Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This creamy and flavorful soup combines tender potatoes with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and aromatic garlic, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. With its rich taste and hearty texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a warm and inviting taste that everyone will love.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this soup is both budget-friendly and accessible.
• Versatile Option: Customize your toppings with crumbled turkey bacon or fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.
• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Creamy Texture: Blending part of the soup ensures a smooth consistency with hearty potato chunks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth. Having everything ready will make preparation quick and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and preventing scorching.
• Standard blender: Ensures a creamy texture by blending part of the soup without hassle.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

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

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

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 the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Add it little by little while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
Bring it to a simmer once smooth.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add your rinsed cube potatoes:
Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer.
Cover and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, until very tender.

Step 7: Blend Half of Soup

Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Securely close it but vent with a kitchen towel.
Blend until smooth then return to pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using.
Add fresh herbs then gently heat through for about 5 minutes without boiling.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

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

Step10: Season & Serve

Taste your delicious soup:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika as desired.
Ladle hot soup into bowls garnished with your choice of toppings like crumbled turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup experience.

Toppings

• Crumbled Turkey Bacon: Adds a crispy texture and savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup.
• Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle on top enhances the cheesy goodness and makes each bowl even more indulgent.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of either adds a tangy contrast and creaminess that balances the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Chives or Parsley: These herbs provide a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color, making your soup visually appealing.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons bring a satisfying texture, perfect for dipping into the rich soup.

Pairing with Bread

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the soup’s flavors and adds a crunchy element.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are great for soaking up every last drop of soup.
• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creamy soup and offers a hearty side.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, herbs, and cheese will significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Control Heat Carefully: Avoid boiling after adding dairy. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency without curdling.
• Blend for Texture: Blending part of the soup creates a creamy base while keeping some chunks for heartiness—don’t skip this step!
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Always taste as you go. Remember that cheese adds saltiness, so be cautious with extra salt.
• Let It Sit Before Serving: Allowing the soup to rest for 10-15 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving side dishes can transform your meal into a complete dining experience. Here are some excellent options to pair with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

1. Garden Salad: A light salad filled with greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes can balance out the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition; try carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that offers melty goodness alongside your creamy soup; use various cheeses for added flavor.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or quinoa make for a filling side that complements the dish well.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served with tortilla chips or bread provides an additional cheesy element to enjoy alongside your soup.
6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite to contrast with the warm soup.
7. Quinoa Salad: Nutritious quinoa mixed with veggies and herbs can be a hearty side that also adds protein to your meal.
8. Focaccia Bread: This herbed bread is perfect for dipping into your potato soup while adding an Italian flair to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not rinsing the potatoes: Failing to rinse the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in your soup. Always rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Burning the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can turn it bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, and keep an eye on it.
• Skipping the roux: Ignoring the step of making a roux with flour can result in a thin soup. Ensure you cook the flour briefly before adding broth for optimal thickness.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding shredded cheese while the pot is still on high heat can lead to graininess. Remove from heat before slowly stirring in the cheese.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but not falling apart when pierced with a fork.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing in containers to avoid condensation.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in one-minute increments, stirring between each until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.

What is a good substitute for heavy cream in Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

You can use additional whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works well.

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat gently before serving.

How do I thicken my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

If your soup is too thin, you can blend part of it or add more flour during cooking. Alternatively, let it simmer longer without a lid to reduce liquid.

Is the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour when creating your roux.

How spicy is this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

The spice level depends on your choice of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. You can adjust or skip these seasonings based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile enough for any meal occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or carrots, or try different cheeses according to your taste. Enjoy making this delicious dish!