Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! My Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. There’s something about the combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant herbs that makes this soup my absolute favorite—a staple during chilly evenings or when I need a little extra comfort after a long day. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You can whip it up in no time and enjoy the rich flavors with loved ones. Let’s dive into why this recipe brings joy to every table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: With easy steps and common ingredients, this soup comes together effortlessly.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making it a perfect dish for everyone at the table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and reheat, saving time on busy days.
• Deliciously creamy: The blend of cheddar cheese and heavy cream gives each spoonful an irresistible richness.
• Versatile toppings: Customize your bowls with your favorite garnishes for a fun twist every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll find that these ingredients are simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Gather these staples from your kitchen or local store to create a comforting bowl of goodness!

For the 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)

For Thickening

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Base

• 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 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

• 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

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional, 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

What I love about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations:

• Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy some heat.
• Change the cheese: Swap out sharp cheddar for a smoky gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Swap the protein: For an extra boost, add cooked turkey sausage or chickpeas for heartiness.

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 removes excess starch and prevents the soup from becoming gummy—this little step makes all the difference!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your choice of fat—either butter alone or olive oil mixed with butter—and let it melt until shimmering. Once ready, toss in your finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they turn soft and translucent but avoid browning them. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next up is the minced garlic! Add this aromatic gem to your pot and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until it’s fragrant. But be cautious—burnt garlic can ruin all that lovely flavor!

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle in your all-purpose flour over those sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously as you cook it for about 1-2 minutes. This step cooks out any raw flour taste and creates a roux that will thicken our soup beautifully.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Gradually whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth little by little while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—those bits are pure gold! Whisking helps prevent lumps from forming; once everything is smooth, bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

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

Step 7: Blend Halfway

To achieve that signature creamy texture while keeping some hearty potato chunks, carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender. Securely close the lid but vent it slightly to allow steam to escape—safety first! Blend until smooth then return it back into the pot.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce your heat to low now as you slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir gently as you add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme—this infuses even more flavor! Allow everything to heat through gently without boiling.

Step 9: Melt in Cheese

Once heated through, remove your pot from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese by handfuls. Stir continuously until each addition melts completely—it prevents graininess in our creamy masterpiece.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Finally, taste your glorious soup! Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, plus that pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Ladle heaping servings into bowls and garnish with toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, more cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or crunchy croutons!

Enjoy immediately as you dive into this delicious bowl of warmth!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making this creamy, comforting soup is a breeze, especially with a few helpful tips!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They hold their shape well while cooking, giving your soup a delightful heartiness.

• Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with the aromatics creates a roux that thickens the soup beautifully. This step enhances the overall flavor and ensures a smooth consistency without lumps.

• Blend Carefully: When blending part of the soup, make sure to vent the blender lid to avoid dangerous steam buildup. This keeps your kitchen safe and helps achieve that perfect creamy texture without any mishaps.

• Incorporate Cheese Gradually: Adding cheese off the heat prevents it from becoming grainy. By melting it slowly, you ensure a silky finish that elevates the soup’s richness.

• Taste as You Go: Seasoning gradually allows you to control the flavor balance. Since cheese can be salty, adjusting your seasonings after it’s incorporated will help you achieve perfection.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

This delicious potato soup is not only hearty but also versatile when it comes to serving! Presenting it beautifully can enhance your dining experience and impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or chives adds freshness and color, making each bowl more inviting.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, adding crispy turkey bacon provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. It adds a satisfying bite and complements the flavors wonderfully.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts add depth to your meal and offer a healthy side packed with nutrients.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: If you want to indulge further, cheesy garlic bread is an excellent pairing. The rich flavors will harmonize beautifully with your potato soup.

Feel free to mix and match these garnishes and sides according to your preference! Enjoy every warm spoonful of this comforting dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the soup into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
• If the soup thickens after freezing, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

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

Yes! To make it vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options such as almond milk or coconut cream and use vegan cheese.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2-3 months.

Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide great flavor and creaminess, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Adjust liquid amounts as needed for consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup as much as I do! It’s not just filling; it’s also packed with flavor and warmth. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you need something comforting! Give it a try, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!