Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the delightful aroma of garlic and herbs, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or a friendly get-together, this recipe brings warmth to any occasion. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs sets this potato soup apart, making it a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The blend of cheese, milk, and cream creates an indulgent taste that warms the soul.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a starter or main dish, it’s suitable for any meal of the day.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like Turkey Bacon or croutons to enhance flavor and texture.
• Hearty Comfort Food: This soup is filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, making it ideal for family dinners.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even heating and preventing spills while simmering the soup.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly and prevents lumps when adding liquids.
• Standard blender: Necessary for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup.

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 (helps thicken the soup)

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 for ultimate creaminess)

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)

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 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 Your 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 your fat choice—either butter or a combination of olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering:
Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
Cook for another minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create Roux

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

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in your broth:
Do this little by little while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add your rinsed potato cubes:
Stir well then bring back to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat.

Step 7: Cook Potatoes

Cover the pot:
Let it cook for about 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

Step 8: Blend Part of Soup

Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender:
Blend until smooth then return it back to chunky soup in the pot.

Step 9: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream if using while stirring constantly.

Step 10: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until melted.

Step 11: Season Soup

Taste your soup:
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or paprika.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls:
Garnish with toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions to complement this warm and creamy dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Baguette or Sourdough: Serve slices of crusty bread for dipping into the soup, perfect for soaking up every drop.
• Garlic Bread: A flavorful option that adds a delightful crunch and complements the garlic notes in the soup.

Topped with Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chives or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Cheese: Add more shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy experience.

As a Meal Starter

• Small Bowls: Serve the soup in smaller portions as a starter before a main course to whet the appetite.
• Mini Appetizers: Pair with bite-sized appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or spinach dip.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and the creaminess of dressing balance well with hearty soup.
• Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and contrast.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup truly outstanding, follow these tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, herbs, and cheese enhance flavor significantly compared to pre-packaged options.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more chunks of potato; for thinner soup, add more broth gradually.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper. Remember that cheese is naturally salty.
• Avoid Boiling After Dairy Addition: Gently heat after adding milk and cream to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.

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.

1. Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette provides a light contrast to rich soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with potato soup; try different cheeses for variety.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts; their sweetness complements the savory soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness while being easy to prepare ahead.
5. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits that are cheesy inside make for an indulgent side that guests will adore.
6. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings texture and balances the creamy nature of potato soup nicely.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an extra potato fix alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring potato preparation: Always rinse cubed potatoes under cold water. This removes excess starch and prevents a gummy texture in your soup.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if burnt. Add it after the onions are softened and cook for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Skipping the roux: The flour helps thicken the soup. Make sure to cook it with the aromatics for a couple of minutes before adding liquids to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Not using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness and flavor. Use fresh parsley, chives, and thyme instead of dried for the best taste.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Gradually add shredded cheddar while off the heat. This ensures a smooth melt rather than a grainy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute Yukon Gold with Russet or red potatoes, but Yukon Gold offers a creamier texture.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and avoid using bacon as a topping.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Use low-fat milk and skip the heavy cream to lighten it up while still keeping it delicious.

What can I add for more protein?

Consider adding cooked chicken or white beans for extra protein without compromising flavor.

Can I customize the herbs in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or dill for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or herbs based on your preference. This delightful soup is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!