Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup’s creamy texture and rich flavor make it a standout dish. Infused with garlic and fresh herbs, it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, casual lunches, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream and whole milk gives this soup an indulgent richness that makes it feel like a treat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a starter, pair it with salads or sandwiches, or have it as the main course.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like turkey turkey turkey bacon or fresh herbs to personalize your bowl.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful soup, having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for blending later.
• Standard blender: Essential for achieving that creamy consistency by blending half of the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps prevent sticking.

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 turkey 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 all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
* Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes, forming a roux that will help thicken the soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth:
* Do this a little at a time while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits.
* Whisk constantly until smooth; bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
* Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer.
* Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender; stir occasionally.

Step 7: Blend Half of the Soup

Ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
* Secure lid tightly but vent steam by removing center cap; cover with a kitchen towel.
* Blend until smooth; return blended soup back into pot with remaining chunky mixture.

Step8: Add Dairy and Herbs

Reduce heat to low:
* Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using while stirring constantly.
* Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme (or dried thyme); combine well.

Step9: Melt Cheese

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

Step10: Season Soup

Taste your creamy masterpiece:
* Season generously with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.

Step11: Serve Up!

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

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

When serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, presentation and garnishes can elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Consider adding toppings that enhance flavor and texture while complementing the creamy soup base.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives: Add a sprinkle of fresh chives for a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Fresh Parsley: A handful of finely chopped parsley brightens the soup visually and adds freshness.

Add Crunch with Toppings

• Croutons: Toasted bread cubes provide a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy soup.
• Turkey Turkey turkey bacon Crumbles: Crispy crumbles add a savory note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Serve with Accompaniments

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of either adds creaminess and tang, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: For cheese lovers, sprinkle more sharp cheddar on top before serving for an extra cheesy experience.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup truly exceptional, keep these tips in mind for perfecting your preparation and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, herbs, and cheese will significantly enhance the taste compared to processed options.
• Control Cooking Time: Ensure potatoes are tender but not mushy by checking doneness periodically during cooking.
• Blend Carefully: If using a blender, remember to vent it properly to avoid splatter when blending hot liquid.
• Add Cheese Gradually: Incorporate cheese slowly off the heat to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency without graininess.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper after adding cheese since it contributes saltiness.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options that complement the flavors of the soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness and balance out the meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies enhance nutrition while adding depth of flavor.
5. Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese make an excellent side for dipping into the soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring warmth and sweetness to complement the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always shred your cheese fresh for the creamiest texture.
• Not rinsing potatoes: Skipping this step can lead to gummy soup. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if burned. Add it after the onions have softened and cook just until fragrant.
• Adding dairy too early: If you add milk or cream while the soup is boiling, it can curdle. Always reduce the heat and let the soup cool slightly first.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: The flavor can fall flat without proper seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper gradually.

Refrigerator Storage

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

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 because liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe special?

This recipe combines creamy textures with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, making it rich and flavorful—perfect for any occasion.

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

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery, or even mix in proteins like shredded chicken or turkey for added heartiness.

How do I ensure my soup is creamy?

To achieve optimal creaminess, always blend part of the soup and add dairy off the heat. This prevents curdling while ensuring a velvety texture.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.

Conclusion

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is comforting, rich, and incredibly versatile. With options to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences, this soup is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try it out; your family will love it!

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