Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will warm your soul. This creamy, savory dish combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes with rich cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Its delightful flavors and smooth texture will impress everyone at your table, whether you’re serving it as a hearty lunch, a starter for dinner, or just a cozy snack on a cold day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this soup can be made even by novice cooks.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs creates a depth of flavor that elevates this soup beyond basic potato soup.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs for extra flair.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Comforting and Filling: Packed with potatoes and cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that will keep you full and happy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Standard blender or immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without splattering.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts on potatoes and vegetables, making prep work quicker and safer.
• Standard blender or immersion blender: Helps achieve that creamy consistency by blending part of the soup smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)

For the Fat

• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter

For the Aromatics

• Aromatics:
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

For Thickening

• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)

For the Liquid Base

• 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)

For Cheese

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)

For Herbs

• Herbs:
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

• 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 Bacon
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• More fresh chives or parsley
• Croutons

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch – this helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once the butter is melted and shimmering:
Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
This creates a roux that helps thicken your soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
Do this slowly while scraping bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming until smooth; then bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well and bring back to gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low; cover pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender enough to pierce with fork.

Step 7: Blend Soup

Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly but remove center cap; cover opening with folded towel to allow steam escape.
Blend until smooth; pour blended soup back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Mix in Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using while stirring constantly.
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme; stir well. Allow soup to heat through gently for about 5 minutes without boiling.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese in handfuls while stirring continuously until melted before adding more.

Step10: Season & Serve

Taste your soup:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.
Ladle hot creamy soup into bowls:
Garnish with toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is an opportunity to elevate the dish and impress your guests. With a few garnishes and serving suggestions, you can create a delightful dining experience that complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Cheese: Add extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an even cheesier flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the soup.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: This adds a savory crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Croutons: For added texture, toss in some crunchy croutons that soak up the delicious broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompany with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair with Salad: A light green salad can balance the richness of the soup.
• Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
• Add Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy spice, offer hot sauce on the side to drizzle over each bowl.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating a perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup requires attention to detail and a few culinary techniques. Follow these tips for an outstanding outcome every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh potatoes and herbs for the best flavor profile.
• Rinse Potatoes: Rinsing cubed potatoes removes excess starch and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• Gradual Cheese Addition: Add shredded cheese gradually off heat to ensure it melts evenly without becoming grainy.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve your desired flavor balance.
• Avoid Boiling After Dairy Addition: Gentle heating prevents curdling of milk and cream after adding them to the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its creamy goodness.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup and soaking up flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition alongside your comforting soup.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs make for an elegant starter or side dish.
5. Baked Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch next to creamy soup.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy texture that balances the richness of potato soup.
7. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Warm dip served with chips or bread adds an indulgent touch to your meal.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a sweet finish to balance out the savory flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Opt for Yukon Gold potatoes, which provide a creamy texture and great flavor.
• Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing cubed potatoes removes excess starch, preventing your soup from becoming gummy. Always rinse before adding them to the pot.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Add it after the onions have softened and cook for just 1-2 minutes.
• Not blending enough: For a creamy consistency, blend half of the soup. This gives you both smooth and chunky textures that enhance each spoonful.
• Adding cheese too soon: Adding cheese while the soup is still boiling can make it grainy. Always remove from heat before incorporating cheese.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup after adding ingredients like cheese, as they can alter salt levels. Adjust seasonings gradually to avoid oversalting.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe special?

This recipe combines rich flavors with a creamy texture, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bowl.

Can I customize the toppings for this potato soup?

Absolutely! You can add crumbled bacon, sour cream, or extra herbs according to your taste preferences.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat-based toppings for a delightful vegetarian version.

Is there a dairy-free option for this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Yes! Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize ingredients and toppings based on what you love or have on hand. Try this delightful recipe to warm up your day!