Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy textures and rich flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting meal anytime, this soup features tender potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit any occasion—from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheddar creates a mouthwatering taste that feels like a warm hug.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this soup ready in no time.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the garnishes and add-ins to suit your preferences—try adding bacon or extra vegetables for added flavor!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Serve it as a hearty starter or pair it with your favorite sandwich for a complete meal.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This allows for even heating and ample space for all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for quickly chopping onions and potatoes without hassle.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for the best results.

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)
• 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 & Optional Garnish

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Pepper: 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:
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 and cook for another minute or two:
Stir constantly until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about one to two minutes until well mixed.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
Do this slowly while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen flavorful bits.
Whisk constantly until smooth then bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add drained potato cubes to the pot:
Stir well before bringing back to a gentle simmer.
Cover and let cook for about 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

Step 7: Blend Soup

For creamy texture while keeping some chunks:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly but vent with a towel. Blend until smooth.
Pour blended mixture back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy

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

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove pot from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your soup and season generously with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper if desired:
Ladle hot creamy soup into bowls. Garnish generously with crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various garnishes and accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting soup.

Toppings

• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a savory crunch and a hint of smokiness.
• Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for an extra cheesy delight.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Offers a creamy tang that complements the richness of the soup.
• Fresh Chives or Parsley: Sprinkling these herbs adds freshness and vibrant color.
• Croutons: Provides a satisfying crunch and additional texture to each spoonful.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious flavors of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: A flavorful choice that enhances the garlic notes in the soup.
• Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits are great for enjoying alongside the soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup involves a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, garlic, and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried or pre-packaged ingredients.
• Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic until soft; this develops a rich base flavor that is essential for depth in your soup.
• Blend Carefully: When blending hot liquids, always vent the lid of your blender to prevent pressure buildup and splattering.
• Add Cheese Off Heat: Gradually adding cheese after removing from heat ensures it melts smoothly without becoming grainy.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Since cheese adds saltiness, taste before adding more salt or pepper to avoid over-seasoning.

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 well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping into the soup’s creamy goodness.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that balances cheesy flavors with crispy goodness.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Adds a touch of green and nutrients while complementing the hearty nature of the soup.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a light, flavorful option alongside the rich soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with grains or meats for an added protein boost that pairs well with potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Avoid these mistakes for a perfect soup every time.

• Ignoring potato size: Cutting potatoes into uneven sizes can cause inconsistent cooking. Ensure all cubes are ½-inch for even tenderness.
• Skipping rinsing: Not rinsing the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture. Always rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Overcooking garlic: Burning garlic adds bitterness to your soup. Cook it just until fragrant, usually about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Not venting the blender: Blending hot liquids without proper venting can create a dangerous steam buildup. Remove the center cap and cover with a towel while blending.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Dumping in cheese all at once can result in clumps. Gradually add cheese off the heat for a smooth finish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

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 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (about 1 minute), stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.

How can I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

You can substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace milk and cream with coconut milk or any non-dairy alternative.

Can I customize the herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or basil if you prefer different flavors in your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can also try Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different textures and flavors.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe will last up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I add protein to this potato soup?

Yes! You can stir in cooked chicken, bacon, or beans for added protein and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is comforting and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or toppings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!