Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! My Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a family favorite that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of garlic, cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs creates a delicious aroma that fills the kitchen and invites everyone to the table.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you want to whip it up after a long day or serve it during a chilly weekend get-together, this recipe will deliver smiles all around. Let me share this cherished recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this soup ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a warm bowl of cheesy potato soup; it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers or meal prep for the week ahead.
• Deliciously comforting: The blend of flavors—cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs—creates an irresistible dish that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This hearty soup uses simple, wholesome components that you likely already have in your pantry. 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)
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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)

Cheese and 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 Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch for warmth (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• More fresh chives or parsley
• Croutons

Variations

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add some greens: Throw in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Mix up the cheese: Try using gouda or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Switch up the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill or rosemary for unique tastes.

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 and prevents the soup from getting gummy later on. Set them aside while you start on your aromatics.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once melted and shimmering, toss in your finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent—this step brings out their natural sweetness without browning them.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in your minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be sure to keep stirring; burnt garlic isn’t pleasant!

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed onions and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about two minutes—this helps cook out any raw flour taste while creating a roux that will thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This prevents lumps from forming as you bring it all to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add those rinsed potato cubes into the pot and stir well. Bring everything back to a gentle simmer before covering it—it should cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 7: Blend Some Soup

To achieve that creamy texture while keeping some chunkiness, carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth then return it back to the pot with the remaining chunky mixture.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir constantly as you add those fresh herbs—this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together without boiling.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Take off heat completely and gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated before adding more—this step ensures your cheese remains creamy rather than grainy.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Taste test your soup! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Remember that cheese adds salt too!

Step 11: Serve & Garnish

Ladle your hot creamy soup into bowls! Top generously with crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chives—or croutons if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every warming spoonful immediately!

Now you’re ready to create this delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe at home! It’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites just like it is for me!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making a delicious potato soup is all about balance and technique, so here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this soup due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They break down beautifully while still holding some shape, giving your soup that hearty feel.

• Sauté Aromatics Carefully: Cooking the onions and garlic until they are just soft and fragrant enhances the overall flavor of the soup. Be patient; this step builds a solid foundation for your dish.

• Gradual Cheese Addition: Adding cheese gradually off the heat prevents it from clumping or becoming grainy. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture that makes each spoonful melt in your mouth.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Always taste as you go! The cheese brings its own saltiness, so adjust your seasonings carefully to create a balanced flavor profile.

• Leftover Love: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your hearty soup is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: A handful of extra sharp cheddar on top creates a melty, indulgent layer that will make every bite irresistible.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy a little crunch, crumbled turkey bacon provides a savory contrast to the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. It adds texture and helps soak up every last drop.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potato soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks complement the flavors of your soup while providing an easy-to-handle side that everyone loves.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color, nutrition, and a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with a creamy bowl of potato goodness.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll surely impress family and friends at any gathering. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance and store it for quick lunches or cozy dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down entirely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• If the soup thickens too much after freezing, 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! You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk alternative along with nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy flavor.

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

The soup lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, you can experiment with other varieties like Russet or red potatoes.

Is it necessary to blend part of the soup?

Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact. However, if you prefer a completely chunky soup, you can skip this step!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! It’s not only comforting and delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up. Enjoy every warm bowl as you savor its rich flavors and creamy texture. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family—this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!