Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This creamy and flavorful soup combines fresh herbs, sharp cheddar cheese, and hearty Yukon Gold potatoes for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this potato soup stands out with its rich texture and savory aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Filling: This soup is a warm hug in a bowl, making it perfect for cold days.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheddar cheese creates a delightful depth of flavor that elevates traditional potato soup.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like Turkey bacon or sour cream for extra flair!
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Organizing your workspace will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as they distribute heat evenly.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Standard blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to whip up this delightful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe:

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 Flour Base

• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)

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 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 and translucent, but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Flour

Add minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over onions and garlic. Stir continuously and cook for about another minute to create a roux.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth & Potatoes

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
Scrape bottom of pot to loosen any flavorful bits.
Once smooth, bring to a simmer.

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

Step 5: Blend Half of the Soup

Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender:
Secure lid tightly but vent it with a kitchen towel.
Blend until smooth then pour back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 6: Create Creaminess

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly stir in whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using.

Add fresh herbs:
Stir well to combine and heat through gently without boiling.

Step 7: Add Cheese & Seasonings

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

Taste your soup:
Add salt and pepper gradually while tasting. Add cayenne pepper if desired.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

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

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a rich and comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a filling dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve your potato soup with slices of warm, crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping and enhances the overall meal experience.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with extra fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This adds freshness and makes the dish visually appealing.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A simple green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, can balance the richness of the soup. The crispness of the salad complements the creamy texture beautifully.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but also provides an edible vessel for enjoying every last drop of your hearty soup.

With Cheese Croutons

• Top your soup with homemade or store-bought cheese croutons. They add an extra layer of cheesy goodness that pairs well with the flavors of the soup.

As an Appetizer

• Use small cups to serve the soup as an appetizer at gatherings. This allows guests to enjoy a taste before diving into the main course.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

For those looking to master this delicious soup, here are some tips to ensure optimal flavor and texture every time you make it.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for freshly shredded cheddar over pre-packaged varieties for better melting.

• Don’t Skip Rinsing Potatoes: Rinsing cubed potatoes helps remove excess starch, which prevents the soup from becoming gummy and ensures a smoother consistency.

• Blend Carefully: When blending hot liquid, always vent the lid to avoid pressure buildup. This keeps you safe while achieving that creamy texture you desire.

• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! The cheese adds saltiness, so start with less seasoning and adjust to your preference after adding it.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain creaminess without curdling.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your hearty potato soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garden Salad
   A fresh garden salad adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the soup.

2. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup and adds extra flavor.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide vitamins and minerals while complementing the hearty nature of the soup.

4. Cheese Quesadillas
   Simple cheese quesadillas cut into wedges are great as a side, offering additional cheesy goodness alongside your potato soup.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make for an excellent finger food pairing that enhances any meal.

6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, making them an ideal accompaniment to savory soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be straightforward, but some common pitfalls can affect the final result. Here are mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Yukon Gold potatoes offer the best texture and flavor. Stick with these for optimal results.
• Skipping the soaking step: Rinsing cubed potatoes helps remove excess starch, preventing a gummy soup. Always rinse your potatoes before cooking.
• Overheating after adding dairy: Boiling the soup after adding milk or cream can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low to maintain a creamy consistency.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding shredded cheese all at once can lead to clumps. Gradually mix in cheese off the heat for smooth melting.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Cheese adds saltiness, but you may need more seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Use within 3-5 days for the best quality.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help you better understand how to make it.

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

This soup combines creamy cheddar cheese with fresh herbs and garlic, creating a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery, or even proteins like chicken or bacon for added heartiness.

Is this potato soup recipe healthy?

While it’s rich and creamy, you can make it healthier by using low-fat milk or omitting heavy cream. It’s still delicious!

How do I store leftovers of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a chilly day or a satisfying meal option, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy its warm flavors!