Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a soul-warming bowl of comfort, look no further than this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Imagine tender chunks of potato simmering in a velvety, cheesy broth, laced with aromatic herbs, swoon-worthy garlic, and a finishing touch of sharp cheddar that just pulls you in for another spoonful. This beautiful soup strikes that magical balance: rustic and homey yet bold and sophisticated. Whether you’re tucking in on a chilly winter night, feeding a crowd, or indulging in some solo soup therapy, Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup so irresistible is how a few simple, fresh ingredients transform into something spectacular. Each one plays an important role in creating the layers of taste, body, and color that make this soup a true standout.
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes: These give the soup its creamy structure and fall-apart texture; go for organic and peel for the smoothest finish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth, creating a silky base for sautéing your aromatics.
- Unsalted butter: For that classic, luxurious mouthfeel—using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Red onion: Offers a mellow sweetness and lovely color contrast; sub white or yellow onion if preferred.
- Garlic cloves: Six big cloves provide tons of fragrant, savory flavor; a true essential for this soup’s signature taste.
- On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This savory herb blend is the soup’s flavor backbone; use a store-bought or homemade version to build big, bold notes.
- Smoked paprika: A pinch of smokiness brings warmth and dimension, giving the broth a subtle complexity.
- White cooking wine: Just a splash for tang and brightness; veggie stock also works as an alternative.
- Organic vegetable stock/broth: The foundation of the soup, delivering savory depth and keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
- Organic heavy cream: Creates luxurious creaminess; sub coconut milk for a vegan twist.
- Freshly grated sharp cheddar: The star player for that gooey, melty magic—grate fresh for the best results.
- Kale (optional): Adds color and nutrition; chop it small so it wilts right into the soup without overpowering.
How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a medium Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the butter’s melted and just beginning to sizzle, add your chopped red onion and a mountain of freshly minced garlic. Sauté this glorious duo for just a minute or two, until everything is soft, translucent, and smells absolutely amazing. This step sets the stage for deep, savory flavor in your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
Step 2: Spice it Up
Sprinkle in your On Everything All-Purpose Blend and smoked paprika, stirring gently. Let the heat coax out those herby, smoky aromas—it’s such a tiny action, yet it instantly transforms your base by waking up the oils in those dried herbs, making sure every spoonful of soup is infused with their essence.
Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes
Add your cubed potatoes and stir until every piece is glistening with the aromatic mixture, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil for a minute or two. Once bubbling, turn the heat down to low and let those potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes. When you check them, they should be tender throughout—nearly breaking apart if you poke them. Want an even thicker soup? Let them go an extra 10 minutes so they begin to naturally fall apart and thicken the broth.
Step 4: Creamify and Add Greens
Pour in the heavy cream and the white cooking wine (or extra veggie stock, if you’re skipping the wine). Add your chopped kale if you’re including it; it will quickly soften and infuse a pop of green to your bowl. Next, grab that glorious mountain of freshly grated sharp cheddar and sprinkle it into the pot in handfuls, stirring often. As the cheese melts, your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup takes on its signature silky, cheesy consistency that’s just begging for a spoon.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cheese is completely melted and the soup is blissfully creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot! Finish with your favorite garnishes (think: fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions), and don’t forget an extra spoonful of cheddar on top if you’re feeling decadent. Get ready—Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite.
How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Garnishes
This is where you bring a personal touch! A flurry of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brings brightness to every bowl. For even more appeal, add small handfuls of extra grated cheddar right before serving, or a swirl of cream for that “wow” factor. And if you love heat, a crack of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes never disappoints.
Side Dishes
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is already a superstar on its own, but it’s even better with a good friend on the side. Serve with slices of crusty sourdough, warm garlic bread, or buttery cheesy croutons for dunking. If you’re making this as a main meal, pair with a crisp green salad or a fresh slaw to balance all the cozy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your guests by serving this soup in bread bowls for a café-style presentation, or ladle it into small mugs for a party appetizer. Add colorful toppings like roasted chickpeas or crispy sage leaves, or swirl with herb oil for an elegant finish. If you’re feeling playful, serve with a mini grilled cheese skewer perched on the rim for the ultimate comfort food power couple!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is how well it keeps! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for 2–3 days—perfect for a make-ahead dinner or easy grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup for longer storage. Simply portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, remove excess air, and store flat to save space. It freezes well for 4–6 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. (Just keep in mind the texture may be a touch less silky after freezing, but a good stir brings it right back.)
Reheating
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it gently over low heat, stirring often so the cheese melts evenly and the cream doesn’t separate. If it thickens up in the fridge or freezer, simply splash in an extra bit of veggie broth or cream to restore that dreamy texture. For single servings, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup vegan?
Definitely! Just swap the butter for vegan butter, heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and the sharp cheddar for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast. It’ll still be rich, velvety, and absolutely craveable!
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid flour and choose thickening agents like cornstarch or arrowroot instead. Double-check your seasoning blends and vegetable broth to ensure they’re gluten-free too.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sauté your garlic and onions first for the best flavor, then add everything except the cream and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese in the last 15–20 minutes, heat until melty and creamy, then serve.
Why does freshly grated cheese matter?
Freshly grated sharp cheddar melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese because pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup a little less creamy and luscious. For Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, fresh is best!
What other vegetables or mix-ins can I add?
Feel free to personalize your soup! Try mixing in sweet corn, broccoli florets, or even shredded carrots for texture and color. A handful of crispy bacon (if you’re not keeping it vegetarian) or a swirl of pesto as a finishing touch is always delicious too.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra special about sharing a big bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—its warmth, its cheesy comfort, and the way it brings people together. Don’t be surprised if you end up making this on repeat all season long! Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this wholesome, flavor-packed soup. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort for the cooler months. Rich, velvety, and packed with bold flavors, this soup is sure to leave you satisfied. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s loaded with creamy potato goodness and cheesy perfection. Slow Cooker + Vegan Options available.
Ingredients
Organic Russet Potatoes:
4-5 medium, peeled + cubed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1 Tbsp
Unsalted Butter:
1 Tbsp
Red Onion:
1/2, chopped
Garlic Cloves:
6, minced
On Everything All-Purpose Blend:
2 tsps
Smoked Paprika:
1 tsp
White Cooking Wine:
2 Tbsps
Vegetable Stock:
4 cups
Organic Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Sharp Cheddar:
1-2 cups, freshly grated
Kale:
1 cup, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- TO MAKE THE SOUP: In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium high-heat, add olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic and onions until translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add smoked paprika and On Everything All-Purpose Blend.
- Add cubed potatoes, stir, and add vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Add heavy cream, kale, white cooking wine, and sharp cheddar. Stir until creamy.
- Remove from heat, serve topped with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for 4-6 months.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegan butter, heavy cream with coconut cream/milk, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Thickening agents include cornstarch, arrowroot starch, potato starch, or all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 961mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, Potato Soup, Comfort Food, Soup Recipe
