Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms the soul, my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just the ticket! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home for years. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs create a cozy experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

This soup is also fantastic for family gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your loved ones without too much fuss. It’s creamy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor—everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or hosting.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
• Deliciously Filling: Packed with hearty potatoes and rich cheese, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple yet wholesome ingredients that make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup so special. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

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)

For Flavoring

• 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)
• Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch (optional, for a hint of warmth)

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 its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
• Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you love some heat!
• Swap the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
• Go Vegan: Substitute plant-based butter, almond milk, and non-dairy cheese to make it vegan-friendly!

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinsing them under cold water removes excess starch which can make your soup gummy. Setting them aside allows them to dry slightly before adding them later.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add either butter or a mix of olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering. Add your finely chopped yellow onion—sautéing it will bring out its natural sweetness! Stir occasionally until the onion softens but doesn’t brown—this takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next up is the minced garlic! Add it to the pot and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly. This step is crucial because burnt garlic can ruin your dish with bitterness!

Step 4: Create Your Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic mixture. Stir continuously as you cook for about one to two minutes; this step helps eliminate any raw flour taste while thickening our lovely soup!

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in your chosen chicken or vegetable broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those little morsels add depth! Once smooth, bring everything up to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Your Potatoes

Now toss in those rinsed potato cubes you set aside earlier. Stir well and let everything come back to a gentle simmer before reducing heat to medium-low. Cover your pot and allow it all to bubble away for about 15-20 minutes until those potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 7: Blend It Up

For that perfect creamy texture with some heartiness intact, ladle about half of the soup into a blender—be careful not to fill it too full due to steam! Blend until smooth then return it back into your pot with the remaining chunky soup—this creates that delightful contrast in textures.

Step 8: Stir In Dairy

Reduce heat again to low before slowly pouring in your whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir constantly as you add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme—allow everything to gently heat through without boiling after adding dairy!

Step 9: Add Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese—a handful at a time! Keep stirring until each addition melts smoothly into that luxurious soup base; this prevents graininess from forming.

Step 10: Final Seasoning & Serve

Taste your creation now; season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Remember that cheese adds saltiness too! Finally, ladle this hot beauty into bowls before garnishing generously with toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon or extra cheese.

Enjoy every comforting spoonful of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this soup is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes add a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s hard to beat. Their natural creaminess makes your soup luscious without needing too much added cream.

• Don’t rush the sauté: Spending a few extra minutes cooking the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant builds a deep flavor base for your soup. Sautéing helps develop those sweet, caramelized notes that elevate the dish.

• Blend strategically: Blending only half of the soup gives you that perfect combination of creaminess and hearty chunks. This method provides a delightful texture without losing all the comforting potato pieces.

• Add cheese off the heat: Gradually adding shredded cheddar while the soup is off the heat prevents it from becoming grainy. This ensures that your cheese melts smoothly into the soup, making it extra creamy.

• Taste as you go: Adjusting seasoning at each step helps you achieve a balanced flavor profile. Remember that cheese adds saltiness, so taste before adding more salt!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this comforting potato soup is just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some great ideas to present your dish beautifully and make it even more satisfying.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Add an extra handful of shredded sharp cheddar on top while serving for an indulgent touch.
• Croutons: A handful of crispy croutons adds delightful crunch and texture, complementing the creamy soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: The perfect companion to soak up every last drop of this delicious soup. A crunchy exterior with soft, buttery garlic goodness is simply irresistible.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast with crisp veggies.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Who doesn’t love dipping warm, cheesy sandwiches into their soup? This classic combo is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of your potato soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but a warm gathering around your table. Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy comforting flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date and type of soup.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, transfer the soup to a pot over low heat. Stir frequently until warmed through.
• For individual servings, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. Use olive oil instead of butter and choose nutritional yeast instead of cheese for added flavor.

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before enjoying!

What can I use as a garnish for my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

You have many delicious options! Try topping your soup with crumbled turkey bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Croutons add a delightful crunch too!

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

Certainly! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or even spinach. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the potatoes for cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe! It’s not only filling but also brings warmth and comfort on chilly days. Don’t hesitate to share it with friends or family; it’s bound to become a favorite around your table. Happy cooking!