Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and soul, look no further than this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. This soup is a cherished family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want something comforting to enjoy. The creamy texture, rich flavors of cheddar and garlic, and the fresh herbs make it truly special. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also simple enough for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Gather your loved ones around the table, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll whip up this soup in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and creamy texture—it’s a hit with everyone!
• Perfect for meal prep: This soup keeps well, making it an ideal option for batch cooking or leftovers.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the herbs to suit your taste; it’s versatile!
• Comfort in a bowl: On cold days, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup to lift your spirits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Gather these essentials to create a comforting bowl of goodness!

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
• 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)
• Cayenne/Paprika: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled Turkey 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 how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your preferences.

• Add veggies: Toss in some carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Swap the protein: Consider using cooked chicken or turkey instead of bacon as a topping.
• Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk along with vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version.

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 removes excess starch, which helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy later—trust me; this step is worth it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful here—burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly!

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about one minute; this cooks out that raw flour taste while creating a roux that will help thicken our delicious soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth little by little while scraping any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of your pot. This ensures a smooth mixture without lumps! Bring everything to a gentle simmer once fully incorporated.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add those rinsed potato cubes into the pot! Give everything a good stir before bringing it back up to simmering temperature. Cover and let cook on medium-low heat for about15-20 minutes until tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Step 7: Blend It Up

Now comes my favorite part! Carefully ladle half of your soup into a blender (remember not more than halfway!). Securely cover it but vent slightly with a kitchen towel so steam can escape while blending until smooth then pour back into pot with remaining chunky mix—this creates that perfect creamy texture while keeping some hearty potato chunks!

Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low now as we slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using—stir gently! Then add fresh herbs stirring well before letting everything heat through gently for about five minutes without boiling after adding dairy.

Step9: Mix In Cheese

Remove from heat entirely before gradually incorporating shredded sharp cheddar cheese by adding hand-fulls at time ensuring each addition melts completely before adding next—this will prevent grainy textures!

Step10: Season & Serve

Finally taste-test! Season generously with salt & freshly ground black pepper plus optional cayenne/paprika if desired then ladle hot creamy soup into bowls garnishing generously as per preference such as crumbled Turkey Bacon extra cheese sour cream fresh herbs etc., Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Making the perfect potato soup can be a breeze with just a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and freshly shredded cheese will enhance the flavor of your soup significantly. They contribute to a more vibrant taste and creamy texture that pre-packaged options simply can’t match.

• Control the Heat: When adding dairy, keep the heat low. This prevents curdling and helps maintain a rich, smooth texture throughout your soup. Nobody wants lumpy soup!

• Blend Carefully: If you’re blending hot liquids, make sure to vent the blender lid properly. This keeps steam from building up and ensures that you don’t have any accidents when processing your soup.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more broth or milk. On the other hand, for a heartier version, leave some potato chunks intact or add less liquid during cooking.

• Season Gradually: Remember that flavors will develop as they cook. Start with less salt and pepper, taste as you go, and adjust accordingly to suit your palate at the end.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving this delicious potato soup can be just as fun as making it! With a little creativity, you can present it in an inviting way that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of additional parsley or chives adds freshness and color to your soup.
• Extra Cheese: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar for an indulgent touch that melts beautifully.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, crumbled Turkey Bacon provides a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of sourdough or French bread is perfect for dipping into your hearty soup, adding both texture and flavor.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the potato soup while providing a refreshing component.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These are always a hit! The garlicky flavor complements the garlic notes in the soup while providing a satisfying crunch.
• Steamed Veggies: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans enhance nutrients on your plate while offering a nice color contrast alongside your warm bowl of goodness.

Enjoy this comforting Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe any day of the week—it’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this delicious soup:

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 storing in individual portions, use smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best texture, consider omitting the cheese before freezing and adding it when reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through; add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about this recipe:

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

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and substitute with a vegan cheese option that melts well.

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

Consider adding cooked turkey bacon or sautéed vegetables like carrots and celery. Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary can also elevate the flavors beautifully!

Can I substitute different types of potatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture, Russet or red potatoes can work as well. Just keep in mind that different varieties may alter the final consistency slightly.

How long does it take to prepare the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes preparing and cooking this delightful soup.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken your soup without any gluten.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!