Name: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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 (helps thicken the soup); 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 for ultimate creaminess); 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting); 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, for a hint of warmth); Cooked crumbled bacon; Extra shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; More fresh chives or parsley; Croutons

Jump to Recipe

One spoonful of the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is enough to warm your heart and bring on pure comfort. We’re talking layers of flavor from buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, a medley of garlic and herbs, and that perfect, velvety finish of sharp cheddar cheese. This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s the kind you crave when the weather turns chilly or when you just want a bowl full of love. So, let’s get cozy – you’re about to meet your new favorite soul-soothing dinner!

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup proves that simple staples, when combined with a little care and creativity, make magic happen. Every ingredient in the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe brings something special – from the buttery richness of the potatoes to the punchy garlic and the melty, sharp cheddar. Don’t skip the fresh herbs, either; they make each bite sing!

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their naturally creamy texture and golden hue create a rich, starchy base that gives the soup its body.
Butter and/or olive oil: Adds luxurious flavor and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until just sweet and translucent, it’s the quiet flavor hero here.
Garlic: Intensely aromatic, it delivers depth and a warming zing with every bite.
All-purpose flour: This is your thickener, ensuring a velvety yet substantial soup.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful, savory backbone for the soup.
Whole milk (or half-and-half): Adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors; half-and-half is for those who really want decadence.
Heavy cream (optional): For those who like to go all-in on silkiness and richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Shreds melt beautifully and deliver robust, tangy cheesy goodness – skip the pre-shredded stuff!
Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a delicate herbaceous note to the finished soup.
Fresh chives: Lends a gentle onion flavor and gorgeous green flecks.
Fresh thyme: Subtle earthiness completes the soup’s aroma; dried thyme works if you can’t find fresh.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional): A pinch provides a gentle kick or a hint of smokiness.
Optional garnishes (bacon, more cheddar, sour cream, chives, croutons): An invitation to go wild on toppings and texture!

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into even ½-inch cubes. Give them a good rinse under cold water to wash away excess starch. This trick keeps the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe from turning gluey and helps every potato cube cook beautifully tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place your biggest, sturdiest pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the butter (or the butter/olive oil combo) until it’s shimmering and aromatic. Add the finely chopped onion and let it gently soften, stirring now and then for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal: soft, sweet onion without any browning. That’s your foundation for big flavor!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Once your onions are dreamy and translucent, stir in the minced garlic. The fragrance will instantly let you know you’re on the right track. Cook just 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Keep a close eye – burnt garlic is a flavor faux pas!

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour right over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well and cook for a minute or so – this step removes the raw flour taste and is the secret to a perfectly thick soup. You’ll notice the mix turning into a fragrant, slightly golden paste.

Step 5: Introduce the Liquids

This is where your soup takes shape. Slowly whisk in your chicken or vegetable broth, a splash at a time, scraping up every bit of flavor from the bottom of the pot. Prevent lumps by whisking constantly. Once everything’s smooth and back up to a gentle simmer, you’re ready for potatoes.

Step 6: Cook the Potatoes

Add the rinsed potato cubes, give a hearty stir, and bring things back to a gentle simmer. Cover, reduce the heat, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Check the potatoes with a fork – when they’re soft and yielding, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess (Partial)

This is the magic moment for the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe’s remarkable texture. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot, leaving plenty of hearty potato bits for texture. Don’t have an immersion blender? Carefully ladle about half the mix into a blender, blend until smooth, and combine back in the pot. Always blend hot liquids with caution!

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy and Herbs

Turn your heat down low, then gently stir in your milk and heavy cream (if using). Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Warm gently – no boiling, please! – for about 5 minutes until everything is luscious and the herbs are mingling their flavors throughout the soup.

Step 9: Melt the Cheese

Take the pot off the heat completely. Add your freshly shredded cheddar in batches, stirring each handful in until fully melted before adding the next. This keeps the soup silken and prevents any grainy bits – freshly shredded cheese really does make a world of difference!

Step 10: Season to Perfection

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for just the right zing. Remember, cheese brings salty flavor, so build seasoning slowly for balance.

Step 11: Serve Hot

Ladle the steaming, gorgeous soup into bowls. Let everyone add their favorite toppings: a scattering of bacon, a flourish of fresh chives, extra cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or crunchy croutons. Now, dig in – and enjoy every cozy bite!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with a parade of toppings that add visual appeal and crave-worthy flavor. Sprinkle on extra sharp cheddar, crispy bacon bits, a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a flurry of fresh chives, or crunchy, golden croutons. For a pop of color, a little parsley does wonders!

Side Dishes

This soup loves classic companions like warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every drop. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette if you crave contrast. Roasted vegetables or a light sandwich also make it a complete, soul-satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, ladle soup into small mugs or rustic ramekins, set out a toppings bar, and let guests build their bowls. Hollowed bread bowls add fun rustic charm, while shot glasses make adorable single-bite appetizers. These touches turn the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe into a showstopper for any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup is a dream come true! Cool any extra soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, which actually allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze, hold back on adding the dairy and cheese until reheating for best results. Freeze cooled soup in individual containers, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Gently reheat soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and maintain that perfect creamy texture. If reheated in the microwave, do so in short bursts, stirring between each, and add a splash of milk if needed to thin. Stir in the cheese and cream at the end if you prepped in advance.

FAQs

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave off the bacon garnish if you want to keep things meatless. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy, herby goodness.

What’s the best way to blend the soup if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can use a traditional blender. Carefully ladle some of the hot soup (not more than half-full) and blend it smooth, then return it to the pot. Remember to vent the lid with a towel for safety so steam can escape.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes! While Yukon Golds give a buttery texture, Russets work for a fluffier result. Just try to avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss, as they don’t break down into creaminess as well for this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

It sure is! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour or even use cornstarch (whisked with a little cold broth to make a slurry) to thicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I lighten up the soup without sacrificing flavor?

Definitely! You can use low-fat milk instead of whole, and reduce or omit the heavy cream. The bright pop of herbs and cheddar means the soup will still be rich and flavorful even with a few tweaks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a bowl packed with comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of cozy kitchen magic, make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe your next project. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Trust me, one bowl and you’ll be hooked – happy soup making!