Indulge in Creamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Today!

Brace yourself for a delightful culinary experience with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This irresistible concoction combines the rich, creamy texture of potatoes with the savory flavors of garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a soup that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds on even the chilliest of days.

Table of Contents

Ingredients That Make This Soup Stand Out

At the heart of this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup are a few key ingredients that truly elevate the dish. First, we have Yukon Gold potatoes, known for their buttery texture and ability to hold their shape when cooked. Combined with sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme, the base of this soup is packed with flavor.

But the real star of the show is the sharp cheddar cheese. Its bold, tangy notes perfectly complement the creamy potato base, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in every spoonful. And for an extra touch of richness, we’ve included a splash of heavy cream, though this is optional for those looking to keep things a bit lighter.

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 6–7 medium)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter OR 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking Equipment and Preparation

To bring this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large pot or Dutch oven is a must to accommodate the generous portions. A potato masher will come in handy for lightly mashing some of the potatoes to achieve the perfect creamy texture, while a whisk will help you seamlessly incorporate the roux and broth.

Before you begin cooking, make sure to peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes, finely chop the onion and garlic, and shred the sharp cheddar cheese. Measuring the liquid ingredients, such as the broth, milk, and cream, will also ensure you have everything ready to go for a smooth cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter (or butter + oil) over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir, cooking for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
3. Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually whisk in the broth, then add the milk, cream (if using), and potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
4. Mash Slightly: Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot, creating a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.
5. Stir in Cheese and Herbs: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Then, stir in the parsley, chives, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like cooked crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chives or parsley, and croutons.

Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup

To ensure your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup, as they have a creamy, buttery texture that holds up well during cooking.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Adjust Consistency: Mash some of the potatoes to create a creamy texture, but leave others intact for a delightful chunky mouthfeel.
• Store and Reheat Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin the consistency.

Variations to Explore

While the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Consider adding diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables, or incorporate shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a boost of protein.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this soup vegan by using vegetable broth and substituting the dairy products with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk or cashew cream.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Potato Leek Soup
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Roasted Garlic Potato Soup

FAQs About Potato Soup

What herbs are good in potato soup? Some of the best herbs for potato soup include parsley, chives, thyme, rosemary, and dill. These herbs complement the flavors of the potatoes, onions, and other ingredients, adding depth and complexity to the soup.

What kind of cheese is good in potato soup? Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice for potato soup, as its bold, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy potato base. Other great options include Parmesan, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses.

What are the 4 ingredients in potato soup? The four essential ingredients in a basic potato soup are potatoes, broth, milk or cream, and onions. Additional ingredients like garlic, herbs, and cheese can be added to enhance the flavor and texture.

What to add to potato soup for more flavor? To add more flavor to potato soup, consider incorporating ingredients like crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, spices like paprika or cayenne, or a splash of white wine or sherry.

Conclusion: A Cozy Potato Soup You’ll Crave

With its creamy texture, comforting flavors, and an irresistible cheesy finish, Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on a chilly day or simply craving a bowl of rich, flavorful soup, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, grab a spoon, dive in, and savor every delicious bite!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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