A Bowl of Comfort Awaits!

Picture this: a steaming bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup ready to envelop you in warmth with every spoonful. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. This rustic soup isn’t just comfort food; it’s an easy-to-make masterpiece that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Ready to dive into the flavors?

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you whip up this delightful soup? Here are a few reasons:

Easy Cleanup: One pot, minimal mess. Who doesn’t appreciate that?
Affordable Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients at home. Goodbye, grocery list stress!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will get their fill, and maybe even ask for seconds. Winning!

With flavors that warm your heart and an aroma that draws everyone in, this soup is a definite crowd-pleaser. 😊

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
Aromatics:
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquid Base:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
Cheese: 2 cups 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:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- More fresh chives or parsley
- Croutons

Directions

Prep the Potatoes: Peel and chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the butter (or olive oil/butter combo). Once melted and shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Careful not to burn it!
Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Pour in Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits. Bring to a simmer.
Add Potatoes: Toss in the rinsed potato cubes, stirring well. Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
Blend for Creaminess: Carefully ladle half of the soup into a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour back into the pot. Warning: Vent the lid while blending to prevent a hot mess.
Incorporate Dairy: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream. Add fresh herbs and heat through gently.
Cheese Time! Off the heat, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, letting it melt before adding more.
Season to Taste: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika.
Serve It Up: Ladle into bowls, garnish with your favorites, and enjoy immediately!

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe (Overview)

Making this soup is as easy as pie! Start by prepping your potatoes and sautéing those aromatic veggies to bring out all the flavors. Then, toss in your broth and spuds, let them mingle, and blend half for that creamy texture. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it seriously amps up the flavor! After stirring in the delectable cheeses and herbs, serve it up with your favorite toppings. Simple, right? 🍲

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Once your soup is piping hot, serve it in vibrant bowls, showcasing that rich, creamy golden hue. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crispy bacon bits. The crunch from croutons adds delightful texture, and the aroma wafting through the air will have everyone flocking to the table. Don’t be surprised if someone asks for the secret to your culinary magic! 😉

How to Store Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Want to stash it for a rainy day? It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.

Tips to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Keep it smooth: If you prefer a chunkier texture, just blend a portion of the soup instead of all of it.
Work with what you have: Swap Yukon Gold for russets or red potatoes if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Flavor boosting: A hint of smoked paprika elevates the taste, so don’t hesitate to sprinkle some in!

Variation

Feel like switching things up? Try adding broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrients. For a vegan twist, substitute the dairy with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese – still delicious! And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some hot sauce for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Is there a substitute for cheese?
Nutritional yeast can deliver a cheesy flavor without dairy. Give it a whirl!

3. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! Freeze in portions. Just be cautious about the cream; it may alter the texture slightly when thawed.

Now go on and whip up this delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup! Your taste buds will thank you.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!