Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, then my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! This soup has been a family favorite for years, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s rich, creamy, and packed full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those chilly evenings when all you want is something comforting. Plus, it brings everyone together around the table—there’s just something special about sharing a bowl of homemade soup!

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to whip up. With a handful of wholesome ingredients and just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious pot of soup ready to enjoy. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Family-friendly: Kids love it! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with little ones.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for quick meals during the week.
• Deliciously satisfying: Every spoonful is full of hearty potatoes, savory herbs, and melted cheddar cheese—what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Most of them might already be in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• Garlic: 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:
  • Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Chives: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Thyme: 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)
• Cayenne or Paprika: 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 some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add some greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you’re looking for an extra kick!
• Experiment with different cheeses: Swap out sharp cheddar for Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Include veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or celery for more texture and flavor.

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 and keeps your soup from getting gummy later on. Set those aside while you get started on the aromatic base.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt your butter or heat your olive oil/butter mix until it’s shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened but not brown. This step unlocks the sweetness in the onions that will elevate your soup’s flavor!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly!

Step 4: Create Your Roux

Sprinkle in the flour over your sautéed onions and garlic—this creates a roux that thickens our soup beautifully. Stir continuously for about two minutes to cook off any raw flour taste.

Step 5: Combine Broth

Slowly whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. This adds depth to your soup! Once everything is smooth, bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Now it’s time to add those rinsed potato cubes! Stir well then cover the pot. Let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes until those potatoes are nice and tender.

Step 7: Blend It Up

To achieve that creamy texture while keeping some heartiness intact, carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth—just remember not to fill that blender too high due to steam safety! Pour it back into the pot with remaining chunky goodness.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in milk and heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir gently as you add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme so they infuse their flavors throughout.

Step 9: Melt That Cheese

Remove from heat completely then gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted into creamy perfection! Remember that adding cheese off heat prevents graininess.

Step10: Season & Serve

Take a moment to taste your masterpiece! Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed before serving hot bowls topped with optional garnishes like crumbled turkey bacon or extra chives.

Enjoy every delicious spoonful of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—it’s sure to bring warmth and joy!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this comforting soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese enhance the flavor immensely, making your soup taste vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust thickness to preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture. For a creamier option, add more heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Don’t rush the sautéing process: Taking the time to properly sauté the onions and garlic builds a flavorful base that makes all the difference in your final dish.
• Experiment with cheese varieties: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Store leftovers wisely: Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve its creamy texture.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this hearty soup can be as creative as you want it to be! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Crumbled toppings: Adding crumbled Turkey Bacon provides not only a crunchy texture but also a savory flavor contrast.
• Cheese drizzle: Finish your bowl with a swirl of extra melted cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness everyone loves.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. The texture complements each spoonful beautifully.
• Simple salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. It’s refreshing and adds a nice crunch.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Pairing this soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches creates a nostalgic comfort food experience that’s hard to beat.
• Vegetable sticks: Crisp carrot or celery sticks served alongside add freshness and crunch, making for a fun appetizer that kids will love too!

Enjoy serving up your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with these delightful accompaniments! Each meal can become an occasion worth savoring.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only delicious but also easy to store and reheat, making it an excellent option for busy weeks. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your leftovers.

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 you need to, divide the soup into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, add a splash of broth or milk to help loosen the soup and prevent it from sticking.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) instead of whole milk, and omit the heavy cream. Choose vegetable broth as your liquid base, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version!

What can I serve with Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even some homemade croutons. You can also enjoy it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy meal.

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

If you’d like your soup thicker, simply blend more of it to achieve your desired consistency. Alternatively, let it simmer longer without a lid to reduce excess liquid.

Can I use other types of cheese in this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese gives a great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste profile.

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe so special?

The combination of fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese creates a wonderfully rich and comforting flavor. It’s perfect for chilly days and will warm you right up!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s warming, hearty, and packed full of flavors that will comfort your soul. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your tastes perfectly! So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious spoonful. Happy cooking!