Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a delightful comfort food perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs with tender Yukon Gold potatoes to create a dish that warms the soul. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side, this soup’s versatility and heartiness make it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates an irresistible, velvety texture.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like crumbled turkey bacon or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Comfort Food Classic: It’s a bowl of warmth that brings nostalgia and satisfaction on cold days.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Standard blender or immersion blender
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough room to stir without splattering.
• Standard blender: Perfect for blending portions of the soup to achieve that creamy texture while keeping some hearty potato chunks intact.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your ingredients efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

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)

Thickening Agent

• 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 Turkey 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:
1. Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
2. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
1. Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until fragrant.
2. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
1. Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
2. This creates a roux that helps thicken the soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
1. Add it little by little while scraping up any browned bits at the bottom.
2. Whisk constantly until smooth, then bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes into the pot:
1. Stir well until combined.
2. Bring back to a gentle simmer; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 15–20 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Blend Halfway

To achieve a creamy texture with some chunks:
1. Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender.
2. Securely blend until smooth, then return it back into the pot.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using:
1. Stir constantly while adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme.
2. Heat gently without boiling for about five minutes.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

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

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed:
Ladle hot soup into bowls:
Garnish with toppings such as crumbled turkey 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 dining experience. There are numerous ways to enjoy this comforting dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

Classic Toppings

• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A must-have for cheese lovers; it melts beautifully on top.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy tang that complements the rich soup.
• Fresh Chives or Parsley: Finely chopped herbs add freshness and a pop of color.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide texture and make each spoonful exciting.

Accompanying Bread

• Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping, these are warm, buttery, and flavorful.
• Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits pair wonderfully with the creamy soup.
• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough balances well with the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To create an outstanding Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, follow these helpful tips for best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and potatoes enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
• Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: Grating your own cheddar ensures better melting and creaminess in your soup.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth; for a thicker texture, blend more potatoes.
• Taste as You Go: Season gradually to achieve your desired flavor without overpowering saltiness from cheese or broth.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps deepen the flavors.
• Customize Your Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a nutritious contrast.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavor-packed peppers stuffed with grains or meat make for a hearty addition to your meal.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring brightness to accompany the creamy soup.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and a refreshing element alongside the smooth soup.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with potato soup; try different cheeses for variety.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer another layer of potato goodness while being fun to dip in the soup.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins complement the savory flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the rinsing step: Not rinsing the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in your soup. Always rinse under cold water to remove excess starch before adding them to the pot.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Add it after the onions are softened and cook only until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Always use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best result.
• Neglecting to taste as you go: Failing to taste your soup while cooking can result in inadequate seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper gradually until you reach your desired flavor.
• Boiling after adding dairy: Once you add milk or cream, boiling the soup can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low and gently warm it through instead.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated throughout, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some frequently asked questions that may help clarify things.

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

Yes! You can add ingredients like bacon, vegetables, or different cheeses based on your preference.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and flavor. However, Russet potatoes also work well.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat toppings like turkey bacon.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup recipe is not only comforting but incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy its warmth on chilly days!