Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a festive starter, this creamy soup combines tender potatoes with robust garlic and fresh herbs. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese elevates the flavor, making it a standout choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates an indulgent soup that feels like a warm hug.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic infuse the soup with vibrant flavors that will impress your taste buds.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like crumbled bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
- Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with potatoes and dairy, this soup provides nutrients while satisfying your cravings.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cooking spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while allowing for easy stirring.
- Blender: Helps achieve a creamy consistency without lumps; you can also use an immersion blender if preferred.
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)
- Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)
Cheese & 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 & Garnish
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 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 Aromatics
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, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent but not browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Do this little by little while scraping the bottom of the pot.
Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming until smooth.
Step 6: Add Potatoes
Add the rinsed and drained potato cubes to the pot:
Stir well then bring back to a gentle simmer.
Cover and let cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
Step 7: Blend Partially
For that creamy texture while keeping some chunks:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender:
Securely fasten lid but remove center cap; cover with a kitchen towel.
Blend until smooth then pour back into remaining chunky soup.
Step 8: Add Dairy
Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly:
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme; stir well. Heat through gently for about 5 minutes without boiling.
Step 9: Melt Cheese
Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time while stirring continuously until fully melted before adding more.
Step 10: Season Soup
Taste soup then season generously with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne/smoked paprika:
Remember that cheese adds saltiness; season gradually to your liking.
Step 11: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with your chosen toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful experience that can be elevated with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement the rich flavors of this creamy soup.
Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Crumpled Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
- Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For cheese lovers, an additional sprinkle of cheddar enhances the cheesy goodness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy contrast to the soup’s richness.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley: These herbs provide a fresh garnish that brightens up the flavors and presentation.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons add texture and flavor, making each spoonful satisfying.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the soup’s savory notes well.
Serving Temperature
- Warm Bowls: Serve in pre-warmed bowls to keep the soup hot longer, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
To ensure your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh potatoes and herbs; they make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids clumping in your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture; for a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, especially after adding cheese, as it can alter saltiness.
- Simmer Gently After Adding Dairy: Avoid boiling after adding milk or cream to prevent curdling.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can create a wonderful meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make a delightful dipping option.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with melted cheese add an extra layer of comfort food.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrients to your meal while enhancing flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant touch that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a lovely contrast to the salty, cheesy soup.
These side dishes will perfectly complement your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe and make your meal even more enjoyable!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Ignoring potato sizes: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Always aim for uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even tenderness.
- Skipping the rinsing step: Not rinsing cubed potatoes can cause your soup to become gummy due to excess starch. Always rinse under cold water before cooking.
- Overcooking garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Add it after the onions are softened and sauté for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Adding cheese too early: If you add cheese while the soup is still on heat, it may seize or become grainy. Remove from heat before incorporating cheese for a silky texture.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Seasoning at the end is crucial. Taste your soup after adding cheese and adjust salt and pepper accordingly to enhance flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, here are some common questions answered.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While Yukon Gold is ideal for its creaminess, you can use Russet or red potatoes as substitutes. Just note that texture may vary slightly.
How do I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition. You can also adjust herbs based on your preference!
What toppings work best with this soup?
Toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese, or fresh herbs like chives enhance flavor and texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also highly versatile. With options for customization and easy storage solutions, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Warm and inviting, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Creamy and rich, it beautifully combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes with robust garlic and fresh herbs, all elevated by the sharpness of melted cheddar cheese. This savory soup offers a satisfying bowlful that can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. With simple preparation steps and a quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5-6 cloves garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chives, thyme
Instructions
- Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform pieces, then rinse under cold water.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in broth until smooth.
- Add potatoes, simmer until tender (15–20 minutes).
- Blend half of the soup for creaminess; return to pot.
- Stir in milk and cream; add herbs and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
