Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food to warm your soul, look no further than this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that everyone will love!

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a delicious pot of soup that fills your home with irresistible aromas. Plus, it’s easy to customize for any occasion—whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or the main event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This soup comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will devour this comforting dish.
• Make-ahead convenience: It stays fresh in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
• Rich and creamy flavor: The sharp cheddar and herbs create a delightful taste experience that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome items that you might already have 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

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

Thickener

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)

Liquid Base

• 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)

Cheese & Herbs

• 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 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

One of the best things about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery for added nutrition and crunch.
• Make it spicy: Stir in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a kick!
• Swap the protein: Use cooked chicken or turkey instead of bacon for a heartier meal.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly 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 keeps your soup from becoming gummy later on. Set them aside while you get started on the base!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once melted and shimmering, add your finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now it’s time to add that aromatic goodness! Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic can ruin your lovely soup!

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook off that raw flour taste—this creates a roux that thickens your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, adding it slowly helps avoid lumps. Scrape any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot while whisking—it adds depth to your soup! Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Once everything is combined smoothly, stir in those rinsed potato cubes. Bring it back to a simmer then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender enough to pierce easily with a fork—this step makes sure every bite is soft and flavorful!

Step 7: Blend Some Soup

To create that signature creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender. Securely fasten the lid but vent it with a towel to let steam escape while blending until smooth.

Step 8: Combine Blended Soup

Pour that blended mixture back into your pot with the remaining chunky soup—you’ll love how creamy yet hearty it becomes!

Step 9: Add Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if using; remember to stir constantly! Add in fresh parsley, chives, thyme—or dried thyme—and stir well until combined.

Step 10: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese by handfuls—stir continuously until fully melted before adding more. This prevents graininess so you’ll get that velvety texture we all love.

Step 11: Season It Up

Give your soup a taste test! Season generously with salt, black pepper, and perhaps some cayenne or smoked paprika if you desire extra warmth—it’s all about finding that perfect balance.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle hot creamy goodness into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Dive right in because you’ve earned every delicious spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this soup is a delightful experience, and a few pro tips will help you elevate it even further!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold their shape well while cooking, giving you the perfect balance of creamy and chunky in your soup.

• Sauté gently: When cooking the onions and garlic, take your time with the sautéing process. This releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your soup.

• Blend carefully: If you opt to blend part of the soup for creaminess, remember to let steam escape from the blender. This reduces pressure build-up and prevents spills or burns.

• Add cheese off heat: Incorporating cheese when the pot is no longer on the heat prevents it from turning grainy. This keeps your soup velvety smooth and deliciously cheesy!

• Adjust seasoning thoughtfully: Taste as you go! Since cheese adds saltiness, it’s best to start with less salt and gradually adjust to suit your preference.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Presenting this soup is just as important as making it! Here are some wonderful ways to serve it that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional parsley or chives not only adds color but also enhances that fresh flavor.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: Melting a little more cheese on top creates an irresistible cheesy layer that everyone will love.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy soup, making each spoonful more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or rolls is perfect for dipping into your hearty soup, helping to soak up every last drop.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the potato soup, balancing out your meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts bring an earthy element that complements the creamy potato soup beautifully.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: For a classic pairing, indulge in a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar or your favorite melty cheese for a comforting combination.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! Whether it’s a chilly evening at home or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To prevent spoilage, make sure the container is sealed tightly.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if it thickens.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out.

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

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk and cream, and opt for a vegan cheese alternative. The flavor will still be delicious!

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

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. However, you can also use Russet potatoes if needed.

How can I add more flavor to my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Consider adding extra herbs like rosemary or basil, or include sautéed vegetables such as carrots and celery for added depth. A dash of hot sauce can also spice things up!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese in this potato soup recipe?

While you can use pre-shredded cheese, it’s best to shred your own sharp cheddar for optimal meltability and texture in your soup.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t hesitate to share your version with family and friends. Happy cooking!