There’s just something magical about a bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Creamy, comforting, and exploding with the flavors of sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and tender potatoes, this soup wraps you up like your favorite cozy sweater. Every spoonful is a mini escape from a busy day, delivering the kind of taste and warmth that makes you slow down and savor. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with seriously satisfying comfort food, this recipe never lets you down!

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how straightforward these ingredients are, yet every one of them brings its own personality and flavor to the table. Building this soup is about layering simple, wholesome staples into one outstanding, soul-hugging bowl. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Unsalted Butter: The rich base that adds a subtle, creamy depth and helps carry all the aromatic flavors.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and a savory backbone, softening gently as the soup starts to simmer.
Garlic: Four cloves give this soup its signature robust aroma and unforgettable flavor punch.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are the real stars – they’re creamy, flavorful, and break down just enough to thicken the soup without turning it gluey.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The foundation that ties every ingredient together with a savory note; swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Whole Milk: Adds body and creaminess without being too heavy, balancing the richness perfectly.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luxuriously smooth and decadent soup base — don’t skip it!
Dried Italian Herbs: Imparts subtle, earthy undertones that play beautifully with the potatoes and cheese.
Dried Thyme: Just the right amount to add a lovely woodsy, savory note.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color to the finished soup.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning — you’ll want to taste as you go to get this just right.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded for maximum melt and that unmistakable sharp, tangy kick.
Fresh Parsley: Mixed in at the very end for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous lift.
Green Onions: The final garnish, adding bright flavor and a cheerful crunch with every bite.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab your largest soup pot and melt that unsalted butter over medium heat. As soon as it sizzles, tumble in the diced onion. Let it sauté for about five minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and its aroma fills the kitchen. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and give it another minute or two — just long enough to make everything as fragrant as a rustic bistro.

Step 2: Build the Potato Base

Once your onions and garlic are golden and fragrant, it’s time to add the potatoes. Toss in the diced Yukon Golds, followed by the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, thyme, and smoked paprika over everything, then season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring it to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for the potatoes to become fork-tender, easily breaking apart when pressed with a spoon. The longer you let it gently burble, the more flavorful and creamy the broth becomes — it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Create the Signature Texture

Here comes the magic: using a potato masher or an immersion blender, blend some of the soup until it’s partially creamy, but leave plenty of hearty chunks of potato for bite and texture. This step gives Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup its comforting, homemade feel — a perfect balance of smooth and chunky.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Finish with Herbs

Drop in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until every bit is melted into the soup, turning it silky, thick, and velvety. Off the heat, toss in the chopped parsley to finish. Scoop into bowls, pile on the green onion garnish, and serve piping hot.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

A hot bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup deserves finishing touches just as vibrant as its flavors. Scatter a handful of sliced green onions for a little zip, and go wild with more cheese if you crave extra creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, add crisp bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving. These little details are what turn dinner into an experience.

Side Dishes

To make your soup night unforgettable, pair it with a few delicious sides. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping, while a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette balances the richness. You can also serve a platter of roasted veggies for a hearty, wholesome meal that satisfies on every level.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have some fun with presentation? Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an extra wow factor, or top with tiny herb croutons for crunch. For entertaining, offer a soup bar with several toppings and let everyone customize their bowl. It’s playful, interactive, and absolutely memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck — this soup stores like a dream. Simply transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day servings even better.

Freezing

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly due to the dairy and potatoes. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the texture creamy and prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to use a lower power setting and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just substitute the chicken broth with a good vegetable broth. You’ll get the same creamy, comforting soup, and it will be just as rich in flavor and texture.

Do I have to use Yukon Gold potatoes?

Not at all. While Yukon Golds give the soup a buttery, creamy base, you can swap in red potatoes for a waxy texture or russet potatoes for even more fluffiness. Adjust cooking times as needed for different potato varieties.

What type Soup

Sharp cheddar cheese really shines in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with extra-sharp cheddar for more tang, or even a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for added complexity. Always shred your own cheese if possible to help it melt smoothly.

How can I make this soup even thicker?

If you love a thicker soup, simply mash or blend more of the potatoes until you reach your desired consistency. Some folks also add a spoonful of instant potato flakes to the simmering soup for extra body — a classic trick!

Can I add meat or extra veggies?

Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon, leftover rotisserie chicken, or sautéed mushrooms to bulk up the soup. Spinach, kale, or corn kernels also make great veggie add-ins for a hearty twist.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is everything you crave in a bowl — creamy, dreamy, and so easy to love. Gather your ingredients, put your own delicious spin on it, and let this soup become a reliable favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This creamy soup is loaded with Yukon Gold potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of savory herbs for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients: Add potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, Italian herbs, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer: Bring soup to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Blend soup: Partially blend the soup using a potato masher or immersion blender for desired texture.
Stir in cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.