Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’ve been craving something cozy, comforting, and packed full of flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you — the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. This soup is the perfect blend of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fragrant herbs, all coming together in a creamy, luscious bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s incredibly satisfying, simple to make, and bursting with layers of savory goodness you’re going to want to make over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started is super easy with these straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the creamy potatoes and rich cheese to the fresh herbs and aromatics that bring everything to life with vibrant flavor and texture.

• Potatoes: 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into half-inch pieces, which provide the velvety base and hearty texture for the soup.
• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or a combination of 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter, essential for sautéing and adding richness.
• Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, adding a sweet and savory depth, and 5–6 cloves garlic minced, for that signature aromatic punch.
• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, which thickens the soup into a perfectly creamy consistency.
• Liquid Base: 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to infuse savory flavor, plus 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess), and 1/2 cup heavy cream to make it luxuriously smooth.
• Cheese: 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for ideal melting and bold, tangy flavor.
• Herbs: 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley and chives, finely chopped, along with 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, to brighten and freshen every spoonful.
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
• Optional Garnishes: Cooked crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, more fresh chives or parsley, and crunchy croutons to personalize and elevate your bowl.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and chopping them into uniform half-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to wash away excess starch — this simple step prevents the soup from becoming gluey and helps maintain a pleasant texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm your butter or the olive oil and butter mixture in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and let it cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes until translucent and soft but not browned. This slow sauté brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, setting a wonderful flavor base for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic next and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Keep stirring to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness and throw off the delicate balance of flavors you’re building.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook fully and act as a thickening agent without imparting a raw taste. This roux is what gives the soup its creamy, luscious body.

Step 5: Introduce the Liquids

Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth a little at a time while scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This technique enhances your soup’s complexity. Continue whisking to avoid lumps and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Cook the Potatoes

Add your rinsed potato cubes to the pot, stir them in, then cover and simmer over medium-low heat. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and fork-soft, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

To achieve the perfect texture, blend about half to two-thirds of the soup until creamy, leaving some chunks for heartiness. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot for control or transfer half to a standard blender, blending carefully to avoid hot splatters. This partial blending creates that ideal balance of silky smoothness and satisfying potato bites that make this soup stand out.

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy and Herbs

Turn the heat to low and slowly add the whole milk (or half-and-half) plus the heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir constantly as you combine in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Allow the soup to heat gently for about 5 minutes without boiling to keep the dairy from curdling and to let the herbs subtly infuse their fresh flavors.

Step 9: Melt the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and gradually fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Stir after each addition until fully melted and smooth before adding more. Doing this off the heat ensures your cheddar melts perfectly without becoming grainy or clumpy.

Step 10: Season to Perfection

Finally, taste and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and an optional pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a gentle warmth. Because the cheddar adds saltiness, add seasoning slowly to find your perfect balance.

Step 11: Serve Hot

Ladle your rich, comforting Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe into bowls and garnish with any of your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. It’s pure joy in a bowl, perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your soup is a fun way to customize each bowl. Crumbled bacon offers smoky crunch, extra shredded cheddar brings an intensified cheesy experience, and a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast. Fresh chives or parsley not only brighten the flavor but also add a pop of color, while crunchy croutons provide delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or slices of crusty artisan bread to soak up every creamy bite. Garlic bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich can turn this meal into a cozy feast that’s perfect any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls, which make the meal interactive and mess-free. You can also layer garnishes artfully on top or drizzle some herb-infused oil for a gourmet touch. Individual mini cast iron pots or colorful ceramic bowls can make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe feel extra special at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen nicely overnight, so it’s perfect for enjoying as a next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling as it can cause the cream and cheese to separate. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up while warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp cheddar is preferred for its bold flavor and smooth melting properties, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different twist. Just remember, the flavor profile may change, so start with smaller amounts.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, olive oil instead of butter, and substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond. For cheese, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy hint, though the texture won’t be quite the same.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker soup, blend a larger portion of the potatoes or add a bit more flour during the roux step. To thin it out, simply stir in additional broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to prevent the soup from becoming grainy after adding cheese?

Adding shredded cheese off the heat and stirring gently helps prevent graininess. Also, avoid shredded cheese blends with anti-caking agents as they don’t melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheddar.

Can I prepare this soup ahead for a party?

Yes, this soup is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare everything except the cheese and dairy, then add those just before serving to keep the texture fresh and the cheese perfectly melted.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a total keeper — rich, flavorful, and so comforting you’ll want to hug yourself after every bowl. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like home in every spoonful. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

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