My family adores a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup, especially as the weather gets crisp. This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe has become a firm favorite in our household – it’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and so simple to whip up.
I developed this recipe with weeknight ease in mind. You’ll find the ingredient list straightforward and the instructions clear and easy to follow. Plus, you can easily customize it with different herbs, cheeses, or toppings.
Why You’ll Love It
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Flavor explosion: The combination of cheddar, garlic, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.
- Creamy dreaminess: The perfect balance of creamy and chunky, thanks to a quick blend.
- Effortless elegance: This soup is surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable comfort: Feel free to swap out the cheese, herbs, or toppings to your liking. It’s adaptable and tasty!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
## Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to help you achieve potato soup perfection:
* Rinse those potatoes! Rinsing the cubed potatoes removes excess starch, which helps to prevent a gummy soup.
* Don’t burn the garlic! Garlic can turn bitter if burned. Sauté it gently over medium heat for just a minute or two until fragrant.
* Go low and slow with the cheese. Adding the cheese off the heat, bit by bit, and stirring continuously prevents it from becoming stringy or separating. Patience is key here!
* Season generously. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Keep in mind that the cheese adds saltiness, so start slowly. For more tips like these, check out our guide on making creamy soups.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 5–6 medium)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create the roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the potatoes to the pot, stir well, and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully blend half the soup in a standard blender and return it to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream (if using). Add the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat through gently for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring until each handful is melted before adding more.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne or paprika (if using). Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
## That’s a Wrap
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy to make, adaptable to what you have on hand, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or a weekend lunch, it’s sure to warm you from the inside out. What are you waiting for? Get cozy and make a pot soon! Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. I love seeing your creations! Want more cozy meal ideas? Check out our collection of Dinner Recipes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
This soup comes together with everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my pick—they add a beautiful golden hue and creamy texture when cooked. Russets work too!
- Aromatics: The foundation of flavor. We’re starting with onion and lots of garlic because who doesn’t love garlic?
- Flour: A touch of flour builds a roux, which is what thickens the soup perfectly.
- Liquid Base: Chicken broth brings richness (veggie broth works too!). We’ll also use milk or half-and-half, plus a touch of heavy cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar, please. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose that hinders melting.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, and thyme add a bright, herby dimension that perfectly complements the cheese and potatoes.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne or paprika add warmth and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel and cube the potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create the roux.
Step 4: Introduce the Liquids
Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to the pot, stir well, and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6: Blend for Creaminess
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully blend half the soup in a standard blender and return it to the pot.
Step 7: Incorporate Dairy and Herbs
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream (if using). Add the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat through gently for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Melt in the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring until each handful is melted before adding more.
Step 9: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne or paprika (if using). Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Here are a few tips to help you achieve potato soup perfection:
- Rinse those potatoes! Rinsing the cubed potatoes removes excess starch, which helps to prevent a gummy soup.
- Don’t burn the garlic! Garlic can turn bitter if burned. Sauté it gently over medium heat for just a minute or two until fragrant.
- Go low and slow with the cheese. Adding the cheese off the heat, bit by bit, and stirring continuously prevents it from becoming stringy or separating. Patience is key here!
- Season generously. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Keep in mind that the cheese adds saltiness, so start slowly. For more tips like these, check out our guide on making creamy soups.
Flavor Twists
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Different Cheese: Try Gruyère, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Bacon lovers: Crumble crispy bacon on top or cook the bacon before the onions and remove it, returning to the pot for the last step. Bacon fat adds dimension to the butter or oil for sauteing. For bacon-lovers, be sure to try our bacon-wrapped dates recipe!
- Loaded Potato Soup: Go all out with toppings like bacon, chives, sour cream, and extra cheese.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot to make this soup. Sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot using the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the dairy and cheese) and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Stir in the dairy and cheese as directed in the recipe.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This soup is even better the next day! The flavors meld and deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil for a vegan version. If you’re using olive oil, consider adding a splash of vegetable oil or other neutral oil with a high smoke point for sautéing the aromatics, as olive oil can sometimes develop a bitter taste at higher heat.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe for dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs. For example, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
How to Serve
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a meal in itself, but here are some ideas to round it out:
- Crusty bread: A hunk of crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy soup.
- Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled cheese: A classic pairing that never disappoints. Try our best grilled cheese sandwich.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would complement the soup beautifully.
That’s a Wrap
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s easy to make, adaptable to what you have on hand, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or a weekend lunch, it’s sure to warm you from the inside out. What are you waiting for? Get cozy and make a pot soon! Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs with me on Facebook{target=”_blank”}, Instagram{target=”_blank”}, and Pinterest{target=”_blank”}. I love seeing your creations! Want more cozy meal ideas? Check out our collection of Dinner Recipes.
