Indulge in a creamy and comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, all enriched with fresh herbs for a delightful flavor experience! This delightful soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty starter for family gatherings. Its rich flavors and creamy texture are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious; it comes with numerous benefits that make it a must-try!
- Comforting Warmth: A bowl of this soup provides a cozy feeling, ideal for cold days.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible taste.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this soup is hassle-free.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or as an appetizer; it fits any occasion.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like bacon or extra herbs for personalization.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup seamlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Standard blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking the soup evenly without splattering.
- Standard blender: Necessary for achieving that creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks intact.
- Sharp knife: Ensures easy chopping of vegetables, making prep time quick.
Ingredients
Indulge in a creamy and comforting bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, all enriched with fresh herbs for a delightful flavor experience!
For the Base
- Potatoes: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
- Fat: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
Aromatics
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup)
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 but recommended for ultimate creaminess)
Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
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)
Seasoning
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
- Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika: Pinch (optional for warmth)
Optional Garnish
- Cooked crumbled 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
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:
* Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
* Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot:
* Cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant.
* Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
* Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes.
This step cooks out the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Whisk in Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth:
* Add it slowly while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
* Bring it to a simmer once smooth.
Step 6: Cook Potatoes
Add rinsed potato cubes:
* Stir well before covering.
* Let it cook on medium-low heat for about15–20 minutes until very tender.
Step 7: Blend Half of Soup
Ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
* Securely blend until smooth.
* Pour back into the pot with remaining chunky soup.
Step 8: Add Dairy
Reduce heat to low:
* Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using.
* Stir well before adding fresh herbs.
Step 9: Incorporate Cheese
Remove from heat completely:
* Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until fully melted.
Step10: Season to Taste
Taste your soup:
* Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika as desired.
Step11: Serve
Ladle into bowls:
* Garnish generously with toppings such as crumbled bacon or extra cheese. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is all about enhancing the comforting experience. This soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile addition to your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Chives: Add finely chopped chives for an onion-like taste that complements the soup perfectly.
Accompanied by Proteins
- Crispy Bacon: Top with crumbled bacon for added crunch and smokiness.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal option.
Served with Toppings
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and tang.
- Extra Shredded Cheese: For cheese lovers, more cheddar on top creates a deliciously gooey finish.
With Crunchy Additions
- Homemade Croutons: Add croutons for texture; they soak up the soup beautifully.
- Toasted Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy goodness.
How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Perfecting your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup takes a few careful steps. Here are some tips to ensure you create an exceptional dish every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and quality cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor.
- Create a Roux: Cook the flour with onions and garlic properly to avoid a raw taste in your soup.
- Blend Gradually: If you’re blending part of the soup, do it in batches to maintain safety and texture.
- Add Dairy Off Heat: Incorporate milk and cream off the heat to prevent curdling and achieve creaminess.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, especially since cheese adds saltiness.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly without falling apart.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Pairing sides with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful side dishes that complement this comforting soup beautifully.
- Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping and adds extra flavor.
- Caesar Salad: The bold flavors of Caesar salad provide a nice contrast while remaining easy to prepare.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your overall meal.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese pair wonderfully, making every bite satisfying.
- Stuffed Peppers: For a heartier option, stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make a filling side dish.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with fresh veggies offers a refreshing complement to the warm soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of potato soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Using the wrong potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their creamy texture. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets which can become mushy.
- Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing cubed potatoes removes excess starch, which prevents the soup from getting gummy. Always rinse before adding them to the pot.
- Not cooking onions properly: Sautéing onions until they are translucent helps develop a sweeter flavor. If you skip this step or rush it, you may end up with a bitter taste from raw onions.
- Overheating after adding dairy: Adding cheese and cream over high heat can cause them to curdle. Always lower the heat when incorporating dairy for a smooth texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting before serving is crucial as flavors may vary based on ingredients used. Adjust salt and pepper accordingly for a balanced flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Store for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- Leave space at the top of containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack; however, these will alter the flavor profile slightly.
What herbs can I use aside from chives?
You can experiment with fresh dill or rosemary to add unique flavors to your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
How do I thicken the soup further?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider blending more of the potato mixture or adding additional flour dissolved in broth.
Can this potato soup be made vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and substitute dairy with almond milk or coconut cream along with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavors.
What pairs well with this soup?
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup goes wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it an instant favorite. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite toppings like bacon or extra herbs. Enjoy experimenting!
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in a bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This delightful soup features tender Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, all enhanced with fresh herbs for an irresistible flavor experience. Its rich texture and savory taste make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal as a standalone meal or as an appetizer. With easy preparation and customizable toppings, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil + butter)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5–6 cloves garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs: parsley, chives, thyme
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes into ½-inch pieces; rinse under cold water.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic; cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth; bring to a simmer.
- Add potato cubes, cover, and cook on medium-low for about 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Blend half of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Reduce heat, stir in milk and heavy cream if using, then add cheese gradually until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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