Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This soup combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheddar cheese to create a deliciously rich experience. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or enjoying it solo on a chilly day, this soup is sure to satisfy. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for fall dinners or a hearty lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a rich, savory taste that warms the soul.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite toppings like bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve this soup at family gatherings, casual dinners, or even as a meal prep option for the week.
• Creamy Texture: The blend of milk and cream results in an irresistibly creamy texture without being overly heavy.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, you will need some essential kitchen tools for the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly while accommodating all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables safe and efficient.
• Blender: Essential for achieving that smooth texture in part of the soup without losing heartiness.

Ingredients

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:

• 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)

For 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, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create Roux with Flour

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously while cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth in small amounts while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Whisk until smooth before bringing to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes into the pot. Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer:
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover pot and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Partially

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

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly:
Add fresh parsley, chives, thyme.
Heat through gently for about 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil after adding dairy.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time:
Stir continuously until fully melted before adding more.

Step10: Season Well

Taste your creamy potato soup and season generously with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika if desired.

Step11: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish as desired with options like crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, 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 dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, the right accompaniments can make all the difference.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: A warm slice of crusty bread complements the creamy soup perfectly. Use it to soak up every last drop.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Chives or Parsley: Adding fresh herbs as a garnish enhances both flavor and presentation, giving your soup a fresh look.

Accompanied by Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, balancing the meal beautifully.

With Grilled Cheese

• Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooeyness of melted cheese between crispy bread pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.

Using Toppings

• Turkey Bacon Crumbles: Adding crispy turkey bacon on top gives a smoky flavor that complements the cheddar nicely.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly, making your soup taste vibrant and delicious.

• Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: Shred your own cheese for better melting and creaminess. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may affect texture.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

• Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and other seasonings. This ensures balanced flavor without over-seasoning.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to 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 satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup.

2. Caesar Salad: This classic salad offers crunch and tanginess that balance out the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and flavors that complement the potato soup well.

4. Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat make for an excellent filling side dish alongside your soup.

5. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a delightful pairing that enhances every spoonful of soup.

6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a touch of sweetness while contrasting nicely with savory flavors in the soup.

7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies creates an inviting starter before diving into your hearty bowl of soup.

8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection offer an extra potato kick alongside your dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the potatoes: This can lead to a mushy texture. Cook them just until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if burnt. Always sauté it on medium heat and watch it closely.
• Neglecting to season properly: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually, especially after adding cheese.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for a smoother texture.
• Skipping the roux: Not making a roux can result in a watery soup. Ensure you cook flour with butter or oil to thicken your soup effectively.
• Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes add flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip the toppings like fresh herbs, crumbled bacon, or extra cheese.

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.
• It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on medium-low, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal as they provide creaminess and hold their shape well during cooking.

Can I add proteins to the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding cooked chicken or crumbled sausage can enhance the flavor and make it more filling.

How do I customize this soup?

You can add different herbs or spices according to your taste, such as rosemary or Italian seasoning for variety.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While sharp cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, flavorful, and highly customizable based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your favorite proteins and toppings, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.