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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

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

4.8 from 23 reviews

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup combines creamy Yukon Gold potatoes with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs for a warm, comforting meal. Perfectly thickened with a roux and blended to a luscious texture, this soup is flavorful and satisfying, ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave classic, homestyle goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes

Aromatics

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 2 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 tablespoon butter)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Base

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Dairy & Herbs

  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasoning & Garnishes

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
  • Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, additional fresh chives, croutons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse well under cold water to remove excess starch and 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 soft and translucent, stirring occasionally but avoiding browning.
  3. Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as that causes bitterness.
  4. Create the Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the aromatics, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.
  5. Introduce the Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cook the Potatoes: Add rinsed potato cubes, stir well, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Blend for Creaminess (Partial): Using either an immersion blender or a standard blender, partially blend about half to two-thirds of the soup until creamy but still chunky, then combine with remaining soup in the pot.
  8. Incorporate Dairy and Herbs: Lower heat to low, slowly add whole milk and heavy cream while stirring. Mix in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme. Heat gently for 5 minutes without boiling to avoid curdling.
  9. Melt the Cheese: Remove pot from heat. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small batches, stirring continuously until fully melted before adding more.
  10. Season to Perfection: Taste and season soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, adjusting carefully due to cheese’s saltiness.
  11. Serve Hot: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with desired toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, or croutons. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Rinsing potatoes removes excess starch, preventing a gummy soup texture.
  • Do not brown the onions; you want them soft and translucent for sweetness.
  • Blending only part of the soup creates an ideal creamy yet chunky texture.
  • Adding cheese off heat prevents graininess or seizing.
  • Gently reheat dairy ingredients; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor, but dried thyme is a suitable substitute.
  • For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Optional toppings add extra texture and flavor but are not necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar potato soup, garlic herb soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, easy potato soup, Yukon Gold potatoes, homemade soup

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