Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting delight that warms your soul, perfect for chilly days or gatherings with friends and family. This creamy soup combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and garlic with fresh herbs, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy meal at home, this recipe stands out due to its hearty texture and savory taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a luxurious texture that’s both filling and satisfying.
- Customizable Toppings: You can personalize your bowl with toppings like crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, or croutons to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic and herbs elevates the traditional potato soup into something extraordinary.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Below are the necessary equipment pieces to prepare the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Standard blender (or immersion blender)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly without splattering.
- Standard blender: Perfect for creating a smooth texture while keeping some potato chunks intact; an immersion blender can also be used for convenience.
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: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 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
- Milk: 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess)
For Flavoring
- Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
- Herbs: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Seasoning
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
- Cayenne Pepper/Paprika: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth)
Optional Garnish
- Cooked crumbled 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 onion. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute or so until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle 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 the chicken or vegetable broth a little at a time. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits while whisking constantly until smooth. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 6: Add Potatoes
Add rinsed potato cubes into the pot and stir well. Bring back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
Step 7: Blend Soup
Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender. Secure lid tightly but vent with a towel on top to allow steam escape. Blend until smooth; return blended soup back into pot with remaining chunky mixture.
Step 8: Add Dairy
Lower heat to low before slowly pouring in milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream if using while stirring constantly. Mix in parsley, chives, thyme; let heat through gently without boiling.
Step 9: Incorporate Cheese
Remove from heat completely. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese by handfuls while stirring until fully melted before adding more.
Step 10: Season
Taste your soup! Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper/paprika as desired.
Step 11: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled 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. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your soup.
Top with Crispy Toppings
- Cooked Crumbled Bacon: Adds a savory crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
- Extra Shredded Cheese: A melty layer of cheese creates a rich and indulgent finish.
- Fresh Chives or Parsley: These herbs add a burst of freshness and color to each bowl.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping, its texture balances the soup’s creaminess.
- Garlic Bread: This classic option enhances the garlic flavor in the soup while offering a crispy bite.
Serve with Salads
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons pair well with the rich flavors of the soup.
Pair with Beverages
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: These refreshing drinks balance the richness, making for a perfect meal combination.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup ensures every bowl is satisfying. Here are some tips to achieve that creamy consistency and robust flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Avoid Overcooking Potatoes: Cook them just until tender to maintain some texture in your soup.
- Blend Carefully: If using a blender, do not fill it beyond halfway to prevent spills and burns from hot liquid.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Incorporating cheese after removing from heat prevents it from becoming grainy or clumping together.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper; this helps balance the flavors perfectly.
- Customize Consistency: Adjust thickness by blending more or less, depending on your preference for chunkiness.
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 well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter complement the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens provide a fresh contrast to the hearty potato soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges add depth and complement the creamy texture of your soup.
- Cheesy Biscuit Bites: These flaky bites offer an extra cheese flavor that pairs nicely with the cheddar in your soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with herbs and cheese, they provide a savory touch that enhances your meal experience.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful twist, balancing savory flavors nicely.
- Antipasto Platter: Assorted cured meats, cheeses, and olives offer variety and richness alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be easy, but a few common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring potato preparation: Failing to rinse your cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup. Always rinse them to remove excess starch before cooking.
- Overcooking garlic: Cooking garlic too long can result in a bitter taste. Add it just after the onions have softened and sauté for only 1-2 minutes.
- Not whisking enough: When adding broth, not whisking continuously may cause lumps. Whisk gradually to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Adding cheese too soon: Adding cheese while the pot is still on high heat can make it grainy. Remove from heat before slowly incorporating the cheese for a creamy texture.
- Skipping seasonings: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions regarding the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, while Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, you can substitute other varieties like Russets or red potatoes.
How can I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?
You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor. Also, consider using different herbs or adding cooked bacon for added richness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or sandwiches for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a delightful comfort food that warms both body and soul. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any season. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the herbs to suit your taste preferences!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm your heart and satisfy your cravings with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Creamy and rich, this soup combines fresh ingredients like Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with loved ones. Ideal for meal prep, this soup tastes even better the next day! Top it off with crispy bacon or fresh herbs for a delightful twist that caters to everyone’s palate.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5–6 cloves garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chives, thyme
Instructions
- Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth; bring to a simmer.
- Add potato cubes and cover; cook until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Blend half of the soup until smooth, then return to the pot.
- Lower heat; stir in milk, cream, herbs, and cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
