Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out, then this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is just what you need! It’s a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a hug on a chilly day. This soup has been a family favorite for years, especially on busy weeknights when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family gathering or enjoying it solo with a slice of crusty bread, you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. The blend of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that invites customization—so feel free to make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The blend of cheeses and cream makes each spoonful rich and satisfying.
• Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love this soup! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping meals fun.
• Make Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize each bowl with your favorite garnishes for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one plays an important role in creating that delightful creamy texture and robust flavor. 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)

To Finish

• 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)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Optional Spice: 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

One of the best parts about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or pantry staples. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or celery when sautéing the onions for extra nutrition.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cheese for a lighter version.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to switch up the flavor profile.

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 helps remove excess starch which prevents the soup from becoming gummy later on. Set those aside while you get started on the base!

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 combined with butter—and let it melt until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion next. Sauté for about five to seven minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent; this step brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Once your onions are tender, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Stir constantly here; we don’t want burnt garlic ruining our lovely soup!

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over those aromatic veggies. Stir continuously as it cooks for about one to two minutes; this forms a roux that will help thicken our soup beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Now it’s time to whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth gradually. As you do this, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits sticking around. Keep whisking until everything is smooth before bringing it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add those rinsed potato cubes into your pot and stir well! Bring everything back up to a gentle simmer before reducing heat and covering your pot. Let it cook away for about fifteen to twenty minutes until those potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Blend It Up

For that signature creamy texture while still keeping some chunks intact, carefully ladle about half of your soup into a blender. Securely place the lid on top but remove the center cap; cover with a towel so steam can escape safely as you blend until smooth.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Pour that blended goodness back into your pot along with any remaining chunky soup! Reduce heat to low now as we pour in our whole milk—or half-and-half if you’re feeling decadent—and heavy cream if using too! Stir constantly while adding fresh herbs.

Step 9: Melt in Cheese

Remove from heat entirely before gradually adding shredded sharp cheddar cheese—do this slowly by handfuls while stirring until each addition melts completely into velvety bliss.

Step10: Season & Serve

Taste test your masterpiece here! Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper; add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired. Now ladle that hot creamy soup into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives…whatever makes your heart sing!

Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect potato soup is all about the details, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to new heights!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a creamy texture that holds up well in soups, providing a heartiness that’s hard to beat.

• Don’t rush the aromatics: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. This step builds a flavor foundation for your soup, so allowing them to soften without browning will create a more balanced taste.

• Blend carefully: If you opt to blend part of the soup for creaminess, remember to vent the blender lid. This prevents pressure from building up and ensures a smooth blend without any mess or danger.

• Incorporate cheese gradually: Adding shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time off the heat helps prevent clumping and ensures that every bite is perfectly cheesy.

• Taste as you go: Season gradually and keep tasting! This way, you can adjust flavors to your liking without overpowering the dish.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is just as important as making it! Present it beautifully to impress family and friends or simply treat yourself on a cozy night in.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley not only adds color but also enhances freshness, balancing out the richness of the soup.
• Extra cheese: A small handful of shredded cheddar on top makes each bowl look inviting and adds an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add a delightful crunch to each spoonful, creating an enjoyable contrast in texture.

Side Dishes

• Fresh garden salad: A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with creamy soups, adding brightness and freshness to your meal.
• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the flavors of the soup while providing a satisfying crunch—perfect for dipping!
• Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots offer a nutritious side option that balances the richness of the potato soup while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Cheese quesadillas: Quick and easy cheese quesadillas make for a great companion dish that can be dipped into the soup for extra cheesiness!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll transform your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If using a glass container, ensure it’s cooled before sealing to prevent breakage.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Can I use something other than potatoes in this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Yes! While potatoes provide heartiness, you can substitute them with cauliflower or butternut squash for a lower-carb option. Just adjust cooking times as needed until they are tender.

How can I make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The cream can be replaced with coconut cream for added richness without dairy.

Can I add protein to this potato soup?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken or turkey makes a great addition. Simply stir it in when you add the herbs for extra flavor and heartiness.

What can I serve with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! It’s truly a special recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish at home – it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it!