Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your soul, the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need. This soup is a comforting hug in a bowl and the perfect remedy for chilly evenings. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a gathering with loved ones, this recipe hits the spot every time.

There’s something so special about gathering around a bubbling pot of potato soup. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to come to the table. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, even picky eaters will love it.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare it ahead of time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible taste.
• Customizable Toppings: Dress it up with your favorite garnishes for added flair!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor. Let’s gather what you need to whip up this delightful soup!

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
• Dairy:
• 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)

For Flavor and Garnish

• 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)
• Optional Garnish:
• Cooked crumbled Turkey 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 can be! Feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Swap the Cheese: Try different cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and substitute dairy with almond milk and cashew cream.

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 cubes. Rinse these under cold water to remove excess starch; this step is crucial as it helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set them aside while you start cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add your choice of fat—either unsalted butter or a mix of olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned; this brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic next, cooking for another minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown; burnt garlic can turn bitter!

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about two minutes – this creates a roux that will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth while making sure to scrape any delicious bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures smoothness in your soup.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Now add those rinsed potato cubes into your pot! Stir everything together and bring it back to a gentle simmer before covering. Let it cook for about fifteen to twenty minutes until those potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 7: Blend Some Soup

To achieve that creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact, carefully ladle half of the mixture into a blender. Securely cover it with a kitchen towel on top—this allows steam to escape while blending smoothly.

Step 8: Return Blended Soup

Once blended until silky smooth, pour that back into your pot with the remaining chunky soup mixture.

Step 9: Add Dairy

Turn down the heat to low before slowly pouring in whole milk and heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir constantly as you do this! Then add in those lovely fresh herbs – parsley, chives, thyme – ensuring they are well mixed throughout.

Step10: Melt Cheese In

Remove from heat completely before adding sharp cheddar cheese gradually—one handful at a time—stirring well after each addition until fully melted before adding more.

Step11: Season To Taste

Lastly, give your soup a taste! Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper along with optional cayenne pepper if desired. Remember that cheese adds saltiness too!

Step12: Serve Up

Ladle that hot creamy goodness into bowls! Top generously with garnishes like crumbled turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt—whatever makes your heart happy—and enjoy immediately!

With each spoonful of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re creating memories around comforting flavors shared with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making soup can be an art, and with these pro tips, you’ll surely impress your family and friends!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may not break down as nicely in the soup.

• Don’t rush the aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic properly enhances their flavors and forms a flavorful base for the soup. Take your time—this step is crucial!

• Control the heat when adding dairy: Gradually incorporating dairy while keeping the heat low prevents curdling, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.

• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme elevate your potato soup with vibrant flavors. Dried herbs can work in a pinch but may lack that fresh taste.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste before serving! Cheese adds saltiness, so start with less seasoning and build it up according to your preference.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this delectable soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some thoughtful ways to present your dish that will make it even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Cooked crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle on top provides an inviting melted layer that enhances every bite.
• Fresh chives or parsley: These add a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the rich soup, offering a satisfying texture contrast.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the soup and adds freshness to your meal.

• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic are an irresistible pairing that complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition while providing a lovely earthy contrast to the richness of the soup.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to create a comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, allowing you to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup anytime throughout the week. Here’s how you can manage leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Make sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For easy thawing, consider laying flat in the freezer.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave’s defrost setting.

Reheating

• Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting recipe:

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

Yes! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and choose a vegan cheese option for a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe thicker?

For a thicker consistency, blend more of the soup until smooth before adding back to the pot. You can also add additional flour while sautéing your onions and garlic.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

You can replace heavy cream with additional whole milk or use a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter option without losing richness.

Can I add other vegetables to this potato soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in veggies like carrots, celery, or even kale. Just chop them small enough so they cook through by the time your potatoes are tender.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Perfectly creamy and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a cozy favorite in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find joy in every delicious spoonful. Don’t hesitate to share your experience—happy cooking!