Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish to warm your soul, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty and satisfying.

What makes this soup truly special is the combination of creamy cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, giving it a delightful depth of flavor. Plus, it’s so nourishing that it makes for an excellent meal all on its own, or served alongside some crusty bread. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this soup comes together in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully, so you can easily prepare it ahead of time or save leftovers for later.
• Customizable Toppings: Top it off with your favorites—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this cozy dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen! Gather these items to get started:

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 (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
• 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)
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or celery along with the onions for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a dash of hot sauce or more cayenne if you love heat!
• Go Vegan: Substitute the dairy with plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version.
• Swap the Protein: Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.

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 prevents the soup from becoming gummy. Set aside while you prepare the base.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your choice of fat—either unsalted butter or olive oil mixed with butter. Once melted and shimmering, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. This step brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously as it cooks for about one to two minutes. This roux will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth. Do this slowly while scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot—this adds great depth to your soup! Keep whisking until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Now it’s time to add those rinsed potato cubes! Stir well before bringing everything back up to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook for about15-20 minutes until those potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 7: Blend Part of The Soup

To create that signature creamy texture while keeping some chunks intact, carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth then pour it back into the pot with remaining chunky bits.

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using. Stir constantly as you bring everything together—this ensures a rich creaminess without curdling!

Step 9: Add Fresh Herbs

Stir in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme at this stage. Let everything heat through gently for about five minutes while ensuring it doesn’t boil.

Step10: Melt in Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually stirring in shredded sharp cheddar cheese—add one handful at a time until fully melted before adding more!

Step11: Season Your Creation

Taste your beautiful creation now! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, plus optional cayenne or smoked paprika if desired.

Step12: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons! Enjoy immediately for that warm comforting feeling!

There you have it—the ultimate Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! I hope you love making this as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect potato soup can be a delightful experience, and a few expert tips can help elevate your dish to new heights!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking, giving your soup that hearty feel.

• Don’t skip the rinsing: Rinsing cubed potatoes helps remove excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming overly thick and gummy. This step ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

• Add cheese off the heat: Incorporating cheddar cheese after removing the pot from heat is crucial for achieving that silky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without graininess.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning gradually allows you to control the flavor balance perfectly. Remember that the cheese will add saltiness, so it’s best to taste before adding more salt.

• Blend in batches safely: When blending hot liquids, always allow steam to escape by using a towel over the lid. This prevents splatters and keeps you safe while creating a beautifully creamy soup.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this comforting soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some lovely ways to present your masterpiece.

Garnishes

• Fresh chives or parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch and a savory flavor boost, adding crumbled turkey bacon enhances texture and taste.
• Extra shredded cheddar: A handful of freshly shredded cheddar on top not only looks inviting but also melts into the warm soup, creating delicious cheesy bites.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables complement the soup’s flavors while adding nutritional value and vibrant colors to your meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing of grilled cheese sandwiches offers a nostalgic touch and makes for an utterly satisfying meal when dipped into your hearty potato soup.

Enjoy your time in the kitchen crafting this delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe! It’s sure to warm your heart and your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some practical storage tips to keep your soup fresh and delicious.

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, separate any garnishes (like crumbled Turkey Bacon) before storing.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave on low power.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium heat while stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Add a splash of milk or cream if the soup is too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Have questions about this comforting recipe? Here are some common queries!

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe without heavy cream?

Yes! You can skip the heavy cream and use additional whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.

How long does the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!

Can I add other vegetables to this potato soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are chopped evenly so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.

Is there a dairy-free option for this potato soup?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh ones?

While fresh Yukon Gold potatoes provide great texture and flavor, you can use instant potatoes in a pinch. Just follow package instructions for reconstitution.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re just as excited as I am about making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! It’s not only rich and satisfying but also incredibly versatile—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth that this recipe brings into your home. Happy cooking!