Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

When the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to wrap you in a cozy embrace. This recipe is a family favorite that balances creaminess with the earthy flavors of Yukon Gold potatoes, a hint of garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for comfort food enthusiasts, this soup not only fills the belly but soulfully nourishes on chilly evenings. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying cravings.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup deserves a spot on your dinner table. For starters, it brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s both quick to prepare and budget-friendly. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a weekend gathering; plus, it’s kid-approved!

"This soup was a hit with my family! The flavors are rich and comforting, perfect for a chilly night." – A satisfied cook

It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize it to your taste or dietary needs, making it an ideal canvas for creativity. Whether you’re sharing a bowl with loved ones during the holidays or looking for a simple, warming meal after a long day, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Preparing this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen skills. Here’s a brief overview of the steps you’ll take:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Start by cooking onions and garlic in butter until fragrant.
2. Make the Base: Whisk in the flour and broth, creating a creamy foundation.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes and let them simmer until tender.
4. Blend for Texture: Blend part of the soup for creaminess while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
5. Finish with Dairy and Cheese: Stir in milk, cream, herbs, and cheese for a decadent finish.
6. Serve with Toppings: Ladle into bowls and elevate with your favorite garnishes.

Now, let’s gather everything you’ll need to craft this beautiful soup.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this delightful potato soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or a blend of 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
• Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped, and 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Liquid Base: 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups whole milk and optionally, 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Cheese: 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• Herbs: 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley and chives, plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (optional)

By having everything on hand, you’re setting yourself up for a delightful cooking experience.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing your Yukon Gold potatoes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter (or your oil-butter combination). Add the onion, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and stir well for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavors stuck there. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine Potatoes: Stir in the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
6. Blend for Creaminess: Carefully blend about half of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot.
7. Integrate Dairy: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream, adding the herbs at this stage.
8. Melt the Cheese: Off the heat, gradually add the cheddar, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth. Season to taste.
9. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to enjoying your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, presentation matters! Serve it hot in deep bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chives, or croutons for a lovely crunch. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to round out the meal.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain flavor and freshness:

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Just ensure to leave out the dairy additions (like milk and cream) before freezing, as they can affect the texture. It should last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stove, adding cream as needed.

Remember that safety first—never leave food at room temperature for more than two hours.

Expert Advice

To level up your potato soup game, here are a few tips:

• Starch Control: Rinsing the potatoes helps prevent them from making the soup too gummy.
• Shred Your Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties due to the anti-caking agents they contain.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs are key, but you can also experiment with adding a bay leaf during simmering for additional depth.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Consider adding:

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who love heat.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
• Dairy Variations: Use lactose-free milk or cheese for a lactose-sensitive crowd.
• Vegetarian Spin: Swap vegetable broth and include more veggies like carrots or celery for a different flair.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for the soup?
You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 30 minutes cooking, making this a great choice for a weeknight meal.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a unique flavor twist.

How can I adjust this recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. You can also skip the bacon topping.

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is sure to become an essential part of your recipe arsenal. With its abundant flavors and comforting qualities, it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings folks together. Enjoy the warmth it offers, one steaming bowl at a time!

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This comforting potato soup combines creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese to create a warming dish perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel and cube the potatoes, rinsing them under cold water.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until softened, then add garlic for 1-2 more minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cubed potatoes, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
6. Blend half of the soup until smooth and return it to the pot.
7. Reduce heat to low and stir in milk, cream, and herbs.
8. Add cheddar cheese off the heat, stirring until melted.
9. Ladle soup into bowls and add preferred toppings.

Notes

Serve hot with toppings like crumbled bacon or fresh herbs. Perfect pairing with crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: soup, potato soup, comfort food, cheddar cheese, hearty soup