Name: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or Yukon potatoes); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; ½ red onion, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (or substitute with extra vegetable stock); 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth; 1 cup organic heavy cream (see notes for vegan options); 1–2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese); 1 cup kale, chopped (optional); Fresh parsley or green onions (scallions); Crusty bread, for serving

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There’s something about a bowl of creamy, cheesy soup that just feels like a warm hug on a cold day. This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is everything you want in a comforting dish—rich, creamy, and bursting with savory flavors. The best part? It’s packed with hearty potatoes, melted cheddar, and fragrant garlic, all simmered to perfection. Whether you’re curling up on the couch after a long day or serving it at a family dinner, this soup is sure to please. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s about creating moments. Here’s why this soup is a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, or even as a starter for a gathering with friends. The comforting, cheesy flavor makes it a hit at any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. With just a few simple pantry staples, you can whip up a filling and flavorful soup without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! The recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros.
Customizable: Add a little heat with some cayenne pepper, or switch up the herbs based on your preference. This soup is easy to adapt and can be tailored to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, this soup is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Let’s talk about the key ingredients that bring this soup to life. Simple, yet so satisfying, each ingredient plays its part to make this the best potato soup you’ve ever tasted.

Potatoes:
The heart and soul of this soup. Starchy potatoes like russets work wonders here, breaking down into the broth and creating a creamy base that’s just to die for. They add texture, substance, and a comforting bite to every spoonful.

Cheddar Cheese:
The creamy, melty, cheesy goodness you’ve been craving. Sharp cheddar adds the perfect tangy flavor to balance the richness of the soup. Feel free to use extra sharp for more bite or mild cheddar for a creamier finish.

Garlic:
This is where the magic happens. Fresh garlic adds a savory depth and aromatic punch that takes this soup from good to great. It’s the kind of flavor that lingers in the best way possible.

Onions:
Sautéed onions add sweetness and complexity to the broth. When combined with the garlic, they create a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Chicken Broth:
This savory liquid helps bring the soup together and creates the base of the creamy broth. You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a meatless version.

Heavy Cream:
For that rich, velvety texture. Heavy cream gives the soup its smooth, indulgent finish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half works just fine.

Herbs (Thyme & Parsley):
Fresh thyme infuses the soup with an earthy, aromatic flavor, while parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving for extra flair.

Butter:
For sautéing the vegetables and creating a rich, flavorful base. Butter really helps bring all the ingredients together in a harmonious way.

Salt & Pepper:
Essential to bringing out the flavors in the soup. Season to taste to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make the best potato soup of your life? Let’s get started!

Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the soup, so don’t rush it!

Add the Potatoes:
Toss in your diced potatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This will help them soak up all that delicious garlic and onion flavor before we add the liquid.

Pour in the Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook in the broth for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

Mash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or fork to mash some of them right in the pot. This helps thicken the soup and creates that creamy texture. Leave some chunks for texture—you want a hearty, rustic feel!

Add the Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. The cheese will add that velvety richness we all crave.

Season:
Add salt, pepper, and fresh thyme to taste. If you want to add a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

Simmer:
Let the soup simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and the soup to thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley (and maybe a little extra cheddar, if you’re feeling extra indulgent), and enjoy this cozy, cheesy bowl of goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, here are some ideas for serving:

Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve it with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to help soak up all the delicious broth. Garlic bread is always a win here!
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast to the soup’s warmth.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli make a great side to add some extra nutrition and color to your plate.
Garnish: Top the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

Additional Tips

A few more tricks to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time:

Prep Ahead: Chop your potatoes, onions, and garlic the night before to save time on the day you plan to make the soup.
Make It Lighter: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. It’ll still be creamy, just a bit less rich.
Store Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so feel free to make a big batch. Reheat it gently on the stove for the best texture.
Add More Veggies: Throw in some extra veggies like spinach, corn, or leeks to make the soup even more hearty and nutritious.
Freezing Tip: This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead! Simply store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, then reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to thin it out.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q5: Can I use different herbs?
A5: Definitely! If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage would be great alternatives. Fresh herbs like basil or dill also work wonderfully.

Q6: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A6: Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and use a plant-based cream or milk alternative to make it fully vegetarian.

Q7: Can I add bacon to this soup?
A7: Yes! Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup. Just cook the bacon separately and sprinkle it on top when serving.

Q8: How can I thicken the soup?
A8: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or blend a portion of the soup until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.

Q9: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A9: Yes, you can! Simply sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours, and add the cream and cheese at the end.

Q10: How can I make this soup spicier?
A10: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the soup while it simmers. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors that make a bowl of soup irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something cozy, this recipe will not disappoint. Go ahead, give it a try—you deserve a bowl of this goodness!