Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This creamy, flavorful soup combines tender potatoes with sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs, making it a delightful dish for family dinners, chilly evenings, or cozy gatherings with friends. The best part? It comes together easily in one pot, allowing you to enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a deliciously indulgent taste.
• Comforting and Hearty: With tender potato chunks, this soup is filling enough to stand on its own as a meal.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like bacon, sour cream, or croutons to personalize each bowl.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this scrumptious soup.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cold winter’s night or a casual get-together, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender (optional)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly and preventing sticking.
• Blender: Useful for achieving that creamy texture; however, you can use a potato masher if you prefer chunkier soup.

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

• 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 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

• 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

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 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 minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes until flour taste is cooked out.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
Continue whisking until smooth; then bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
Stir well.
Bring back to gentle simmer; reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Soup

Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly; vent lid with kitchen towel.
Blend until smooth and return blended soup back into pot with remaining chunky mixture.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add fresh herbs:
Allow soup to heat gently for about 5 minutes, avoiding boiling after adding dairy.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove pot from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese:
Stir continuously until fully melted before adding more cheese to avoid graininess.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Taste soup; season with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika:
Adjust seasoning gradually since cheese adds saltiness.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls:
Garnish generously with 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 can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement and enhance the flavors of the soup.

With Toppings

• Crispy Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds a savory crunch.
• Extra Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle more freshly shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy delight.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tanginess.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives provide freshness and color.
• Croutons: Add texture with crunchy croutons on top.

As a Meal

• Serve with a Salad: A light mixed green salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Add a Sandwich: Grilled cheese or a turkey sandwich pairs perfectly for a hearty lunch.
• Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollowed-out bread rolls make an edible bowl, enhancing flavor and presentation.

For Special Occasions

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
• Themed Dinner Night: Create a cozy atmosphere with rustic decor to match this comforting soup.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup truly exceptional, follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese significantly enhance flavor.
• Cook Potatoes Until Tender: Ensure potatoes are tender for the best texture; they should be easy to pierce with a fork.
• Blend Carefully: If blending, allow steam to escape to prevent accidents. Always blend in batches if needed.
• Add Cheese Off Heat: This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or clumping together when melting into the soup.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, especially because cheese adds saltiness.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pair your delicious soup with these side dishes for a complete meal. Each option brings unique flavors that complement the soup’s richness.

1. Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with vinaigrette cuts through the creamy soup nicely.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers provide protein and balance out the meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition alongside the soup.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Quick and cheesy, quesadillas pair well with any creamy soup dish.
6. Baked Potatoes: For potato lovers, baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives are a great choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful experience, but it can come with its challenges. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the potato rinsing: Failing to rinse the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in your soup. Always rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Burning the garlic: Cooking garlic for too long can make it bitter. Add it after the onions are softened and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Not whisking enough: If you don’t whisk the flour into the broth properly, lumps can form. Gradually add the broth while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
• Adding cheese too soon: Incorporating cheese while the pot is still on heat can make it grainy. Remove from heat before adding cheese and stir until fully melted.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Different brands of broth and cheese vary in saltiness. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30-40 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russets or red potatoes, but cooking times may vary slightly.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You might try adding cooked bacon, sautéed leeks, or even some diced jalapeños for an added kick!

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any meat garnishes like bacon.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes better after sitting for a day as flavors meld together. Store it properly as outlined above.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute when thickening the soup.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings like crispy bacon or sour cream for added delight. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!