Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a warm bowl on a chilly day, this soup delivers rich flavors and creamy texture. The combination of sharp cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an unforgettable taste experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream and cheddar cheese gives this soup its indulgent texture.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the herbs to suit your palate.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it as a starter, main dish, or even as a comforting snack.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without scorching.
• Standard blender: Perfect for creating a smooth texture in soups; just be cautious when blending hot liquids.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients efficiently.

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

• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• Garlic: 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

Thickening Agent

• 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

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne 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 the butter is 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 the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can become bitter quickly.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Do this slowly while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits.

Once smooth:
Bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add the rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well to combine.

Bring back to a gentle simmer:
Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Soup

To create that signature creamy texture with some potato chunks:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender. Secure the lid tightly but:
Remove center cap and cover with a towel to allow steam escape.

Blend until smooth:
Pour back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using while stirring constantly:
Add herbs—parsley, chives, thyme—and stir well.
Allow it gently heat through without boiling.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese in batches while stirring continuously until fully melted before adding more.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your soup:
Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika as desired.

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

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some excellent serving suggestions. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, these ideas will enhance your soup experience.

Toppings

• Crispy Bacon: Add crumbled, cooked bacon for a savory crunch that complements the creamy soup.
• Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese on top for an added cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to each bowl.
• Croutons: Toasted bread cubes add texture and are perfect for dipping.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping into the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor enhances the herb notes in the soup.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed greens balance the richness of the potato soup.

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How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best version of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, consider these tips that ensure maximum flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese significantly enhance flavor compared to dried or pre-packaged options.
• Don’t Rush Cooking Onions: Sauté onions until translucent; this builds a flavorful base for your soup.
• Blend Carefully: If blending hot ingredients, always vent the lid with a towel to avoid dangerous splashes.
• Add Dairy Off Heat: Incorporating milk and cream off heat prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go, especially when adding salt, since cheese contributes saltiness as well.
• Reheat Gently: If storing leftovers, reheat slowly over low heat to maintain creaminess.

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 satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: This buttery delight complements the flavors of the soup perfectly.
2. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese and herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect companions.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair wonderfully with creamy soups.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer an extra potato fix alongside your hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here’s a guide to help you avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing the cubed potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can lead to a gummy texture in the soup. Always rinse them under cold water before cooking.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best results, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Boiling after adding dairy: Once you add milk and cream, avoid boiling the soup. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle, ruining the creamy texture you want.
• Not tasting for seasoning: It’s essential to taste your soup before serving. The saltiness of cheese varies, so adjust with salt and pepper to achieve your desired flavor.
• Neglecting chunkiness: If you prefer some texture in your soup, don’t blend all of it. Reserve half for chunkiness while still achieving creaminess with the blended portion.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to label it with the date.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval for even heating.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe special?

This recipe stands out due to its rich flavors from fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying bowl of soup.

Can I customize the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery or substitute different cheeses based on your preferences.

Is this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping.

How do I make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any bacon garnishes for a hearty vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or as a warming lunch option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Enjoy making this delightful dish!