Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comfort food classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this creamy soup is loaded with flavor and heartiness. With its blend of sharp cheddar cheese, aromatic herbs, and tender potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy a bowlful of this delicious soup that guarantees smiles and full bellies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s truly satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable Garnishes: Top your soup with turkey turkey turkey bacon, extra cheese, or fresh herbs for added texture and taste.
• Comforting Texture: This soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy smoothness and hearty chunks of potato.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious potato soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Standard blender

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering large quantities of soup evenly without burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of potatoes and vegetables.
• Standard blender: For achieving that creamy texture without lumps—essential for this 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)
• Heavy 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)
• Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon finely chopped
• Fresh Chives: 1 tablespoon finely chopped
• Thyme: 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 turkey 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 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 and translucent 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 as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Make Roux

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

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
1. Do this slowly while scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
2. Whisk constantly until smooth; bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add the rinsed and drained potato cubes to the pot:
1. Stir well then bring back to a gentle simmer.
2. Cover the pot; let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Blend Soup

Create that creamy texture by blending part of the soup:
1. Carefully ladle half of it into a standard blender.
2. Securely cover with a towel allowing steam to escape; blend until smooth.
3. Return blended mixture back into the pot.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low; slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using:
1. Stir constantly while adding fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
2. Allow it to heat through gently—avoid boiling after adding dairy.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Remove from heat completely; gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese:
1. Stir continuously until fully melted before adding more.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your soup:
1. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Ladle hot soup into bowls:
– Garnish generously with toppings like crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons.
Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with thoughtful garnishes and sides. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or thyme on top for a burst of freshness.
• Cheese: Add an extra handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
• Crumbled Turkey Turkey turkey bacon: For added texture and flavor, top with cooked crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tanginess that complements the soup beautifully.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
• Salad: A light garden salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add crunch and enhance the overall eating experience.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips to achieve the best results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and cheese. Fresh ingredients lead to better flavor and texture in your soup.
• Control Heat Carefully: Keep the heat low after adding dairy products to prevent curdling. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Blend Wisely: If using a blender, allow steam to escape by venting the lid. This prevents pressure buildup that could lead to spills.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Since cheese adds saltiness, taste your soup before adding more salt. Adjust seasonings slowly for the best flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds flavor and is perfect for dipping in the soup.
3. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese are delightful alongside this hearty dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrients and balance out the meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side option that matches well with the soup’s richness.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a sweet contrast and cleanses the palate between bites of creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not rinsing the potatoes: Failing to rinse cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in the soup. Always rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Add it after the onions are softened and sauté only until fragrant.
• Skipping the roux step: Not making a roux with flour and fat can result in a soupy texture. This step helps thicken the soup and enhance its richness.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding cheese while the soup is still boiling can cause it to seize up. Gradually stir in cheese off the heat for a smooth finish.
• Under-seasoning: A lack of seasoning can dull the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly for maximum taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated evenly, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe special?

This recipe stands out due to its rich flavor profile, combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh herbs and garlic, creating a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.

Can I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like carrots or celery, or swap herbs based on your preference. You can also adjust the creaminess by varying milk and cream amounts.

How do I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe thicker?

To achieve a thicker consistency, ensure you make a proper roux with flour or blend part of the soup before adding back into the pot.

Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?

Yes, while Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use Russets or red potatoes if preferred.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! This soup freezes well if stored correctly. Just remember to leave room in your containers for expansion during freezing.

Conclusion

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to customize according to your tastes. Whether you’re adding extra veggies or adjusting seasonings, this creamy delight is sure to satisfy any appetite. Give it a try today!