Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

There’s just something comforting about this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup that will have you wanting another bowl! This soup is perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it stands out as a delightful choice for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar, garlic, and herbs creates a warm and inviting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Options: Easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Set it and forget it! This recipe can be made effortlessly in a slow cooker for added convenience.
• Kid-Friendly: This hearty soup is packed with flavors that even picky eaters will love, making it a great family dinner option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, having the right tools can streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for hands-free cooking, allowing you to prepare other meals while your soup simmers away.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, making prep work quicker and easier.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

Vegetables

• 4-5 medium organic russet potatoes, peeled + cubed (You can also use Yukon potatoes)
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)

Seasonings

• 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Liquids

• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsps white cooking apple vinegar (You can use additional veggie stock instead)
• 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream (See Notes!)

Cheese

• 1-2 cups freshly-grated Sharp cheddar (See Post for other Cheese options!)

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Cube them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the red onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a pan over medium heat:
1. Add the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter.
2. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker:
1. Add cubed potatoes.
2. Sprinkle in the On Everything All-Purpose Blend and smoked paprika.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock/broth and white cooking apple vinegar.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Set your slow cooker on low:
1. Cook for about 4-5 hours or until potatoes are tender.
2. If using high setting, cook for about 2-3 hours.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Once cooked:
1. Stir in heavy cream gently until well combined.
2. Add grated cheddar cheese gradually while stirring until melted.

Step 6: Serve with Optional Kale

If desired, stir in chopped kale just before serving:
1. Let it wilt slightly before ladling into bowls.
2. Enjoy your delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup hot!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for cozy evenings. Whether enjoyed alone or with a few sides, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty French Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly for dipping and soaking up the delicious soup.
• Garlic Bread – Add some extra garlic flavor with buttery garlic bread; it’s a match made in heaven.

With a Salad

• Garden Salad – A refreshing garden salad adds a nice crunch and balances the creamy texture of the soup.
• Caesar Salad – The bold flavors of Caesar salad complement the richness of the soup wonderfully.

Topped with Extras

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for an added zing.
• Extra Cheese – For cheese lovers, add more freshly-grated sharp cheddar as a delightful topping.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

To elevate your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh potatoes, garlic, and herbs will significantly boost the overall taste of your soup.
• Sauté Before Adding – Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil enhances their flavors before they go into the soup.
• Adjust Consistency – If you prefer a thicker soup, blend part of it before serving to achieve a creamy texture.
• Experiment with Cheese – Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Add More Herbs – Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten up the dish and add freshness.
• Include Greens – Adding chopped kale not only boosts nutrition but also contributes a lovely color contrast.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can create a fulfilling meal experience. Here are some tasty options.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A classic pairing; use different cheeses for variety and grill them until golden brown.
2. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables add a nutritious touch alongside the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil bring out natural sweetness and complement the soup’s flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies provides protein and texture contrast to the creamy soup.
5. Pita Chips with Hummus – Crunchy pita chips served with hummus offer a healthy and flavorful snacking option.
6. Savory Muffins – Cheese or herb muffins can be enjoyable bites that pair well with each spoonful of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your results.

• Using the wrong potato type: Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon are best for soups. Avoid waxy varieties as they don’t blend well.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic first enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your soup.
• Not using enough seasoning: Soup needs flavor! Ensure you season adequately with salt, pepper, and herbs for a balanced taste.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy. Cook until tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.
• Ignoring texture preferences: If you want a creamy soup, blend thoroughly. For a chunkier version, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it for storage.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot. Use a microwave-safe bowl.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich flavor without dairy.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

Feel free to use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How can I thicken my potato soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water.

Is this potato soup gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added seasonings are also gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even broccoli can be great additions. Just ensure they cook until tender before blending.

Final Thoughts

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not just comforting; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese alternatives to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!