Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, you’ve found it! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a true labor of love, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet simple. I love how every spoonful is rich and creamy, with a delightful garlic kick and an abundance of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying a quiet night in, this soup brings everyone together.

This recipe is special because it combines wholesome ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being complicated. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and tastes even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few basic steps, you can whip up this delicious soup without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and rich flavor—it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to play with the herbs and spices based on what you have on hand for a unique twist each time.
• Comforting and Filling: Packed with potatoes and cheese, this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious potato soup, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we 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)
• 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
• Dairy:
• 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

• 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)
• Black 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 bacon
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• More fresh chives or parsley
• Croutons

Variations

One of the best parts about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Vegan Version: Use coconut milk instead of dairy products and nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
• Swap the Cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous!

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, which prevents the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set those aside while you get your pot ready!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your butter or olive oil/butter combo. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about five to seven minutes until it’s softened and translucent but not browned—this step brings out the onion’s sweetness!

Step 3: Add Garlic & Flour

Next up is adding minced garlic! Stir it in and cook for another minute until fragrant—just be careful not to burn it as that can turn bitter. Afterward, sprinkle flour over your sautéed onions and garlic; stir continuously for about one to two minutes to form a roux that helps thicken your soup.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom of the pot—this adds depth! Keep whisking until smooth and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes

Now it’s time for those potato cubes! Add them into the pot and stir well before bringing everything back to simmer again. Cover the pot and let it cook for about fifteen to twenty minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 6: Blend It Up!

To achieve that creamy texture while keeping some heartiness from potato chunks, carefully ladle half of the soup into your blender—just ensure you vent it properly! Blend until smooth before pouring it back into the pot.

Step 7: Stir in Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low now before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir constantly while adding fresh herbs—this makes everything smell divine! Heat through gently for five more minutes without boiling.

Step 8: Add Cheese & Season

Remove from heat entirely as you gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Remember to taste before seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne—adjust according to your preference!

Step9: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, ladle that luscious soup into bowls! Don’t hold back on garnishing with whatever toppings tickle your fancy—from crumbled bacon bits to extra cheese or croutons. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making a delicious potato soup doesn’t have to be complicated; with a few handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to comfort food perfection!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well while also becoming tender and creamy when cooked. Their buttery flavor enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking your time to properly sauté the onions and garlic will develop a deep flavor base. The goal is to soften them without browning, which brings out their natural sweetness.

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Grating your own cheddar cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture rather than clumping together like pre-shredded cheese often does.

• Control heat after adding dairy: It’s essential to keep the heat low once you add milk and cream. This prevents curdling and maintains that velvety consistency we all love in a creamy soup.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Remember that adding cheese increases the saltiness of the soup. Taste as you go to achieve that perfect balance of flavors without over-salting it.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this hearty soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant touch and fresh flavor contrast.
• Extra cheese: A handful of shredded sharp cheddar on top not only looks inviting but enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful textural contrast, making each spoonful interesting.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping! The warm, buttery flavors of garlic bread complement the rich soup beautifully.
• Simple side salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the creamy soup, helping cut through its richness.
• Steamed vegetables: Consider serving steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for added color and nutrition, making your meal more wholesome.
• Cheese quesadillas: Quick to prepare and fun to eat, these crispy tortillas filled with gooey cheese make an excellent dipping companion for your potato soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the soup cool entirely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.
• Remember to leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

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

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives. Choose a vegetable broth that aligns with your dietary preferences.

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

The flour roux added during cooking helps thicken the soup. If you want it thicker, consider blending more of the soup or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during simmering.

What herbs can I use in this potato soup recipe?

In addition to parsley, chives, and thyme, feel free to explore other herbs like rosemary or dill for a unique flavor twist!

Can I add vegetables to this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Certainly! Chopped carrots or celery would blend well. Just sauté them with the onions at the beginning for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to hear how your version turned out!