Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a comforting and creamy dish that warms you up on chilly days. This soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. Its rich flavors from cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs make it stand out. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Comfort: This soup offers a delightful creamy texture that soothes the soul.
• Flavor Packed: Infused with garlic and herbs, every spoonful bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or appetizer; pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can succeed.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with various toppings like crumbled turkey bacon or fresh herbs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Standard blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without burning.
• Standard blender: Essential for creating that creamy texture without lumps.

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

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

For Thickening the Soup

• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Liquid Base

• Broth: 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• Milk: 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional)

For the Cheese

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

For the Herbs

• Parsley: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Chives: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

For Seasoning

• Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch (optional)

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 but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
– Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour:
– Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 5: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
– Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot while whisking.
– Bring mixture to a simmer once smooth.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes:
– Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer.
– Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Blend Half of Soup

Ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
– Secure lid tightly but vent lid carefully with a kitchen towel. Blend until smooth.
– Pour blended soup back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Stir in Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
– Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring continuously.
– Add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme; stir well.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove pot from heat completely:
– Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time until fully melted.

Step 10: Season & Serve

Taste soup; season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional spices:
– Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish as desired before enjoying!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy soup pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors and textures.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chives: Sprinkle finely chopped chives on top for a fresh, oniony flavor that complements the soup.
• Parsley: Add a handful of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Croutons: Top with homemade or store-bought croutons for an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup.
• Turkey Bacon: Crumbled cooked turkey bacon adds a savory, crispy element that enhances the soup’s heartiness.

Include Dairy Options

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a tangy richness that balances the cheese flavors in the soup.
• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt as a creamy topping, adding protein and a slight tang.

Serve with Bread

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this hearty soup.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be served on the side to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold flavor base: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant to build a strong flavor foundation for your soup.
• Uniform potato sizes: Cut potatoes into ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Gradual cheese addition: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese off the heat to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture; for a thinner consistency, add more broth or milk gradually.
• Season tastefully: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed to achieve perfect seasoning.
• Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens offers a light contrast to the rich potato soup.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese makes for a comforting side that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide earthy flavors that balance out the richness of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for an appealing and nutritious side dish.
5. Pasta Salad: A tangy pasta salad adds texture and helps cleanse the palate between bites of creamy soup.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy cheesy biscuits are great for dipping into the hearty potato soup while adding extra flavor.
7. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is excellent for soaking up every bit of delicious broth from your bowl.
8. Fruit Platter: A refreshing fruit platter provides sweetness that balances out savory flavors in the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup requires attention to detail. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always opt for freshly shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
• Skipping the rinsing step: Failing to rinse cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch and ensure a smoother consistency.
• Overcooking garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Add it just after the onions have softened, and sauté for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Not venting the blender: Blending hot liquids without venting can cause dangerous steam buildup. Always remove the center cap of the blender lid and cover it with a towel when blending hot soup.
• Adding dairy too quickly: Pouring in dairy too fast can lead to curdling. Gradually add milk and cream while stirring to incorporate them smoothly into the soup.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Remember, cheese adds saltiness, so adjust your seasonings gradually as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soups expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covering loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring gently until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip any meat garnishes for a delicious vegetarian version.

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

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition. You can also switch herbs based on your preference!

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You may replace heavy cream with additional whole milk or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option without sacrificing creaminess.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 3-4 days when stored properly.

Can I freeze leftover potato soup?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just remember that potatoes may change texture upon thawing.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Try making this delightful recipe today, and enjoy its creamy richness any time!