Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! This rich and creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. With its delightful blend of cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also warms your soul. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Filling: This soup is packed with hearty potatoes and creamy goodness, making it the perfect meal to warm you up.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Flavorful: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs gives this soup a rich flavor that will leave you wanting more.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, this soup pairs well with salads, sandwiches, or just on its own.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like turkey turkey turkey bacon or extra cheese to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. Gather these essentials before diving into your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Standard blender (or immersion blender)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping potatoes and onions quick and easy.
• Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture by blending part of the soup smoothly.

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 (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 and Herbs

• Cheese: 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting)
• 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)
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Cayenne or Paprika: Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional for a hint of warmth)

Optional Garnish

• Cooked crumbled turkey 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 Your 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 minced garlic to the pot:
* Cook for another 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until fragrant.
* Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic:
* Stir continuously and cook for about 1–2 minutes.
* This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux that will help thicken the soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth:
* Do this a little at a time while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
* Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring mixture to a simmer once smooth.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add rinsed and drained potato cubes:
* Stir well.
* Bring back to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to medium-low.
* Cover pot; cook for about 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Stir occasionally.

Step 7: Blend Halfway

To create that creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks:
Carefully ladle about half of the soup into a standard blender:
* Secure lid tightly but remove center cap; cover opening with a folded kitchen towel to allow steam escape.
* Blend until smooth then pour back into pot with remaining chunky soup.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low:
Slowly pour in whole milk (or half-and-half) plus heavy cream if using:
* Stir constantly while adding fresh parsley, chives, and thyme.
* Allow soup to heat gently for about five minutes; do not let it boil after adding dairy.

Step 9: Incorporate Cheese

Remove pot from heat entirely:
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese:
* Do so one handful at a time while stirring continuously until fully melted before adding more.

Step 10: Season Your Soup

Taste your hearty soup:
Generously season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if desired.

Final Step: Serve Hot

Ladle hot creamy soup into bowls:
Garnish generously with toppings like crumbled turkey turkey turkey bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the meal and make it even more enjoyable. There are various ways to present this delicious soup that will impress your family and friends.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch and added flavor.
• Crumbled Turkey Turkey turkey bacon: Add some crunch with crispy turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey bacon crumbles for a savory element.
• Extra Cheese: For cheese lovers, a handful of extra sharp cheddar on top will enhance the richness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping – the perfect companion to soak up the hearty soup.
• Salad: A light green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pairing with garlic bread enhances the garlic flavors in the soup while offering a satisfying crunch.

Presentation Tips

• Soup Bowls: Use vibrant bowls to serve your soup, making it visually appealing.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add elegance and depth to each bowl.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding sautéed vegetables like carrots or celery for additional textures and flavors.
• Bold Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
• Bold Consistency Control: Adjust thickness by adding more broth if it becomes too thick upon cooling.
• Bold Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Complementing your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic-infused butter pair perfectly with the soup’s richness.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing crunch alongside the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and depth to your table, balancing out the meal nicely.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious contrast while being filling enough to satisfy hunger.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices make for a hearty side that complements the soup’s flavors.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits infused with cheese add comfort and warmth alongside each bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using unpeeled potatoes: Always peel your Yukon Gold potatoes before cubing them. Leaving the skin on can result in a gritty texture.
• Skipping the rinsing step: Rinsing cubed potatoes removes excess starch, which helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Don’t skip this step!
• Not cooking the onions long enough: Sauté the onions until they are softened and translucent. If you rush this step, you might end up with a bitter flavor from undercooked onions.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese off the heat. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or clumping together.
• Overcooking after adding dairy: Once you mix in milk or cream, avoid boiling the soup. This can cause curdling, ruining its creamy texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some room at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

You can try using mozzarella or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile while keeping it creamy.

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

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or broccoli, or spices such as paprika for added flavor. You can also adjust herbs according to your preference.

Is Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe healthy?

While deliciously creamy, you can make it healthier by using low-fat milk and reducing cheese quantities without compromising flavor.

What should I serve with this potato soup?

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

Conclusion

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different herbs or toppings based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress everyone at the table!

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