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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is a warm, creamy, and cheesy comfort food featuring tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs. This cozy soup blends simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish perfect for cold days, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Its creamy texture, depth of flavor, and versatility make it a beloved homemade favorite that’s also freezer-friendly and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 34 medium potatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Dairy & Fats

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups milk or cream, warmed

Liquids & Seasoning

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden to create a rich flavor foundation.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Add peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Blend for creaminess: Partially mash the potatoes or use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup, leaving chunks for texture while creating a creamy base.
  4. Add milk and cheese: Gradually stir in warm milk or cream. Remove soup from heat and gently melt in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring carefully to avoid curdling and achieve a velvety texture.
  5. Season and finish with herbs: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in fresh chopped thyme, parsley, and chives for bursts of herbal brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Use starchy russet potatoes for the creamiest texture without gumminess.
  • Grate cheese fresh for the best melting quality—avoid pre-shredded types with anti-caking agents.
  • Warm the milk or cream before adding to the soup to prevent curdling.
  • Partially blend the soup for a balance of creamy body and chunky texture.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar potato soup, garlic herb potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food soup, cheesy soup, homemade soup, freezer-friendly soup