Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from fresh herbs and garlic. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. It warms you up and can easily feed a crowd, making it a great choice for family meals or gatherings. Plus, who can resist a bowl of cheesy potato goodness?

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How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 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:
  • 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 (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:
  • 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 bacon
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • More fresh chives or parsley
  • Croutons

Directions:

1. Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
2. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the potato cubes to the pot. Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
7. Carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth and mix back into the chunky soup.
8. Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while stirring. Add the fresh herbs and stir well. Heat through gently for about 5 minutes, avoiding boiling.
9. Remove from heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
10. Taste the soup and season with salt, black pepper, and optional spices.
11. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings of your choice. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot in large bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like crumbled bacon, more cheese, or fresh herbs. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!

How to Store Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a little broth or milk when reheating.

Tips to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• For extra flavor, try using homemade broth instead of store-bought.
• Always shred your cheese fresh for better melting.
• If you want a healthier version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional broth or milk.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding ingredients like cooked chicken, additional vegetables, or even spices like curry powder for a twist on flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I freeze this soup?
While the soup can be frozen, the cream and cheese may change texture when thawed. It’s best to leave those out and add them fresh after reheating.

How do I make the soup spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give it a spicy kick.

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