Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. This rich and creamy soup combines the earthiness of Yukon Gold potatoes with the delightful flavors of cheddar cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a satisfying starter for gatherings, this recipe stands out with its creamy texture and depth of flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or at a dinner party, this hearty soup will surely impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and milk creates an indulgent texture that warms your soul.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, this soup is easy to whip up any time you crave comfort food.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings such as bacon, croutons, or herbs to make it your own!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe efficiently, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Standard blender (or immersion blender)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
- Standard blender: Perfect for achieving that creamy consistency by blending half of the soup smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
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
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- Garlic: 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
- 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)
For the Cheese
- Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
For the Herbs
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Chives: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
For 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 of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (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 Your 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 melted and shimmering:
Add finely chopped yellow onion.
Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until fragrant.
Step 4: Create Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape bottom of pot to loosen browned bits.
Ensure mixture is smooth before bringing it to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook Potatoes
Add rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well; bring back to gentle simmer.
Cover pot; cook for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Blend Soup
You have two options to achieve that creamy texture:
Option A: Standard Blender
Carefully ladle half of soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly; vent lid with a towel to allow steam to escape.
Blend until smooth; return blended soup back into pot.
Option B: Immersion Blender
Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot until desired consistency is reached.
Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs
Reduce heat to low before adding dairy:
Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly.
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme; stir well.
Step 9: Melt Cheese
Remove pot from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Step 10: Season & Serve
Taste your delicious creation:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika if desired.
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!
With every spoonful of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll experience comfort that warms both body and soul!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a delightful experience. This creamy soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and textures.
With Toppings
- Crumpled Bacon: Adding crispy bacon gives a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar on top for an extra cheesy delight.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or yogurt adds a refreshing tanginess.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Croutons: For added crunch, top your soup with crunchy croutons.
As a Main Dish
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and sopping up every last drop.
- In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, hollow out small loaves of bread to serve the soup in them.
- Paired with Salad: A crisp green salad on the side balances the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
To achieve the best version of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese will elevate the taste significantly.
- Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: Grate your own cheese for better melting and creaminess in the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Remember to taste as you season; this helps balance flavors without overdoing it.
- Blend Carefully: If blending hot soup, allow steam to escape to avoid splattering and burns.
- Simmer Gently After Adding Dairy: Prevent curdling by keeping the heat low after incorporating milk and cream.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats add an earthy note that pairs well with potato soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings a refreshing element alongside the warm soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Melty cheese in tortillas offers a satisfying crunch beside the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a creamy, flavorful soup.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always shred your cheese fresh for better texture and flavor.
- Skipping the rinsing step: Not rinsing cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup due to excess starch. Always rinse them under cold water before cooking.
- Boiling after adding dairy: Once you add milk or cream, avoid bringing the soup to a boil. This can cause the dairy to curdle, ruining the creamy texture.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance the overall flavor.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can become bitter if cooked too long. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Leave some space in containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe special?
This recipe combines rich flavors of cheddar and herbs with creamy textures for a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery, use different herbs, or even swap out the cheese for variety.
How do I make my soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend more of the soup and return it to the pot. You can also add more flour or use less liquid.
Is this potato soup gluten-free?
To make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This creamy, rich soup features Yukon Gold potatoes paired with sharp cheddar cheese and a medley of fresh herbs, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will envelop you in cozy satisfaction. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a starter for gatherings, it’s easy to customize with toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs. Ideal for meal prep, this soup can be made ahead and stored, providing delicious comfort food whenever you need it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chives, thyme
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes; rinse under cold water.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until translucent; add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking briefly.
- Gradually whisk in broth; bring to a simmer.
- Add potatoes; cover and cook until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Blend half the soup until smooth; return to the pot.
- Stir in milk and cream; add herbs and cheese gradually until melted.
- Season to taste and serve hot with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
