Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs with tender potatoes, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner for two, or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe shines with its comforting essence and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates an indulgently smooth soup.
• Flavor Packed: Fresh herbs and sharp cheddar cheese add layers of flavor that elevate this dish.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this hearty soup in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather your essential tools and prepare your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing enough space for ingredients to simmer comfortably.
• Standard blender: Perfect for creating a creamy texture by blending part of the soup; an immersion blender can also be used directly in the pot.

Ingredients

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)

For Thickening & Flavor

• 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)
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)

For Cheese & Herbs

• 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)

For Seasoning

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch (optional, for a hint of warmth)

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:
1. Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
2. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

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

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
1. Stir continuously while cooking for about 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
1. Add it little by little while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen flavorful bits.
2. Whisk constantly until smooth; bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
1. Stir well before bringing mixture back to a gentle simmer.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Half of Soup

Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
1. Secure lid tightly but vent with a towel on top.
2. Blend until smooth before pouring back into remaining chunky soup in pot.

Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low:
1. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly.
2. Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme; stir well.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
1. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time while stirring until fully melted.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your creamy soup:
1. Season generously with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.

Ladle hot soup into bowls and 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 Recipe can elevate the dining experience. This creamy soup is versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides, allowing you to customize each bowl for maximum flavor.

Toppings

• Crumpled Bacon: Add a crunchy texture and smoky flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar on top for an indulgent touch that melts beautifully with the hot soup.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the overall richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chives or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
• Croutons: Provide a delightful crunch, making each spoonful exciting.

Bread Options

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the soup’s flavors while adding warmth.
• Soft Dinner Rolls: These are perfect for dipping into the creamy goodness of the soup.

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How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

For a flawless Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, follow these tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, herbs, and cheese will yield better taste than their processed counterparts.
• Avoid Over-Blending: Blend only half of the soup to maintain some hearty potato chunks for texture.
• Gradually Add Dairy: Mixing in milk and cream off heat prevents curdling and ensures creaminess.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, especially since cheese adds saltiness; this helps achieve your desired flavor balance.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the flavors to meld during simmering enhances the overall depth of taste.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with complementary side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and nutrition alongside your soup.
3. Cheese Toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches made from crusty bread pair wonderfully with this comforting dish.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with grains or meats offer a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with fresh vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
6. Deviled Eggs: These savory bites add protein and a burst of flavor that complements the heavy soup nicely.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs echo the potato theme while adding crunch.
8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins make for a delightful pairing, balancing out the savory flavors of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Choose Yukon Gold for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Skipping the roux: Failing to cook the flour with onions and garlic can result in a soup that’s thin and lacks the desired thickness. Always create a roux for better consistency.
• Not seasoning properly: Inadequate seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they may become mushy. Aim for tender but firm potato chunks to maintain texture.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding cheese while the pot is still on high heat may cause it to seize up or become grainy. Always remove from heat before stirring in cheese.

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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 refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

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

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until hot; avoid boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this comforting soup.

How can I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

You can easily switch to vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the recipe vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

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

Absolutely! Add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices based on your preferences.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use more whole milk or half-and-half. The soup will still be creamy and delicious without it.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure to adjust quantities accordingly for thickening.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is perfect for cozy nights, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. It’s versatile enough for customization—add your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it uniquely yours!