Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. Imagine rich, creamy potatoes swimming in a luscious cheddar cheese broth, with a hint of garlic and fragrant herbs to elevate every spoonful. This soup is cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for enjoying by the fire on a cold evening or serving at a gathering where everyone is guaranteed to ask for the recipe. Trust me, once you try this one, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Ultra Creamy: The combination of potatoes and a creamy broth creates a velvety texture that’s comforting in every way.
• Bold Flavors: The sharp cheddar and roasted garlic pack the soup with savory goodness, while the fresh herbs tie everything together with brightness.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, you’ll have most of the ingredients on hand already.
• Perfectly Hearty: This isn’t just any soup—it’s a filling, satisfying meal that will leave you feeling content and cozy.
• Easy to Make: It’s a straightforward recipe that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this indulgent, cheesy potato soup:

For the Soup:

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this soup, giving you the perfect creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of this soup, adding richness and a sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, savory depth to the soup.
• Onion: A small onion gives a mild sweetness and savory base flavor.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: A flavorful broth brings everything together. Chicken broth will make it a bit heartier, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess and a smooth finish to the soup.
• Butter: For sautéing the garlic and onions and adding richness.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Parsley): Fresh thyme and parsley add brightness and freshness to the soup, complementing the richness of the potatoes and cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this cheesy, hearty soup!

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into small chunks. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the potatoes are cooking, heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should just become aromatic.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well, scraping any bits of garlic or onion off the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Bring the broth to a simmer.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done, add them to the broth mixture. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the potatoes slightly—just enough to break them up but still leave some chunks for texture. This gives the soup a rustic, hearty feel.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream or milk and continue to cook over low heat. Once the soup is heated through, slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. The soup should now be velvety and creamy!

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Add fresh thyme and parsley to the soup, along with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more herbs or cheese if you want an extra punch of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and more cheddar cheese if desired. You can also add a dash of freshly ground black pepper for a finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 420 calories
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 30%
• Calcium: 25%
• Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few great ideas to make it even more satisfying:

• Serve with Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping into this cheesy soup.
• Pair with a Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Topped with Bacon: If you want to take it to the next level, add crispy bacon bits on top for a salty crunch.
• Garnish with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy tang that complements the richness of the soup.

Additional Tips

• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for milk or a plant-based milk (like almond milk), and use less cheese. The soup will still be creamy and delicious!
• Add More Veggies: If you’d like to sneak in more vegetables, try adding some finely chopped carrots or celery while sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes from a previous meal, you can use them as a shortcut in this recipe—just add them directly to the broth and follow the same steps!
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Absolutely! You can swap the cheddar for gouda, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure the cheese melts well for that creamy texture.

Q2: Can I freeze this soup?

A2: Yes, this soup freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove for the best results.

Q3: Can I make this soup without cream?

A3: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version. The texture may be slightly thinner but still delicious!

Q4: Can I make this soup spicier?

A4: If you love a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.

Q5: What can I serve with this soup?

A5: This soup is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich.

Q6: How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

A6: If the soup is too thin, you can mash more of the potatoes or let the soup simmer for a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken.

Q7: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

A7: While regular potatoes work best for this recipe, you could use sweet potatoes for a twist. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra milk or broth if needed.

Q9: Can I add meat to this soup?

A9: Yes! You can add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or sausage to this soup for a meaty addition. Just stir it in after the soup is finished cooking.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A10: Yes, you can! Just sauté the onion and garlic, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are soft, then mash and add the cheese and cream.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold evening or a dish to impress your friends and family, this soup is sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have a bowl of pure bliss ready in no time. So go ahead—get cooking and enjoy a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness!

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