Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for warming your soul on chilly days. This creamy, flavorful soup combines tender potatoes with sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs, making it suitable for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Its rich texture and delightful taste will impress your guests while being simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream gives this soup a rich, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in about 30 minutes.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with a variety of toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner, this potato soup fits right in.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome potatoes and herbs, it’s a delicious way to enjoy nutritious ingredients.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without scorching.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor balance in your 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

• 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)

Cheese and Herbs

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 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)
• Spice: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

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 melted and shimmering:
Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits.
Whisk constantly until smooth; bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes

Add the rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well and return to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Blend Half of Soup

Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Blend until smooth; pour back into the pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 7: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream while stirring.
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme; allow it to heat through gently for about 5 minutes—do not boil.

Step 8: Incorporate Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until fully melted before each addition.

Step 9: Season & Serve

Taste the soup:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional spices if desired.
Ladle hot soup into bowls:
Garnish with toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory, crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
• Extra Cheese: A handful of shredded sharp cheddar on top can make the soup even more indulgent.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Croutons: For added crunch, toss in homemade or store-bought croutons.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The garlic flavor complements the soup wonderfully while providing a delicious crunch.

Salad Options

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons pair well with the heartiness of the soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to older ingredients.
• Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with the onions and garlic creates a smooth texture; it helps thicken without lumps.
• Blend Carefully: If using a blender, allow steam to escape by covering with a towel. This prevents splattering hot soup everywhere.
• Add Cheese Off Heat: Adding cheese after removing from heat ensures it melts smoothly without clumping or becoming grainy.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper gradually. Remember that cheese adds saltiness; taste and season accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

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

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic choice, its tangy dressing complements the richness of the potato soup beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil add color, nutrients, and texture to your meal.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey cheese and crispy bread provide a comforting pairing with the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and spices offer a hearty side that balances well with the soup’s creaminess.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw can add freshness and contrast against the smoothness of potato soup.
7. Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked potato wedges provide an extra potato fix while adding crunch.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy dip served with tortilla chips makes an indulgent appetizer before enjoying your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a delicious result.

• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. For this recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are best because they provide the right texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes that won’t break down well in the soup.

• Ignoring the roux: Skipping the flour step or not cooking it long enough can lead to a raw taste in your soup. Always cook your flour with aromatics until it’s lightly golden to develop flavor.

• Adding dairy too early: Introducing milk and cream too soon can cause them to curdle. Wait until after blending the soup before adding dairy for a creamy texture.

• Overcooking or undercooking potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them mushy, while undercooked ones will be hard. Aim for tender but not falling apart potatoes, testing with a fork.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The cheese adds saltiness, so add salt gradually and taste as you go.

• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor. Consider toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon or fresh herbs for an extra touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, being careful not to let it boil.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, while sharp cheddar is preferred, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reduce or omit heavy cream.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor without compromising the recipe’s heartiness.

What if my soup is too thick?

If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe contains all-purpose flour; however, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for cozy meals any time of year. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it satisfying on chilly nights. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or additional herbs to make it your own!