Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your soul and fills your belly, then this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! This soup has been a family favorite for years, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s also a great choice for gatherings with friends or family.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up using simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Plus, the combination of cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a delightful aroma that will make your home feel warm and inviting. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will quickly become part of your regular meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This soup comes together in no time with straightforward steps, making it perfect for anyone, even beginner cooks.
• Flavorful and comforting: The blend of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a deliciously rich flavor that’s sure to satisfy.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have available in your pantry.
• Great for meal prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy hearty leftovers throughout the week!
• Family-friendly: Kids love this creamy soup just as much as adults do, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious potato soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what to gather:

For the Soup Base

• 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Cheese and Herbs

• 2 cups 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
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 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

One of the best things about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add some greens: Throw in some chopped spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Change up the cheese: Swap out sharp cheddar for a creamy Gruyère or pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make it spicy: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
• Add proteins: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for an added protein punch that makes this soup even heartier.

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 ½-inch cubes. Rinsing them under cold water removes excess starch which helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set those aside while you prepare the rest!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your butter (or olive oil/butter mix). 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 brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add Garlic & Flour

Now it’s time to add the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute or two until fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn! Next, sprinkle in the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic; stirring continuously helps cook out that raw flour taste and creates a roux to thicken our soup.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot as you go. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps forming! Once smooth, bring everything to a simmer.

Step 5: Add Potatoes

Now it’s time to add those rinsed potato cubes! Stir well before bringing everything back to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until those potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.

Step 6: Blend It Up

For that signature creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact, you’ll want to blend part of the soup! Carefully ladle about half into a blender (be cautious with hot liquids), blend until smooth, then pour it back into the pot with remaining chunky goodness.

Step 7: Stir in Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low now. Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you’re using it—stir continuously! Add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme; stirring helps combine everything beautifully while allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Add Cheese & Season

Remove from heat completely; now it’s time for cheese magic! Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring until each handful melts fully before adding more—this prevents graininess!

Step 9: Final Touches

Taste your soup now! Adjust seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional spices like cayenne pepper if desired. Remember that cheese adds saltiness too!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle out your hot creamy soup into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons. Enjoy immediately—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this comforting potato soup is a delightful experience, and a few tips can make it even better!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Golds are perfect because they have a creamy texture and hold up well in soups. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they can become mushy.

• Don’t rush the sautéing: Taking your time to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant builds a flavor base that really enhances the soup. The sweetness from the onions will balance beautifully with the richness of the cheese.

• Blend safely: If you decide to blend part of the soup for creaminess, always vent your blender lid with a kitchen towel to prevent steam build-up. This makes blending hot liquids much safer and prevents messy spills.

• Gradual cheese addition: Adding cheese gradually off heat ensures it melts smoothly into the soup without becoming grainy. This step is key for achieving that velvety texture.

• Adjust seasoning last: Since cheese adds saltiness, wait until after you’ve added it to taste your soup before adjusting seasoning. This way, you avoid over-salting your dish.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this delicious potato soup is all about enhancing its comforting nature with thoughtful touches. Here are some ideas to make your serving experience even more special!

Garnishes

• Chopped chives or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the soup and adds a pop of color.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheese on top takes richness to another level, making each bite delightful.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, adding this gives a smoky flavor contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.

Side Dishes

• Simple Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the rich soup.
• Crusty Bread Rolls: Warm crusty rolls are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, helping to soak up every last drop of flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a hearty side filled with extra nutrients and textures that complement the potatoes.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: With its toasted crust and gooey cheese topping, cheesy garlic bread is an indulgent side that pairs perfectly with this bowl of comfort.

Enjoy serving this wonderful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! Your loved ones will appreciate both its warmth and delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For best flavor, reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of milk if the soup has thickened upon reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this hearty soup recipe:

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

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and opt for nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a savory flavor.

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

You can replace heavy cream with additional whole milk or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture.

How can I adjust the thickness of my potato soup?

If your soup is too thick after cooking, simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer without a lid to reduce liquid.

Can I add other vegetables to this potato soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and satisfaction. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with family and friends, I’m sure you’ll love every spoonful. Happy cooking!