Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup has been a family favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about that creamy, cheesy broth with tender chunks of potato and aromatic herbs. I can still picture my grandma standing in the kitchen, stirring a big pot of her famous Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, the smell wafting through the house and making our mouths water.
As a kid, I’d hover around the stove, waiting impatiently for a taste. She’d always let me sneak a little spoonful, and I’d burn my tongue but not even care because it tasted so good. Grandma’s Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup was the ultimate cold-weather treat, and it never failed to warm us up from the inside out. We’d sit around the table, sipping the flavorful broth and marveling at how she managed to pack so much goodness into one cozy bowl.
Why This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and herbaceous flavors. The secret lies in the slow-simmered broth, which allows the potatoes to release their natural starch and thicken the soup. Plus, the blend of sharp cheddar, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs creates a taste that’s simply irresistible. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for chilly days and cozy evenings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Potatoes – The backbone of this soup, we’ll use a mix of starchy Russet and creamy Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect texture.
– Chicken or vegetable broth – A flavorful broth is key for a rich, satisfying Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
– Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the soup, adding a tangy, cheesy element.
– Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides aromatic depth and savory notes.
– Fresh herbs – A blend of parsley, thyme, and chives complements the other flavors beautifully.
– Cream or milk – A touch of dairy makes the soup extra velvety and indulgent.
– Butter and flour – These simple pantry staples help thicken the soup and create a luscious texture.
Step-by-Step Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup comes together in just about an hour, making it the perfect cozy, comforting meal. We’ll start by simmering the potatoes in broth until tender, then blend part of the soup to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Finally, we’ll stir in the cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs for a flavor explosion in every bite.
1- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, keeping the Russets and Yukon Golds separated.
2- In a large pot, combine the Russet potato cubes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the Russets are very soft.
3- Add the Yukon Gold potato cubes and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, until all the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4- Carefully transfer about half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth and creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine.
5- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and chives. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the flavors have melded.
6- Finally, stir in the cream or milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup turns out perfectly, a few pro tips:
– Use a combination of starchy Russet and creamy Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture.
– Don’t be afraid to blend part of the soup – this helps create that signature velvety consistency.
– Shred the cheddar cheese yourself for maximum meltability.
– Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. It’s also delicious alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, cool glass of white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup in advance up until the step where you add the cream or milk. Simply cool the soup, then store it in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, then stir in the dairy and finish with the fresh herbs.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Creative Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put a twist on this classic Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Try swapping in different cheese varieties, like gruyere or pepper jack. You could also add diced ham or crumbled bacon for a heartier, smoky flavor. For a seasonal spin, stir in roasted red peppers or swap the herbs for rosemary and sage in the fall.
Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or non-fat milk or cream. Vegetable broth makes a great substitute for chicken broth to keep it meatless and vegan-friendly. For a gluten-free version, simply omit the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all Russet or all Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe?
A: While you can use just one type of potato, the combination of Russets and Yukon Golds creates the best texture. The Russets help thicken the soup, while the Yukon Golds add a creamy richness.
Q: How long does this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup take to make?
A: This recipe comes together in about an hour, with most of that time spent simmering the potatoes in the broth. The actual hands-on prep time is just 20-30 minutes.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup reheats beautifully and can be made up to 4 days in advance. Just leave out the cream or milk until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6-8 generous servings of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Q: My soup seems too thin – how can I thicken it up?
A: If your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup seems too thin, simply let it simmer for a bit longer to allow the potatoes to release more starch and thicken the broth. You can also try blending a larger portion of the soup to create a creamier texture.
Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting and flavorful goodness of our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This velvety smooth soup is a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a cozy and satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil over high heat.
2. – Add the diced potatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. – Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
4. – Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Heat the soup over medium, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
5. – Serve the Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and crusty bread.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher after blending. You can also add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is truly a comfort food classic that will warm your soul on a chilly day. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chunks of potato, and aromatic blend of herbs and garlic, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you’ll give this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup a try – I can practically guarantee it’ll be the best soup you’ve ever tasted. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to share your creation on social media using #CheddarGarlicHerbPotatoSoup. Enjoy!