Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This creamy and flavorful soup combines the richness of cheddar cheese with aromatic herbs and garlic, making it perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Rich: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar creates an incredibly smooth texture that is hard to resist.
• Flavor-Packed: With fresh herbs and garlic, each spoonful bursts with flavor, elevating a simple potato soup to gourmet status.
• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you will need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right kitchen tools will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space to stir without spilling.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook at the same rate.

Ingredients

For this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Potatoes

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)

For the Fat

• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter

For the Aromatics

• Aromatics:
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

For the Liquid Base

• 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)

For the Cheese

• Cheese:
• 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)

For the Herbs

• Herbs:
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

• 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

• 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 Your 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 but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add 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 all-purpose flour over sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux that helps thicken your soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape bottom of pot to loosen any flavorful bits.
Whisk constantly until smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
Stir well and bring back to gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low; cover pot and cook for 15-20 minutes until very tender.

Step 7: Blend Soup

To achieve a creamy texture while keeping some chunks:
Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly; vent steam by removing center cap covered with towel.
Blend until smooth; pour 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 if using:
Stir constantly while adding fresh parsley, chives, thyme (or dried thyme).
Heat gently for about 5 minutes, avoiding boiling.

Step 9: Mix in Cheese

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

Step10: Season Soup

Taste your soup:
Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.

Step11: Serve & Garnish

Ladle hot creamy soup into bowls:
Garnish generously with 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

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a casual lunch, presenting this soup with the right accompaniments makes all the difference.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• Crumbled Bacon: Add cooked turkey bacon on top for a savory crunch that complements the creamy soup.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess to each bowl.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a fresh baguette or crusty artisan bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Try garlic breadsticks for an aromatic pairing that enhances the soup’s flavors.

Salad Suggestions

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette offers a light and refreshing balance.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Creating the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for exceptional results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
• Control Heat Carefully: Always keep the heat low when adding dairy to prevent curdling.
• Blend Wisely: Blend only half of the soup to maintain some texture; this makes it heartier.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust seasoning after adding cheese since it contributes saltiness.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10 minutes before serving; flavors meld beautifully during this time.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with complementary sides can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad adds crunch and balances the creamy texture of the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta brings a zesty touch to your meal.
4. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are delightful alongside this hearty soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition, complementing the flavors nicely.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers serve as a hearty side that pairs well with potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
• Not rinsing the potatoes: Failing to rinse cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in the soup. Always rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if cooked too long. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, for optimal flavor.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: The cheese adds saltiness, so always taste and adjust seasonings gradually. This ensures a balanced flavor without over-salting.
• Boiling after adding dairy: Once you add milk or cream, avoid boiling the soup to prevent curdling. Heat gently for the best creamy consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

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 for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot while stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep all other ingredients as is.

How can I customize the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition. You can also substitute different cheeses for varied flavors.

What potatoes are best for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes work well due to their creamy texture when cooked. Other starchy potatoes like Russets may also be used.

Can leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup be frozen?

Yes! Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or additional ingredients, making it perfect for any meal. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its rich flavors!