Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, looking for a satisfying lunch, or simply craving something warm and delicious, this potato soup checks all the boxes. With its creamy texture, rich flavors of cheddar and garlic, and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a rich and hearty flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe features simple steps that make it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
- Customizable Garnishes: Feel free to tailor your toppings with options like crumbled bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for chilly nights or as a filling lunch, this potato soup works well in any season.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving that creamy consistency.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Standard blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Standard blender: Essential for achieving that smooth texture by blending part of the soup without hassle.
- Cutting board and knife: Helps in preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.
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)
- Garlic: 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
- 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)
- 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
- Chives: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 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 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 finely chopped yellow onion.
Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant.
Avoid burning the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
This step cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the soup base.
Step 5: Add Broth Gradually
Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot as you whisk.
Bring mixture to a simmer once smooth.
Step 6: Incorporate Potatoes
Add rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well, bringing back to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Blend Half of Soup
To achieve a creamy texture:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly but vent steam with a towel covering opening.
Blend until smooth before pouring back into remaining chunky soup in pot.
Step 8: Add Dairy
Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using:
Stir constantly while adding fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
Heat gently without boiling after adding dairy.
Step 9: Melt Cheese
Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese:
Stir until each handful melts fully before adding more cheese.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Taste your hearty soup:
Generously season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired. Remember that cheese adds saltiness so be cautious!
Step 11: Serve Hot
Ladle hot creamy soup into bowls:
Garnish generously with toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting dish that can be tailored to your taste. Serving it with tasty garnishes and sides can elevate the experience and make it even more satisfying.
Garnish Ideas
- Crispy Bacon: Crumble some cooked bacon on top for a savory crunch.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesier flavor.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped chives or parsley brighten up the soup and add freshness.
- Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons for extra texture.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious soup.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread complements the garlic flavor in the soup perfectly.
Salad Pairings
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens with vinaigrette for a light side option.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Creating the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your soup turns out creamy and flavorful every time.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and good-quality cheese for maximum flavor.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensuring all potato pieces are uniform helps them cook evenly and maintain texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing onions and garlic to sauté properly enhances their flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Blend Carefully: When blending hot liquids, ensure you vent the lid to prevent splatters.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Incorporating cheese off the heat keeps it creamy instead of grainy.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to find the right balance without overpowering the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Pairing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Toast: Crispy toast smothered in garlic butter is perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens adds crunch and balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a hearty, nutritious complement to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans make for an eye-catching side dish.
- Quiche: A slice of quiche with vegetables or cheese pairs wonderfully with potato soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges are fitting if you’re craving more potatoes alongside your soup.
- Chicken Wings: Spicy chicken wings add an exciting element that pairs well with creamy soups like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks encounter challenges when making a Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Starch Rinsing: Not rinsing the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture. Always rinse your potatoes under cold water before cooking.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burning garlic can create a bitter flavor in your soup. Cook it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, and stir constantly.
- Ignoring the Cheese Temperature: Adding cheese while the pot is still on high heat can cause it to seize up. Remove from heat and add cheese gradually to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Forgetting to Taste Before Serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving can result in blandness. Always adjust seasoning at the end, especially since cheese adds saltiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, answered for you.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute dairy with plant-based milk and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, choose vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
How do I thicken my potato soup?
To thicken your soup, blend a portion of it after cooking or add more flour while sautéing onions and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.
What herbs work well with this soup?
In addition to parsley, chives, and thyme, you can also try dill or rosemary for added flavor depth.
Can I customize toppings for my potato soup?
Absolutely! Add ingredients like crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different herbs or toppings based on your preference. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm your heart!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of our Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, a dish that promises to be the star of your next cozy dinner or satisfying lunch. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and aromatic garlic, finished with fresh herbs for a delightful twist. Perfect for chilly nights, this versatile soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, sour cream, or fresh chives. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it as a heartwarming dinner, this potato soup is sure to become a cherished family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5–6 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes; rinse under cold water.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add potatoes; cover and cook on medium-low for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Blend half of the soup until smooth; return to pot.
- Stir in milk and cream; heat gently without boiling.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
- Serve hot with desired garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
