If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a big hug in a bowl, this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs, this soup brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, velvety texture and a comforting depth of flavor that makes every spoonful irresistible. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day, effortlessly satisfying and packed with so much heart and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this soup is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in building its incredible flavor, texture, and inviting appearance. From the earthy potatoes to the zesty herbs and creamy cheddar, every component works harmoniously.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced: These hearty potatoes create the creamy, chunky base for the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Gives a sweet and aromatic foundation to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant punch that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Provides depth and moisture for simmering the potatoes until tender.
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream): Brings creaminess, balancing the sharpness of the cheese.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient delivering cheesy, gooey goodness in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Adds herby earthy notes that brighten the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley): Freshens up the flavor and adds a touch of green.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Adds crispy, smoky contrast if you’re including a meaty version.
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese: For topping and that irresistible cheese stretch.
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped: Bright and fresh garnish for beautiful presentation and flavor.
- Sour cream (optional): A dollop for extra creaminess and tang.
How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin with peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. This uniform size ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the broth.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, letting those rich aromas fill your kitchen while making sure not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Next, toss the diced potatoes into your pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer develops a glorious base that’s hearty and comforting.
Step 4: Blend the Soup for Creaminess (Optional)
If you love a creamier texture, this step is your friend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend until smooth but leave some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, puree it, then add it back into the pot. If you prefer the rustic feel of chunky potato soup, feel free to skip this step—both ways are delicious.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Cheese
Stir in your whole milk or heavy cream, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts into a silky, cheesy river threading through the soup. Sprinkle in your thyme, parsley, and season well with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes to meld all those beautiful flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, ladle your hearty soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon for a crispy bite, extra shredded cheddar for that cheese-lover’s dream, and fresh parsley or chives for brightness. For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream. Now, grab some crusty bread or crackers and dig in!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your soup over the top. Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch, fresh herbs like parsley or chives bring color and freshness, and extra cheddar cheese gives gooey indulgence that’s just irresistible. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess with a hint of tang that balances the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread elevates the meal. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables provide lightness and contrast, making the whole dinner a balanced delight without any fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or just a cozy night in, serve the soup in small, rustic bowls or bread bowls for a fun twist. Consider layering toppings in a small dish next to the soup so everyone can customize their bowls exactly how they like. This creates a warm, interactive dining experience that makes the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe feel all the more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their texture and freshness. Before eating, give the soup a good stir to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, freeze without garnishes and add fresh toppings when reheating. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up. Heat until warmed through and bubbly, then add fresh garnishes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. The herbs and cheddar ensure plenty of flavor so you won’t miss the meat.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down nicely and create a creamy texture while still holding some chunks. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a slightly waxier bite.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic for this soup’s tangy, rich flavor, but you could experiment with Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar for a twist. Just keep in mind that the cheese melts best when shredded fresh.
Is it okay to skip blending the soup?
Yes! The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be enjoyed chunky or smooth. Blending is optional and depends on your texture preference.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes or blend more portion of the soup. To thin it, add a bit more milk or broth while reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a must-try if you want a dish that feels like home in every spoonful. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and flexible enough to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Cozy up with a steaming bowl soon—you won’t regret it!
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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender russet potatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, rich cheddar cheese, and flavorful herbs, this soup offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Optional bacon and sour cream toppings add extra depth, making it a delightful meal served with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional for a non-vegetarian version)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, then set them aside to be added later.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and mix well with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Potatoes: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until creamy, leaving some potato chunks. Alternatively, blend about half the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the milk or heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Season and Simmer: Add dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with optional crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley or chives. Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- Blending is optional depending on your preferred soup texture.
- Adding bacon is optional; omit for a vegetarian option.
- Season to taste; adjust salt and pepper as needed based on broth saltiness.
- Garnishes like sour cream, fresh chives, or extra cheese enhance flavor and presentation.
