🎉 Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of cheddar garlic herb potato soup on a cool evening — thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup combines tender Yukon gold potatoes, roasted garlic, aromatic herbs, and rich melted cheddar cheese into a soul-soothing bowl of comfort.
Imagine the creamy texture of perfectly simmered potatoes blended with buttery herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a smooth yet hearty consistency that hugs every spoonful. This soup is simple to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for any occasion — from cozy family dinners to chilly weeknights when you crave warmth and comfort.
This version avoids heavy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s full of natural flavors and homestyle charm. Pair it with warm crusty bread or a light green salad, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort dish that nourishes both body and soul.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Before you start, gather these essential kitchen tools:
- 1 large soup pot or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon for stirring
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
- 1 ladle for serving
- 1 immersion blender or regular blender
- 1 small baking tray (for roasting the garlic)
- Measuring cups and spoons
🛒 Ingredients
🌿 Fresh Produce
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 whole head garlic
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
🍗 Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
🧂 Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
🧈 Oils & Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
🧀 Dairy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
- In a large soup pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the roasted garlic and fresh thyme, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- For a chunkier texture, leave a few potato pieces whole.
- If using a regular blender, puree in batches carefully, then return the soup to the pot.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
- Stir in fresh parsley and chives just before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Around 1 hour
Perfect for a cozy family meal or as a make-ahead lunch that reheats beautifully.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Keep your soup fresh and delicious with these simple tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency.
🥄 Variations
Experiment with these fun and flavorful variations to keep the recipe exciting:
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Add sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or corn kernels for extra texture.
- Smoky Twist: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or roasted red pepper puree.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a melty finish.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cheese.
- Herb Explosion: Try adding rosemary or dill for an aromatic twist.
- Chunky Style: Don’t blend the soup entirely; mash some potatoes with a fork for a rustic texture.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
2. Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
Yes, but Yukon golds give a creamier texture. Russets work fine but may result in a slightly grainier finish.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and cheddar with a plant-based cheese.
4. How can I thicken the soup more?
Simmer longer or add a spoonful of instant mashed potato flakes or cornstarch slurry.
5. What can I serve with this soup?
It’s delicious with garlic bread, grilled chicken sandwiches, or a fresh green salad.
6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except cheese and cream to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese before serving.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of each dried herb instead of fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
9. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s creamy, mild, and full of comforting flavors that kids love.
10. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! Add cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey for a heartier meal.
🏁 Conclusion
This Best Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, melting cheddar cheese, and creamy potatoes creates a dish that’s both luxurious and homestyle. Each spoonful is rich, velvety, and full of flavor, perfect for a nourishing family meal or a cozy night in.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, how beautifully it reheats, and how it brings warmth and joy to your table. Serve it with crusty bread, sprinkle some herbs on top, and enjoy the feeling of a homemade masterpiece made with love.
Best Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
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Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
- In a large soup pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the roasted garlic and fresh thyme, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- For a chunkier texture, leave a few potato pieces whole.
- If using a regular blender, puree in batches carefully, then return the soup to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in fresh parsley and chives just before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. 2. Can I use russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
Yes, but Yukon golds give a creamier texture. Russets work fine but may result in a slightly grainier finish. 3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and cheddar with a plant-based cheese. 4. How can I thicken the soup more?
Simmer longer or add a spoonful of instant mashed potato flakes or cornstarch slurry. 5. What can I serve with this soup?
It’s delicious with garlic bread, grilled chicken sandwiches, or a fresh green salad. 6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. 7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except cheese and cream to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cream and cheese before serving. 8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon of each dried herb instead of fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. 9. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s creamy, mild, and full of comforting flavors that kids love. 10. Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes! Add cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey for a heartier meal. 🏁 Conclusion This Best Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The combination of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, melting cheddar cheese, and creamy potatoes creates a dish that’s both luxurious and homestyle. Each spoonful is rich, velvety, and full of flavor, perfect for a nourishing family meal or a cozy night in. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, how beautifully it reheats, and how it brings warmth and joy to your table. Serve it with crusty bread, sprinkle some herbs on top, and enjoy the feeling of a homemade masterpiece made with love.
