Bowl of hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup topped with fresh herbs and cheese

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

ByAchraf

why make this recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavors that warm you from the inside out. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something satisfying. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients that you might already have at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this soup is sure to please everyone.

how to make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 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:
    • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
    • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)
  • 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:
    • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
    • 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

Directions:

  1. Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the butter (or olive oil/butter mix). Once melted, add the chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the pot bottom to loosen any flavorful bits. Once smooth, bring to a simmer.
  6. Add the rinsed potatoes and stir. Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  7. For the creamy texture, blend half of the soup in a blender until smooth, then return it to the pot with the remaining soup.
  8. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the milk and heavy cream. Add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat through for about 5 minutes without boiling.
  9. Remove from heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.
  10. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or paprika.
  11. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

how to serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

To serve this scrumptious potato soup, simply ladle it into bowls while it’s hot. You can enhance the flavor by adding garnishes like crumbled bacon, more cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. Croutons also make a great crunchy contrast to the creamy texture. Enjoy your warm bowls of comfort!

how to store Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

tips to make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

  1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work best in this soup due to their creamy texture. You can also mix in some Russet potatoes for extra fluffy chunks.
  2. Fresh Cheese: For the best melting experience, avoid pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts and combines better into the soup.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the soup mixture together. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk.

variation

You can customize this soup by adding in vegetables like carrots, celery, or even spinach for a healthier twist. For added protein, consider stirring in cooked sausage or shredded chicken.

FAQs

  1. Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

    • Yes, but keep in mind that using whole milk or half-and-half will give you a creamier texture.

  2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

    • Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and make sure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

  3. Can I freeze the soup?

    • Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.