Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up on chilly days. This creamy and flavorful soup combines tender potatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cheddar cheese for a delightful experience in every bowl. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The combination of creamy milk and shredded cheddar creates a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this soup can be whipped up even on busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite herbs, toppings, or add-ins like bacon or croutons for added flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or pair it with sandwiches for a hearty meal.
- Comforting Flavors: The blend of garlic, herbs, and cheddar offers a comforting taste that feels like a warm hug.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe smoothly, gather your tools beforehand. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Standard blender (or immersion blender)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space for all ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for best results.
Ingredients
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)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)
Cheese and Herbs
- 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)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
- Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch (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
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. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch – this helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
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 until softened and translucent but not browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously to cook out the raw flour taste for about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Do this little by little while scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot.
Whisk until smooth before bringing it to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook Potatoes
Add the rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer.
Cover and let cook for about 15–20 minutes until very tender.
Step 7: Blend Half of Soup
To create that signature creamy texture while keeping some chunks:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender.
Blend until smooth before pouring it back into the pot with remaining chunky soup.
Step 8: Add Dairy
Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using while stirring constantly.
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme (or dried thyme), stirring well.
Step 9: Melt Cheese
Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time while stirring continuously until melted.
Step 10: Season & Garnish
Taste your soup:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.
Ladle hot soup into bowls! Garnish with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives or croutons as you like! Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is an opportunity to elevate this comforting dish. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A thick slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread pairs perfectly. It’s great for dipping into the creamy soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Adding fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and a burst of flavor that enhances the dish.
Accompanied by Bacon Crumbles
- Garnish with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
Served in a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also makes for a tasty treat as you enjoy your meal.
With Cheese Croutons
- Top with homemade cheese croutons for extra flavor and texture. Just bake small pieces of bread topped with cheese until golden brown.
Drizzled with Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess that balances the rich flavors of the soup.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
To make sure your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs will provide better flavor than dried or old ingredients.
Avoid Overcooking Potatoes: Keep an eye on your cooking time; overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and lose their structure.
Blend Carefully: If using a blender, ensure to vent it properly while blending hot liquids to avoid splattering.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Stir in cheese after removing from heat to maintain its smooth texture and prevent graininess.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of your delicious soup.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens adds a light contrast to the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that pairs well; use sharp cheddar for added flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring depth and nutrients to your meal while complementing the soup’s flavors.
Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains and vegetables, stuffed peppers can be hearty enough to stand alongside the soup without overshadowing it.
Potato Wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges echo the main ingredient while adding another layer of texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks face challenges when making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve a perfect bowl every time.
- Ignoring potato preparation: Rinsing cubed potatoes is essential to remove excess starch, preventing a gummy soup. Always rinse before adding them to the pot.
- Skipping the roux step: Not cooking the flour long enough can leave a raw taste in your soup. Ensure you stir the flour for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly cooked.
- Adding cheese too soon: Adding cheese while the soup is boiling can cause it to become grainy. Always remove the pot from heat before stirring in cheese for a creamy texture.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, ruining your soup’s flavor. Add garlic after onions are softened, and cook for just 1-2 minutes.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving! The cheese adds saltiness, so adjust with salt and pepper accordingly for balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space in containers for expansion as the soup freezes.
Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe unique?
This recipe combines creamy textures with fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful experience.
Can I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery, swap herbs according to your preference, or even incorporate different cheeses for varied flavors.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter. It will still be delicious!
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
You can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or omit heavy cream altogether. Using less cheese will also reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent my potato soup from becoming too thick?
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add more broth or milk when reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. With simple ingredients and easy customization options, you can make it your own! Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy its warm embrace on chilly days.
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This rich and creamy soup features tender Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a delightful experience in every bowl. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With its satisfying texture and comforting flavors of garlic and herbs, each spoonful feels like a warm embrace.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp 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 (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Fresh herbs: parsley, chives, thyme
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes; rinse under cold water.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter or oil, then sauté onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in broth until smooth; bring to a simmer.
- Add potatoes, cover, and cook until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Blend half of the soup until smooth; return to pot.
- Lower heat; stir in milk, cream, herbs, and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
