There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on a chilly day. I still remember the first time I made it myself—it was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something comforting yet easy to prepare. Even as a beginner, I found this recipe straightforward, with simple ingredients delivering rich, creamy flavor. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. This soup blends hearty potatoes, sharp cheddar, and fragrant herbs, making every spoonful both satisfying and memorable.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Delicious, creamy soup perfect for comfort, family, and easy meals.
- Rich flavor: Sharp cheddar and fresh herbs make every bite memorable.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for beginners.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, ideal for weeknights.
- Nutritious: Potatoes provide energy and fiber while herbs add vitamins.
- Versatile: Can be customized with extra vegetables, proteins, or spices.
Ingredients Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crispy bacon bits, green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Prepare the potatoes and aromatics: Peel and dice the potatoes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
- Add cheese and milk: Stir in shredded cheddar and milk (or cream) until fully melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and top with parsley, green onions, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
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Best Tips and Variations for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Want to make your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup even better? Start by using a mix of Yukon Gold and russet potatoes for extra creaminess. For a richer flavor, swap part of the milk with heavy cream or add a touch of sour cream before serving. You can also sneak in extra vegetables like carrots or celery to boost nutrition. For a smoky twist, top with crispy bacon or smoked paprika. This soup is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for later.
Enjoyed this soup? Find more creamy and cozy soup recipes here.
Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup FAQs
What herbs go in potato soup?
Potato soup pairs well with herbs like fresh thyme, parsley, chives, and sometimes rosemary. These herbs add aromatic flavors that complement the creamy potatoes and cheddar cheese, enhancing both taste and presentation.
What kind of cheddar cheese is best for potato soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for potato soup because it melts smoothly and adds a rich, tangy flavor. You can also mix mild and sharp cheddar for a balanced taste and creamier texture.
What are the main ingredients in cheddar cheese soup?
The classic ingredients include potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, milk or cream, butter, onions, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, and a selection of fresh herbs. Optional add-ins include bacon, carrots, celery, or leeks for extra flavor and texture.
What can I add to my potato soup for more flavor?
To boost flavor, consider sautéed garlic and onions, crispy bacon bits, smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs and a pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the soup’s aroma.
Best Serving Ideas for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Serve your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup hot for maximum comfort. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or warm garlic rolls for dipping. A fresh side salad or roasted vegetables makes a complete meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle with green onions, shredded cheddar, or crispy bacon just before serving. This soup also works perfectly as a starter for dinner parties or a cozy main dish for a weeknight family meal
Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Milk or heavy cream for creamier texture
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tsp Fresh parsley chopped
- To taste – Salt
- To taste – Black pepper
- Optional – Crispy bacon bits for garnish
- Optional – Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes and aromatics: Peel and dice potatoes, chop onion, and mince garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until soft, 3–4 minutes.
- Cook the potatoes: Add diced potatoes, stir to combine.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover, cook until tender, 15–20 minutes.
- Blend (optional): Use immersion blender for a smoother texture, leaving some potato chunks.
- Add cheese and milk: Stir in cheddar and milk until creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls; top with parsley, green onions, or bacon bits.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try mixing Yukon Gold and russet potatoes.
- This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container up to 2 months.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for a healthier version.