Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness perfect for any occasion. This rich and creamy soup combines the delightful flavors of cheddar and herbs, making it an ideal dish for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a main course or a side. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a hearty meal that satisfies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that makes each spoonful irresistible.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this soup can be whipped up in no time, even on busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences—it’s a recipe that invites creativity!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with potatoes, herbs, and dairy, this soup provides comfort without compromising on health.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large batches and achieving even heat distribution. Perfect for simmering soups.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Standard blender: Essential for creating the smooth texture of the soup while keeping some chunks intact for heartiness.

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Ingredients

For the Soup 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)

Thickening Agent

• Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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 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)

Seasoning

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

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled Turkey 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 the butter is melted and shimmering:
* Add the finely chopped yellow onion.
* Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Add the minced garlic to the pot:
* Cook for another minute until fragrant but not burnt.

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour:
* Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth:
* Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you mix.

Bring the mixture to a simmer after ensuring it’s smooth.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes

Add rinsed potato cubes to the pot:
* Bring back to a gentle simmer then reduce heat.

Cover and let cook for about 15-20 minutes until very tender.

Step 6: Blend Halfway

Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender:
* Secure lid tightly but vent with a kitchen towel to allow steam escape.

Blend until smooth then pour back into the pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 7: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) along with heavy cream if using:
Stir constantly as you mix in fresh parsley, chives, thyme.

Allow heating through gently without boiling.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Remove pot from heat completely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese:
Stir continuously until fully melted before adding more cheese.

Step 9: Season & Serve

Taste your creamy potato soup:
Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper if desired.

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons as preferred. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

Toppings

• Crumble Turkey Turkey Bacon: Add a savory crunch and a hint of smokiness with cooked crumbled turkey bacon.
• Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle more cheese on top for an indulgent, gooey finish that enhances the flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy note that complements the soup perfectly.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional chives or parsley for a fresh touch that brightens the dish.
• Croutons: Top with crispy croutons for added texture and crunch, making each bite delightful.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty rolls for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Offer slices of garlic bread for a flavorful pairing that complements the garlic in the soup.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To make your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while allowing flavors to shine through.
• Creamy Texture Tip: Blend only half of the soup for a perfect balance of creamy and chunky textures.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy; this ensures a smooth consistency.
• Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs when possible; they provide vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Potato Variety Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery texture, but feel free to mix in other varieties for added depth.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Pairing sides with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes provides freshness and balance against the rich soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutritious variety and complementary flavors alongside the soup’s creaminess.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese offers a satisfying crunch and melty goodness that pairs perfectly with potato soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness without overpowering the soup’s flavors.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can offer contrast in temperature while providing different textures and flavors alongside the warm soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins deliver a delightful sweetness that balances well with savory dishes like potato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always shred your cheese fresh for the best texture and flavor.

• Not rinsing potatoes: Failing to rinse cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup due to excess starch. Be sure to rinse them under cold water before adding them to the pot.

• Skipping the roux: A roux is essential for thickening the soup. Don’t skip this step; cook the flour with the butter and onions for a couple of minutes before adding liquid.

• Boiling after adding dairy: Boiling the soup after adding milk or cream can cause curdling. Always keep the heat low once dairy is added and gently warm it through.

• Overcooking garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if cooked too long. Add it after the onions have softened and cook only until fragrant.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Cheese adds saltiness, so taste your soup before adding more salt. Adjust seasoning gradually for a well-balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this hearty soup.

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

You can add vegetables like broccoli or carrots, use different herbs such as rosemary, or swap out cheddar for another favorite cheese like gouda or Monterey jack.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up this recipe, consider using low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reducing the amount of cream used. You can also cut back on cheese if desired.

How do I ensure my potatoes stay firm?

Don’t let the potatoes boil too long; cook them just until tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even tenderness.

What should I serve with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe?

This savory soup pairs well with crusty bread, salads, or sandwiches for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out cheeses based on your preference. Give it a try – it’s sure to become a favorite!