Cozy Comfort in a Bowl (Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe)

Welcome to a warm hug in a bowl! This *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe* is your new best friend on chilly days and cozy nights. Imagine diving into a creamy, dreamy soup that’s packed with tender potato chunks, aromatic garlic, and the rich, gooey goodness of sharp cheddar cheese. Each spoonful is a flavorful embrace, bringing comfort and joy with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or simply when you need a little extra warmth, this soup is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and warm your heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe* is truly something special. Here’s why you’ll want to make it ASAP:

– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, herbs, and rich cheddar creates a flavor explosion that’s utterly irresistible.
– Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this soup is sure to become the star of your next dinner party or family meal!
– Flexible & Fast: Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it suits any occasion or taste preference.
– Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep, this soup tastes even better the next day, letting those flavors deepen and develop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather round, as we prep for an incredible culinary adventure! This *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe* requires simple yet delectable ingredients that pack a punch.

Look out for the *sharp cheddar cheese*—it’s the star of the show, bringing that creamy richness you crave! And don’t forget the *Yukon Gold potatoes*; they’re the perfect base for this cozy soup.

Main Ingredients:

– 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
– 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 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)
– 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
– Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
– Optional Garnish:
– Cooked crumbled Turkey Bacon
– Extra shredded cheddar cheese
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– More fresh chives or parsley
– Croutons

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe* is its versatility! Feel free to customize it to suit your palate:

– Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep this soup friendly for all dietary needs.
– Add Extra Protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage for a heartier meal.
– Make it Spicier: Add a touch of diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a warm kick!
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with different herbs like dill or rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
– Colorful Additions: Toss in some spinach or kale before serving for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Ready to create your own bowl of comfort? Follow these simple, satisfying steps to whip up your delicious *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe*!

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse them under cold water to eliminate excess starch (this helps prevent a gummy texture). Set aside!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your butter (or olive oil/butter combo). Once melted, toss in the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent but not browned.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Watch carefully; we don’t want burnt garlic here!

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour over the aromatic mixture. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until well combined. This roux is essential for thickening our creamy soup!

Step 5: Whisk in the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, a little at a time. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits (fond). Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and then bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add the rinsed and drained potato cubes. Stir well and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally!

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

For that creamy texture with some hearty chunks, carefully ladle about half of the soup (solids and liquid) into a blender. Secure the lid tightly, leaving the center cap off and covering it with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. Blend until smooth, then pour it back into the pot with the remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream (if using), stirring constantly. Add the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Stir to combine and gently heat through for about 5 minutes, avoiding a boil.

Step 9: Cheesy Goodness

Remove the pot from the heat completely. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition is fully melted before adding more. This technique keeps the cheese from becoming grainy.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste your soup and season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if desired. Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls, garnishing with your choice of toppings—like crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

– Consistency Control: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only a quarter of the mixture instead of half.
– Fresh Cheese Only: For the best melt and flavor, always shred your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
– Keep it Warm: If you need to keep the soup warm before serving, do so on the lowest heat setting and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your soup experience with garnishes like crumbled Turkey Bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of vibrant chives!

Side Dishes

Pair your hearty soup with a simple green salad or some crispy garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in individual cups for a fun appetizer at gatherings, or ladle it into rustic bread bowls for a charming twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months! Just make sure to leave out the cream and cheese if you plan to freeze it; you can add them in when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through, stirring gently. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

– Can I use a different type of potato? Absolutely! While Yukon Golds are perfect, you can use Russets or Red potatoes, but the texture may vary slightly.
– Is this recipe spicy? Not at all! It has a gentle warmth from the optional cayenne or smoked paprika, but you can easily omit it for a milder soup.
– How do I make this gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just remember to adjust the amounts accordingly!
– Can I prepare this in advance? Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, a delightfully creamy and heartwarming *Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe* that embodies comfort food at its finest! The rich flavors, creamy texture, and comforting aroma will have you and your loved ones coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So grab your ingredients and let the cooking magic begin—you’ve got this! Enjoy every spoonful!