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 gatherings. This creamy and flavorful soup combines tender potatoes with aromatic garlic and herbs, all enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese base. Its versatility makes it suitable for casual weeknight dinners or festive occasions alike. Plus, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a warm, inviting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—like crumbled bacon or fresh herbs—to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
• Great for Any Season: While it’s especially comforting in fall and winter, this hearty soup can be enjoyed year-round.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for evenly cooking the ingredients while allowing enough space for stirring.
• Standard blender: Helps achieve that creamy texture by blending part of the soup. If you don’t have one, an immersion blender works too!
• Cutting board & sharp knife: These tools are vital for efficiently chopping vegetables and ensuring safety while prepping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe:

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)
• Garlic: 5-6 cloves 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

For Creaminess

• 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)

For Flavor

• 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)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled 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 until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant while stirring constantly.
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 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape bottom of pot to loosen flavorful browned bits.
Whisk constantly until all broth is incorporated and smooth; bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well; bring mixture back to gentle simmer.
Cover pot; cook for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Part of Soup

To achieve a creamy texture while keeping some chunks:
You have two options:
1. Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender. Secure lid tightly but remove center cap; cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam escape. Blend until smooth before returning to pot.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using:
Stir constantly; add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

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

Step 10: Season

Taste soup; season generously with salt, black pepper, plus optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika:
Remember that cheese adds saltiness; adjust accordingly.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls:
Garnish with toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your soup presentation.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Crumbled Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch that complements the creamy soup.
• Cheese: Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese to intensify that cheesy goodness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tang, balancing the flavors beautifully.

Accompanying Breads

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping – perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful complement that enhances the meal.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be great for sopping up the delicious broth.

Serving Style

• In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic touch.
• With Salad: Offer a light side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

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How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best version of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese significantly enhance flavor.
• Control Heat: Maintain low heat when adding dairy to prevent curdling; this keeps your soup smooth.
• Blend Wisely: If blending, do so in batches to avoid steam buildup and potential spills.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adding salt slowly ensures you don’t overpower the soup’s flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Complementing your hearty potato soup with delicious sides can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with creamy soups; try different cheeses or add tomatoes!
3. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts bring additional nutrients and texture.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant bite that complements every spoonful of soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits infused with cheese and garlic make every bite indulgent.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs echo the potato theme while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish from good to great.

• Using the wrong potatoes: Stick with Yukon Gold for their creamy texture. Other varieties can lead to a grainy soup.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
• Not rinsing the potatoes: Failing to rinse cubed potatoes can result in a gummy soup. Always rinse to remove excess starch.
• Adding cheese too soon: If you add cheese while the pot is still on heat, it may clump. Remove from heat before gradually stirring it in.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! The cheese adds saltiness, so adjust your seasonings accordingly throughout cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store 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 for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• 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). Bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition or swap out herbs according to your preference.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor and melting quality, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat garnishes.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors develop. Just store properly and reheat before serving.

What should I serve with my potato soup?

This hearty potato soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or sandwiches for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is an ideal comfort food that warms both heart and soul. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for chilly days. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients; this recipe is wonderfully versatile!