Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Posted on September 12, 2025

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that warms the soul and pleases the palate. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this creamy soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. Its smooth texture with delightful chunks of potatoes makes it a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy: The combination of sharp cheddar and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that you’ll crave.
Loaded with Flavor: Aromatics like garlic and onion infuse the soup with depth, while fresh herbs add brightness.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side; it’s great for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with toppings like turkey turkey turkey bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into crafting this delicious soup, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Blender (standard or immersion)

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking the potatoes and mixing in the creamy base without spilling.
Blender: Allows you to achieve the desired creamy consistency by blending part of the soup effortlessly.

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

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

Thickening Agent

Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Base

Broth: 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)

Cheese

Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Herbs

Parsley: 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

Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
Cayenne Pepper/Paprika: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Garnish

Cooked crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon
Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
More fresh chives or parsley
Croutons

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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 Vegetables

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 but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
1. Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant.
2. Be cautious not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create Roux

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

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
* Do this little by little while scraping bottom of pot to loosen browned bits.
* Bring mixture to a simmer once all broth is incorporated.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

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

Step 7: Blend Soup

To create that creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks:
1. Ladle half of the soup into a blender.
2. Secure lid tightly but vent it using a kitchen towel.
3. Blend until smooth then return it back to pot.

Step 8: Add Dairy

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

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove pot from heat completely:
1. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese in handfuls,
2. Stir until fully melted before adding more.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste soup; season generously with salt and pepper:
* Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with toppings like turkey turkey turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, chives, or croutons.
Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ideas for serving this comforting dish to enhance its flavors.

Toppings

Crumble Turkey Turkey turkey bacon: Add a crispy texture and savory flavor with crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon on top.
Extra Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle additional sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tang, balancing the rich flavors of the soup.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with more freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Croutons: For some crunch, add homemade or store-bought croutons to create a satisfying contrast in texture.

Bread Pairings

Garlic Bread: This classic choice complements the garlic flavor in the soup while adding a crunchy element.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the creamy goodness.
Sourdough Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for a fun and edible dish.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup involves a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is as delicious as possible.

Boldly Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh potatoes and herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh ingredients significantly enhance the taste of your soup.
Boldly Control Your Heat: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning garlic or onions. This helps develop deep flavors without bitterness.
Boldly Blend Wisely: If blending, remember to vent the lid for safety. This prevents steam buildup, which can be dangerous when blending hot liquids.
Boldly Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper carefully, especially since cheese adds saltiness to the mix.
Boldly Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize with vegetables like carrots or celery. These additions can enhance both nutrition and flavor.
Boldly Store Properly: If making ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

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 excellent options to consider:

Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens pairs nicely, providing freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Flavorful roasted seasonal vegetables add a healthy touch and complement the creamy soup beautifully.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft biscuits with garlic and cheese offer a delightful pairing that enhances the meal’s comfort factor.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa, adding heartiness without overshadowing the main dish.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an extra potato element alongside your soup.
Fruit Platter: A refreshing fruit platter can cleanse your palate between bites of rich soup and add a sweet contrast.
Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with veggies is nutritious and pairs well with warm potato soup for a balanced meal.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served with chips or bread creates an indulgent appetizer before enjoying your hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish.

Skipping the Starch Rinse: Not rinsing the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup. Always rinse to remove excess starch for a smoother texture.
Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking potatoes too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender yet intact chunks by checking them with a fork.
Adding Dairy Too Early: Introducing milk or cream while the soup is boiling may cause curdling. Wait until after reducing heat to add these ingredients.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Always shred cheese fresh for a creamy texture.
Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always season gradually and taste as you go.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.
Label and date your containers for easy identification.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container, as liquid expands when frozen.
Consider portioning for easy thawing and reheating later.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Can I make this soup vegan-friendly?

Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and replace dairy with plant-based milk and cream alternatives.

What should I serve with Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salads, or even sandwiches for a complete meal experience.

How long does Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup last in the refrigerator?

The soup stays fresh in an airtight container for about 3-4 days when stored properly.

What is the best way to store leftovers of this potato soup?

Transfer leftovers into airtight containers once cooled. Label them with dates to track freshness easily.

Conclusion

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction on any occasion!