Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is pure cozy comfort in a bowl, brimming with creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, and an irresistible mix of garlic and fragrant herbs. Every spoonful wraps you in warmth—this isn’t just another potato soup; it’s a family favorite that’s both hearty and packed with flavor. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly night or gathering for a casual weeknight meal, this soup brings smiles and plenty of second helpings!

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is that it builds big flavor from the simplest ingredients—nothing fancy, just pantry staples that shine in classic, comforting style. Each ingredient plays its part to bring creaminess, robust flavor, and beautiful color to your bowl.

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best; their starchiness creates a creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
Onion: Provides lovely sweetness and aromatic depth as the base of your soup.
Garlic: The foundation of savory flavor, three cloves gives just the right hit without overwhelming.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds a savory backbone and boosts the soup’s overall richness.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its ultra-smooth, luscious finish—don’t skip this for that classic creamy touch.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness, melting perfectly into every bite.
Butter: Starts the aromatics, lending luxurious flavor and helping with that silky texture.
Dried Thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it balances the creamy potatoes and cheese with herbal notes.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to taste and season at the end; they pull everything together and make the flavors pop.

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start with a big, heavy pot—nothing beats the smell of onions and garlic sizzling in butter. Melt your butter over medium heat, then toss in the diced onion. Let it soften and sweeten, stirring for about five minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, just until fragrant. These aromatics are the soul of your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Tumble in the diced potatoes and pour in your chosen broth, chicken or vegetable. Crank up the heat and bring everything to a boil, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—let everything cook quietly for 15–20 minutes, until those potato cubes are fall-apart tender and ready to become creamy goodness.

Step 3: Blend or Mash

If you love rustic texture, use a potato masher to break up about half the potatoes right in the pot. Want extra creaminess? Pull out your immersion blender and blend until your soup reaches your perfect consistency. Don’t go too smooth—leave a few chunks for the best mouthfeel!

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Now it’s time for that luscious finish. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup turns thick and velvety. Add the dried thyme, then season generously with salt and pepper—taste as you go, because this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup really comes alive at this stage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the piping hot soup into big bowls, letting the aroma fill your kitchen. For an extra flourish, top each bowl with a sprinkle of herbs or a bit more cheese. Now dig in and enjoy—the reward for your simple effort!

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way for both flavor and presentation. Try a shower of fresh chives, thyme leaves, or parsley for a burst of color. Another handful of cheddar on top will melt dreamily, and a twist of fresh black pepper makes it restaurant-worthy. Bacon crumbles or crunchy croutons? Absolutely—they add a world of texture to your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

Side Dishes

Soup is satisfying on its own, but a simple green salad or a warm, crusty loaf of bread makes this a truly complete meal. Garlic bread, sourdough toast, or homemade biscuits are wonderful for dunking. Serving with a crisp apple salad or roasted veggies brings freshness and crunch to balance the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow dinner guests? Serve your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in rustic bread bowls or mini soup crocks. Individual ramekins with a thick cheese crust baked on top take it up a notch. Or, drizzle a bit of garlic-infused oil and scatter microgreens for a modern, elegant touch. It’s a fun way to turn a humble soup into the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to room temperature before storing. An airtight container in the fridge keeps it fresh for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving again, as the soup may naturally thicken as it sits.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this soup! For best results, ladle it into freezer-safe containers in single portions. Because of the cream and cheese, it might look a little separated when thawed, but a quick whisk or blend will bring back its creamy glory. Store for up to three months for fast, delicious lunches or dinners.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the silky consistency. Microwave reheating works, too—just cover loosely and stop to stir halfway so it heats through evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will be just as rich, creamy, and hearty—carnivores and vegetarians alike will love it.

What’s the best potato variety for this soup?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are your best bets—they break down beautifully for creaminess while still leaving some satisfying chunks. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling for this recipe.

Can I use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can, but heavy cream gives the most luxurious texture. Using milk or half-and-half will result in a lighter soup; add a little less broth if you go this route to keep the soup thick and satisfying.

How do I make the soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your broth and any extras (like garnishes or store-bought croutons) to ensure they’re safe if anyone is sensitive.

Is Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s a fantastic candidate for meal prep since the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge. Portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or simple weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a feel-good, flavor-packed meal to warm up any night of the week, you honestly can’t go wrong with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Give it a try for your next gathering or quiet dinner—you’ll be surprised how quickly this comfort classic becomes a new favorite in your home!