Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup – Creamy, Savory & Comforting
This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Tender potatoes are simmered with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese to create a creamy, satisfying soup that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or family dinners, this one-pot wonder is easy to make and endlessly customizable. Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a soul-soothing meal.
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board & knife
- Immersion blender or potato masher
- Ladle
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Base Vegetables
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
Fat & Thickener
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Liquid Base
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Bold Add-ins
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 tbsp each: fresh parsley, chives, thyme
Seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: cayenne or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Roux Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth base.
- Simmer Potatoes Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender (15–20 minutes).
- Blend Partially Use an immersion blender to blend half the soup, or mash manually for a mix of creamy and chunky texture.
- Add Dairy & Herbs Stir in milk, optional cream, parsley, chives, and thyme. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheese Remove from heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
- Season & Serve Adjust salt, pepper, and optional spices. Garnish with herbs, bacon, or croutons.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon garnish.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan cheddar.
- Cheese Swaps: Smoked gouda or Monterey Jack work well.
- Herb Swaps: Try rosemary or Italian seasoning.
- Add-ins: Crumbled bacon, sour cream, croutons, or extra cheddar.
- Freezing Tip: Leave out dairy before freezing; add after reheating.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently with added broth or milk if thickened.
- Avoid Mistakes: Don’t overcook potatoes or add cheese over high heat. Always stir cheese in off heat for smooth texture.