, leave some space at the top of each container, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, microwave in intervals or warm slowly on the stove. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting potato soup recipe!

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

Yes! You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just ensure you choose a non-dairy cream that is thick enough to create that creamy texture.

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

If you’re looking for a different flavor profile or need a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I thicken my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the potato mixture into a smooth puree. Alternatively, you can mix in an additional tablespoon of flour dissolved in cold water during cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! It’s not just about nourishing your body; it’s about sharing warmth and comfort with family and friends. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Happy cooking!