Bowl of hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup garnished with herbs

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. It is rich, creamy, and filled with flavor. This soup combines the wonderful taste of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it a delightful choice for family meals or cozy gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone will love it.

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. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

  3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  4. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux.

  5. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring it to a simmer.

  6. Add the rinsed and drained potato cubes to the pot and stir well. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

  7. Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth and return it to the pot with the remaining chunky soup.

  8. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the fresh herbs and allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes.

  9. Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted.

  10. Taste and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.

  11. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

how to serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls and add your choice of toppings. Crumbled bacon, sour cream, or extra cheese make excellent additions. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

how to store Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before serving, and add a splash more milk if it has thickened too much.

tips to make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to use freshly shredded cheddar cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
  • If you want a chunkier soup, skip blending all of it.

variation

You can add cooked, crumbled sausage for added flavor. Alternatively, swap some of the potatoes for other vegetables like carrots or celery for variety.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon.

Can I freeze the soup?
While you can freeze the soup, dairy-based soups may change in texture when thawed. It’s best to freeze without the dairy and add it when you reheat.

How do I make this soup spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level.