Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a delicious starter for gatherings, this creamy soup combines the richness of cheddar cheese with aromatic herbs and garlic. Its hearty texture from the potatoes makes it satisfying and filling, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Delight: This soup features a rich and creamy texture that envelops you in comfort with every spoonful.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or topped with your favorite garnishes like crumbled turkey bacon or fresh herbs.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese elevates the flavor profile, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing its delightful taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe successfully, having the right tools at your disposal will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating, which is essential for sautéing and simmering.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for quick and efficient chopping of vegetables, saving time in preparation.
• Blender: A standard blender helps achieve a smooth consistency in the soup; an immersion blender can also be used for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)

For the Fat

• Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter

For the Aromatics

• Aromatics:
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

For Thickening

• 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
• 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)

For Flavoring

• Cheese:
• 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• Herbs:
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

• Seasoning:
• 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)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled turkey 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:
1. Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
2. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
1. Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant.
2. Avoid burning the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Create Roux

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over sautéed onions and garlic:
1. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
2. This creates a roux that helps thicken your soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
1. Add slowly while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Whisk constantly until smooth; bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes:
1. Stir well and return to a gentle simmer.
2. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, until very tender.

Step 7: Blend Half of Soup

To achieve creaminess while keeping some chunks:
1. Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender.
2. Blend until smooth; then pour back into the pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy & Herbs

Reduce heat to low:
1. Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using.
2. Stir in parsley, chives, thyme; allow it to heat gently without boiling for about 5 minutes.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove from heat completely:
1. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese while stirring continuously until melted.

Step10: Season & Serve

Taste soup; season with salt, black pepper, and optional spices:
Ladle hot soup into bowls; garnish with toppings like crumbled turkey bacon or extra cheese before serving 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 ways to present this comforting dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Parsley: Add finely chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Add Tasty Toppings

• Crumble Turkey Bacon: For a savory crunch, top with crispy crumbled Turkey bacon.
• Extra Cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and enhances richness.

Serve with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for added flavor and texture.

Create a Soup Bar

• Assorted Toppings: Set up a toppings station with sour cream, croutons, and various herbs so everyone can customize their bowls.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheese to maximize flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture; for a thinner texture, add extra broth or milk.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure balanced flavors.
• Avoid Boiling After Dairy Addition: To prevent curdling, keep the heat low once you add milk or cream.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing sides with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent suggestions.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette.
2. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty complement to the soup’s flavors.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make an appealing side that’s also filling.
5. Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky cheesy biscuits offer delightful texture and taste when paired with potato soup.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad cleanses the palate and adds sweetness to your meal.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges echo the flavors in the soup while providing additional crunch.
8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunchiness and acidity that balances out the creamy soup perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best results.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them mushy. Aim for just tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
• Skipping the Rinsing Step: Not rinsing cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture in your soup. Always rinse to remove excess starch.
• Not Venting the Blender: Blending hot soup without venting can create pressure, causing spills. Always leave a small opening for steam to escape.
• Adding Cheese Too Soon: If you add cheese while the soup is boiling, it may become grainy. Stir it in off the heat for a smooth texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings accordingly. The cheese adds saltiness, so season gradually.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

How do I customize my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. Spices like paprika or additional herbs can also enhance its taste.

Can I make this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.

How long does this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe take to prepare?

Preparation and cooking combined typically take around 45 minutes from start to finish.

What are some great toppings for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

Consider adding crumbled turkey bacon, extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only rich and creamy but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional veggies. Try making it today for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy!