Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, nothing quite satisfies like a big pot of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Brimming with earthy potatoes, fragrant garlic, and a double hit of creamy cheese and fresh herbs, this soup transforms the simplest ingredients into an irresistibly cozy, flavor-packed meal. Each spoonful delivers a silky, savory blend that warms you up from the inside out, with just the right amount of richness and depth that only comes from slow-simmered goodness. Trust me, this is one soup you’ll find yourself making (and loving) all year long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re working with humble, classic ingredients here, but each plays a starring role in the final bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Gather everything below to create a soup that’s creamy, rustic, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

• Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down beautifully while simmering, giving the soup rich body and a naturally thick texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity base for sautéing the aromatics and adds subtle depth to the broth.
• Unsalted butter: Accentuates creaminess and helps lift all the flavors as the onions and garlic cook.
• Red onion: Offers slight sweetness and color contrast, rounding out the base of the soup.
• Garlic cloves: Adds bold, aromatic punch—don’t skimp, six cloves is just right for standout flavor!
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning blend brings balanced herbaceous and savory notes; if you don’t have it, a mix of dried thyme, parsley, and a touch of salt is a good stand-in.
• Smoked paprika: Just a teaspoon imparts subtle smokiness and a gorgeous sunlit color.
• White cooking wine: Enhances flavor and fragrance, but you can swap in more vegetable stock if you wish.
• Organic vegetable stock/broth: Forms the backbone of the soup, infusing everything with comforting, well-rounded flavor.
• Organic heavy cream: Lends that luscious, velvety finish we all crave in a potato soup (see notes if you want to swap in a lighter alternative).
• Sharp cheddar (freshly grated): This is where the magic happens: tangy, creamy, and utterly melt-worthy. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses too!
• Kale (optional): Adds color, texture, and a subtle nutty twist, but leave it out if you prefer a classic bowl.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating your dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add both the olive oil and butter; once the butter is gently bubbling and melted, toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for one to two minutes, just until everything becomes glossy, soft, and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma—don’t let the garlic burn. After that, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend, giving everything a good stir so those spices start toasting perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Now add your peeled, cubed potatoes into the pot and toss gently to coat them in all that flavorful oil and spice. Pour in the vegetable stock and give the soup a steady stir. Bring it all up to a lively boil for a minute or two, then turn the heat down low. Let the potatoes simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through. For a thicker soup, let the potatoes go an extra 10 minutes or so; they’ll start to break down naturally, transforming the broth into a creamy, dreamy base. Prefer larger potato chunks? Just thicken with a tablespoon or two of flour whisked with a splash of water.

Step 3: Cream, Greens, and Cheese

With your potatoes perfectly soft, it’s time to add the heavy cream for that signature velvety finish. Stir in the splash of white cooking wine, then fold in your chopped kale (if using). Now comes the star: gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated sharp cheddar, stirring gently as it melts into the soup. Once everything is a united, creamy blend and the cheese is fully melted, take the pot off the heat. Marvel at how soul-warming the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup already looks!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot soup immediately into your favorite bowls. Finish with a flourish: a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions. Offer up hunks of rustic bread alongside for the ultimate finish, and get ready to enjoy this bowl of cozy perfection.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Garnishes

Bring your very own signature touch to each serving of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup by showering bowls with a burst of fresh chopped parsley, delicate chives, or a scattering of thinly sliced scallions. For a bit of crunch, toss on some crispy bacon bits or homemade croutons. If you’d like an extra pop of color and flavor, a light dusting of additional smoked paprika does the trick! A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

What’s soup without something to dip? Pair your potato soup with thick slices of toasted sourdough, a crusty multigrain baguette, or even a plate of freshly baked biscuits. To round out the meal, a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the soup’s creamy intonations. Don’t forget, even a simple grilled cheese sandwich turns this dish into the coziest lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or cozy family gatherings, elevate Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup by serving it in individual bread bowls or tiny mugs (perfect for a soup tasting!). Layer toppings in little bowls so everyone can jazz up their own soup to taste. Or, swirl a ribbon of heavy cream and a crumble of blue cheese on top for maximum flair—this soup is versatile enough to go from rustic to restaurant-worthy in a heartbeat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the soup cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. As the flavors meld, you might just find it tastes even richer and more complex the next day!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup, though keep in mind the texture may change slightly due to the cream and potatoes. Cool the soup completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch or so for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating gently.

Reheating

Gently reheat Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until just heated through—this keeps the cream from separating. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickened a bit in the fridge. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (cover with a vented lid!), just use half-power and pause to stir every minute or so.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Definitely! Yukon gold potatoes work beautifully here and add an even creamier texture. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t break down as easily for the classic creamy base.

What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, try using half-and-half or even whole milk. If you’re dairy-free, unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream also delivers a velvety consistency (with a slight flavor shift, of course).

Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just ensure your vegetable stock is vegetarian, and swap in plant-based butter, non-dairy cream, and your favorite vegan cheddar alternative. The soup is still every bit as hearty and satisfying.

Is it possible to use pre-shredded cheese?

While you can use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives the soup a superior texture and flavor. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup a bit grainy.

How spicy is this soup?

The smoked paprika supplies a gentle warmth but very little heat. If you want to turn up the spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce at the end to suit your personal preference!

Final Thoughts

Few things are as soul-satisfying as a warm bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, and I truly hope you’ll try making it at home. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for guests—and it always hits the spot. Let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to some warming, cheesy goodness soon!

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