Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Simple Introduction

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that instantly makes a house feel warm and welcoming. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, yet made with simple, familiar ingredients that come together effortlessly. Tender Yukon Gold potatoes simmer gently in a savory broth, then get partially blended for a luscious, velvety texture that still has plenty of comforting chunks. Sharp cheddar cheese melts right into the soup, while garlic and fresh herbs add depth, warmth, and that irresistible homemade aroma.

This soup is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s filling enough to serve as a main dish, cozy enough for cold evenings, and versatile enough to dress up with toppings or keep beautifully simple. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, prepping meals for the week, or craving a warm bowl of something indulgent yet wholesome, Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup delivers every single time.

It’s also a fantastic recipe for cooks of all levels. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are forgiving, and the results feel far more luxurious than the effort required. Once you make it, this soup quickly becomes a staple—one you’ll come back to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

There are countless potato soup recipes out there, but this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup stands out for a few key reasons:

• Ultra-creamy texture without being heavy
  Thanks to Yukon Gold potatoes and partial blending, you get a naturally thick, velvety soup without relying entirely on cream.

• Bold, comforting flavor
  Garlic, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs create layers of savory flavor that taste rich and satisfying.

• Perfect balance of smooth and chunky
  Blending only part of the soup keeps it hearty and rustic, not gluey or overly puréed.

• Customizable for any taste or diet
  Make it vegetarian, add bacon, spice it up, or keep it classic—it adapts beautifully.

• Ideal for make-ahead meals
  This soup reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day.

If you love cozy meals that feel like a hug in a bowl, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Course: Soup / Main Dish

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 4–6

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Ingredients Breakdown

One of the reasons Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup works so well is the thoughtful combination of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

Potatoes

• 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup because they’re naturally creamy and slightly buttery. They hold their shape well while still blending smoothly.

Fat

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  or

• 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter

Butter adds richness, while olive oil helps prevent burning and balances the flavor.

Aromatics

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced

Onion provides sweetness and depth, while garlic brings warmth and savory complexity.

Thickener

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

This creates a light roux that thickens the soup just enough to make it hearty and satisfying.

Liquid Base

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but recommended)

Using a mix of broth and dairy ensures the soup is flavorful but not overly heavy.

Cheese

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Sharp cheddar is essential—it adds bold flavor that stands up to the potatoes and garlic.

Herbs

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

Fresh herbs brighten the soup and balance its richness.

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

These seasonings enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.

Optional Garnishes

• Cooked crumbled bacon

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• More fresh herbs

• Croutons

Toppings add texture and let everyone customize their bowl.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and cube the potatoes into uniform ½-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter (or oil/butter mix). Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation of your soup.

3. Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned, which could make it bitter.

4. Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look slightly paste-like.

5. Add the Liquids

Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Once smooth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook the Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes, stir well, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

7. Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup until about half to two-thirds is smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
Alternatively, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

8. Add Dairy and Herbs

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, heavy cream (if using), parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat gently for about 5 minutes—do not boil.

9. Melt the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar gradually, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. This prevents the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy.

10. Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika. Ladle into bowls, add your favorite garnishes, and serve hot.

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Tips for the Best Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.

• Shred your own cheese for smooth melting.

• Avoid boiling after adding dairy to keep the soup silky.

• Blend to your preference—more blending for smooth, less for chunky.

• Taste and adjust seasoning after the cheese melts.

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Variations and Add-Ins

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is incredibly flexible:

• Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup: Add crispy bacon bits.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon.

• Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or extra cayenne.

• Loaded Potato Soup: Top with sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon.

• Extra Veggies: Add corn, leeks, or spinach.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with:

• Crusty bread or garlic bread

• A simple green salad

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

• Roasted vegetables

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if needed.

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Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 450–550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 40–45 g

• Protein: 15–18 g

• Fat: 28–32 g

• Saturated Fat: 15–18 g

• Fiber: 4–5 g

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Final Thoughts

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a comfort ritual. It’s the kind of meal you make when the weather turns cold, when you want to slow down, or when you need something deeply nourishing and satisfying. The combination of tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs creates a soup that feels indulgent without being complicated.

What makes this soup truly special is its balance. It’s rich but not heavy, creamy but still textured, and flavorful without relying on hard-to-find ingredients. Every spoonful delivers warmth, comfort, and that unmistakable feeling of homemade goodness.