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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy blend of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory garlic, fresh herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, it balances velvety smoothness and chunky potato texture with a rich, cheesy flavor. Garnished with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and fresh herbs, it is a deliciously satisfying soup that warms the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Fat

  • 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6–7 medium potatoes)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter

Aromatics

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)

Thickening Agent

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Base

  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional but recommended)

Cheese

  • 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Cooked crumbled bacon
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • More fresh chives or parsley
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy texture. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, avoiding browning.
  3. Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and build a thickening base.
  5. Introduce the Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and bring mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cook the Potatoes: Add drained potato cubes. Stir, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Blend for Creaminess (Partial): Using an immersion blender, pulse until about half to two-thirds of the soup is smooth, leaving some chunks, or carefully blend half the soup in a standard blender and return to pot.
  8. Incorporate Dairy and Herbs: Reduce heat to low. Stir in whole milk or half-and-half and heavy cream slowly. Add fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat for 5 minutes without boiling to avoid curdling.
  9. Melt the Cheese: Remove pot from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, fully melting before adding more to prevent graininess.
  10. Season to Perfection: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika, keeping in mind cheese adds saltiness.
  11. Serve Hot: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Rinsing potatoes removes excess starch preventing gummy soup.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting and flavor.
  • Blending half the soup keeps texture hearty and creamy.
  • Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually because cheese adds saltiness.
  • Optional garnishes add flavor and texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, cheddar garlic soup, creamy potato soup, cheesy potato soup, hearty soup, garlic herb soup, vegetarian soup

Find it online: https://topreci.com/hearty-cheddar-garlic-herb-potato-soup-recipe-2/