Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, then this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a favorite in our home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family and friends, this soup is the perfect comfort food to share around the table. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, which means you can enjoy more time with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen!

Imagine diving into a bowl of velvety soup filled with tender potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese, accompanied by fragrant herbs. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good potato soup! It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for seconds.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste buds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is all about using wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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 (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 Flavor

• 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)
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Optional spices: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a hint of warmth)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled 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! You can make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add some greens: Toss in some kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Swap the cheese: Try different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Add veggies: Carrots or celery can be sautéed along with the onions for extra texture and taste.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinsing them under cold water removes excess starch. This step helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set those beauties aside while you get started on the base!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add your butter or olive oil/butter mixture. Once melted and shimmering, toss in your finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent but not browned. This step releases sweetness from the onions that enhances the overall flavor of your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next up is adding that wonderful minced garlic! Stir it into the pot and let it cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Remember to stir constantly—burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Create Your Roux

Sprinkle your all-purpose flour over those lovely sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about one to two minutes; this cooks out any raw flour taste while creating a roux that will help thicken your soup nicely.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in your low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth—do this little by little while scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot. This prevents lumps from forming in your mixture. Once everything’s mixed smoothly together, bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add those rinsed potato cubes into the pot next! Stir well before bringing everything back to a gentle simmer again. Cover with a lid and let cook on medium-low heat for about fifteen to twenty minutes until they are nice and tender.

Step 7: Blend It Up

Time for that creamy texture! Carefully ladle half of your soup into a standard blender—make sure not to fill more than halfway due to steam buildup. Blend until smooth before pouring back into the remaining chunky soup left in the pot.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce your heat to low now as we introduce our dairy! Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) plus heavy cream if you’re using it—stir constantly while doing so. Toss in those fresh herbs too! Allow everything to heat through gently without boiling.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese by handfuls—stirring continuously until each addition melts fully before adding more ensures creamy perfection!

Step 10: Season & Serve

Final touch? Taste test! Adjust seasonings as needed with salt and freshly ground black pepper—or add that pinch of cayenne if you’d like some warmth! Now ladle that hot creamy goodness into bowls and garnish generously with crumbled bacon if desired along with extra cheese or any toppings you love!

And there you have it—a delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe ready to be savored! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect potato soup is all about technique and a few little tricks that can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out beautifully every time!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried. They add brightness and complexity to your soup that dried herbs simply can’t match.
• Don’t rush the sautéing process: Taking the time to properly sauté the onions until they’re soft and translucent brings out their natural sweetness. This foundational flavor enhances the overall taste of your soup.
• Blend carefully: If you choose to blend part of the soup for creaminess, remember to vent the blender lid! This helps release steam and prevents any dangerous splattering, ensuring a smooth texture without accidents.
• Gradual cheese melting: Adding cheese gradually off the heat is crucial for achieving a creamy consistency without graininess. This method allows for better incorporation and ensures each bite is deliciously cheesy.
• Taste as you go: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjusting salt, pepper, and other seasonings at the end allows you to tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this warm and comforting potato soup can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present your dish beautifully and enhance its flavors.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Extra shredded cheddar: A handful of freshly shredded cheese on top not only looks inviting but also melts slightly into the hot soup, enhancing its cheesy goodness.
• Croutons: Adding crunchy croutons provides a delightful texture contrast. They can be store-bought or homemade for an extra touch!

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup while adding crunch and freshness.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread makes for a perfect accompaniment, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli add color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the heartiness of potato soup.
• Cheese Biscuits: Fluffy cheese biscuits are another fantastic side option that pairs wonderfully with this creamy soup. Their buttery flavor enhances the overall dining experience.

By following these serving suggestions and tips, you’re bound to impress anyone who joins you for this cozy meal! Enjoy every spoonful of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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.
• If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing instead.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label the containers with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Just adjust the quantities to your taste.

How can I enhance the flavors of my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Adding more herbs or spices can elevate the flavor. Consider incorporating bay leaves during simmering or adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish!

Is this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just remember to allow it to cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers.

What are good toppings for the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Some great options include crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, and crunchy croutons!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in bowl form that brings comfort on chilly days. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!