Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms both the heart and the soul, then this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need. Imagine coming home after a long day to the cozy aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through your kitchen. This soup has become a family favorite in my house, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends when you just want something comforting and delicious.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet it pairs beautifully with a simple salad or crusty bread. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly with just a few simple steps, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, creamy goodness packed with flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can easily meal prep for the week ahead.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful 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)

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

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne or Smoked 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 recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter and substitute dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk along with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your 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 the soup gummy. Setting them aside allows us to focus on building flavors in our pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add your butter (or olive oil/butter combo). Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned—this step releases their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Next up is our minced garlic! Stir it in for another minute or two until fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn! Then sprinkle your flour over the mixture; this creates a roux that thickens our soup beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this adds depth to our soup! Keep whisking until smooth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Potatoes

Add in your rinsed potato cubes and stir well. Bring back to a simmer then cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes until tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Remember to stir occasionally!

Step 6: Blend Halfway

Now comes the fun part! Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender—remember safety first! Blend until smooth then pour back into your pot with the chunky mix remaining. This gives us that signature creamy texture while keeping hearty potato chunks.

Step 7: Stir in Dairy

Turn down your heat to low now as we pour in our whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using. Stir gently while adding your fresh herbs—it smells divine! Heat through for another five minutes without boiling.

Step 8: Add Cheese

Remove your pot from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time. Stir continuously until each addition melts perfectly into that creamy goodness—we don’t want any graininess here!

Step 9: Season & Serve

Give your soup a taste test now! Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and perhaps even some cayenne or smoked paprika if desired. Finally, ladle it into bowls and garnish generously with crumbled turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt—whatever makes you happy!

Enjoy every warm spoonful of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe; it’s sure to become a cherished dish at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this delicious potato soup can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to elevate your cooking experience:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold up well during cooking, adding heartiness to your soup.

• Don’t Skip Rinsing the Potatoes: Rinsing the cubed potatoes helps remove excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming too thick or gummy. This ensures a smooth, velvety finish in your final dish.

• Gradually Add Dairy: When incorporating milk and cream, do so slowly while stirring continuously. This technique helps maintain a creamy texture without curdling, giving you that rich and dreamy consistency.

• Mix Cheeses for Flavor: While sharp cheddar is fantastic on its own, consider mixing it with a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added complexity in flavor. This creates a more nuanced taste profile that will impress everyone at the table.

• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Remember that the cheese adds saltiness, so taste before adding more salt. Adjust according to your preference and remember to season gradually for the best results!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this potato soup is just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine:

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped chives or parsley not only adds color but also enhances freshness and flavor.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons create a wonderful contrast in texture, adding a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
• Turkey Bacon Crumbles: These add a savory touch that complements the creamy base beautifully while keeping it light.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this soup, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables offer great flavor and nutrients while complementing the hearty nature of the soup.
• Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping into the soup and make for an extra comforting side!

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

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy its rich flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best results, avoid adding any garnishes until you are ready to serve.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If the soup is too thick after thawing, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe:

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

Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or additional plant-based milk.

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

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a vegan cheese substitute that melts well.

How do I prevent my potato soup from becoming gummy?

Rinsing your cubed potatoes under cold water removes excess starch, which helps prevent gumminess. Also, be sure not to over-blend when creating that creamy texture—keeping some potato chunks adds heartiness!

Can I add other vegetables to this potato soup recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to stir in vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup as much as I do! Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a wonderful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, it’s sure to warm your heart and home. Happy cooking!