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Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup – Cozy, Creamy & Loaded With Flavor

If you’re dreaming of a bowl of pure comfort — warm, creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh herb aroma — this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is exactly the recipe you need. Every spoonful is rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, filled with tender potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a beautiful blend of cheddar and cream that creates the perfect cozy texture. This soup delivers everything you love about classic potato soup but elevates it with fresh chives, thyme, and bold garlic flavor. The cheddar cheese melts into the broth, turning it into a silky, comforting soup that feels luxurious yet homestyle. With a hint of cayenne or smoked paprika, you get a gentle warmth that enhances the richness without overpowering the flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a winter evening, a family gathering, or a relaxing weekend at home, this creamy herb potato soup makes a beautiful, cozy centerpiece — satisfying, soothing, and irresistibly delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables & Herbs
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
  • More fresh chives or parsley for serving
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Dairy
  • Cheddar cheese shredded (about 1½–2 cups)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping
Seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
Bread
  • Croutons optional topping

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Potato masher or blender (optional)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Grater (for cheddar)
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Prepare aromatics
  1. Finely chop the garlic, chives, and thyme.
  2. Keep extra chives or parsley aside for serving.
Step 2 — Start the soup base
  1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt a little butter or warm a splash of oil.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3 — Add the dairy base
  1. Pour in the whole milk.
  2. Warm gently, stirring to prevent scorching.
  3. Do not boil — keep it over low to medium heat.
Step 4 — Add potatoes (if using)
  1. (If you want your soup thicker or with potato chunks)
  2. Add diced cooked potatoes at this stage.
  3. Simmer gently to soften and integrate into the broth.
Step 5 — Add herbs and seasonings
  1. Stir in thyme, black pepper, salt, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
Step 6 — Melt in the cheddar
  1. Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
  2. This creates the creamy, cheesy base the soup is known for.
Step 7 — Add cream
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
  2. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until thickened and velvety.
Step 8 — Adjust consistency
  1. If you want it thicker: mash some potatoes or add extra cheese.
  2. If you want it thinner: add a splash of milk or broth.
Step 9 — Taste and adjust
  1. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Step 10 — Serve warm
  1. Top with:
  2. Fresh chives or parsley
  3. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
  4. Croutons
  5. Extra shredded cheddar

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 3–4 days in airtight containers.
Sauce may thicken — add milk when reheating.
Freezer
Dairy-based soups do not freeze well — best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Heat on low to avoid separating the dairy.
Stir frequently.
Add milk or cream to restore creaminess.
🥄 Variations
1. Extra Cheesy Version
Add sharp white cheddar or smoked cheddar.
2. Herb Lover’s Soup
Add parsley, rosemary, or extra thyme.
3. Spicy Cheddar Potato Soup
Add more cayenne, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes.
4. Veggie Boost
Stir in spinach, broccoli florets, or roasted potatoes.
5. Loaded Potato Soup Style
Top with turkey or beef bacon pieces (pork-free), chives, and cheddar.
6. Rustic Version
Blend only half the soup, leaving some chunks.
7. Light Version
Replace part of the cream with milk.
8. Ultra-Creamy Version
Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the pot.
9. Protein Boost
Add shredded chicken or white beans.
10. Smoky Version
Use smoked cheddar and smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheddar?
It works, but freshly shredded melts better.
2. Can I add potatoes?
Yes — cooked diced potatoes make it heartier.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and omit cheese, though flavor will change.
4. Does it get thicker as it cools?
Yes — reheat with milk to loosen it.
5. Can I add protein?
Shredded chicken or beans work well.
6. What herbs pair best?
Thyme, chives, parsley, and rosemary.
7. Is it spicy?
Only mildly — adjust cayenne to taste.
8. Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but the soup will be less creamy.
9. Can I blend the soup?
Yes — blend partially or fully for a smooth texture.
10. What toppings work best?
Croutons, cheddar, chives, sour cream, or herbs.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy comfort — creamy, flavorful, herb-infused, and irresistibly cheesy. With the richness of cheddar, the aroma of fresh herbs, and the soothing creaminess from milk and heavy cream, it brings the perfect combination of warmth and indulgence.
Whether you're serving it as a winter dinner, a comforting lunch, or a cozy weekend treat, this soup delivers everything you crave from a creamy potato soup: texture, flavor, richness, and the comforting feeling of homemade goodness.