Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re looking for a recipe that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place. This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy goodness, perfect for those chilly days when you just want to snuggle up and enjoy something delicious. Picture this: creamy, cheesy soup packed with tender potatoes and aromatic garlic that fills your home with the most inviting scent. Trust me, every spoonful is like a warm hug on a cold night! It’s not only simple to make, but it also satisfies your cravings and brings everyone together at the table. So, let’s dive into making this wonderful soup that will surely become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients List
Gather all your ingredients before you start to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup:
- 4 large potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces – I love using russet potatoes for their creamy texture, but any favorite variety will do!
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Go for sharp cheddar to really amp up that cheesy flavor!
- 1 medium onion, chopped – This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key here; it really elevates the dish!
- 4 cups vegetable broth – You can use homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This makes the soup luxuriously creamy, but feel free to substitute with a lighter option if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A pinch of this herb makes all the difference!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season well; it brings all the flavors together!
Having everything prepped and ready to go will make it so much easier when it’s time to cook!
How to Prepare Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Now, let’s get cooking! Making this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of pure comfort. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, so it’s ready for the onions and garlic!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic begins, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Next, toss in the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the potatoes are well coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You’ll want to cook it for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are ready, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and dreamy!
- Now, here’s where you can decide: if you prefer a smooth soup, grab an immersion blender and blend it until silky. If you like it chunky, just leave it as is!
- Serve the soup hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheese and fresh herbs on top for that finishing touch!
And there you have it! Your kitchen is about to be filled with the warm embrace of this delicious soup. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a pretty decent nutritional punch! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But rest assured, you’re getting a warm and hearty meal that’s sure to fill you up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of cheddar cheese and garlic creates a rich, savory flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
- This soup is wonderfully filling, providing warmth and comfort on those chilly days.
- It’s versatile—enjoy it as a main dish or a delightful side.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings for a personal touch.
Once you try this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To ensure your hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your cheddar cheese—sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor, so splurge a little if you can. When it comes to potatoes, russets or Yukon golds work best for that creamy texture, but feel free to experiment with others if you have a preference!
As for cooking time, keep an eye on those potatoes; you want them fork-tender but not mushy. If you’re blending the soup, let it cool slightly first to avoid any splatters. And for serving, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, maybe a bit of chives or parsley, adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor even more. Oh, and if you want to kick it up a notch, a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on top is absolutely divine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is a breeze! Just let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, I recommend warming it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. If it seems a bit thick after freezing, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, just remember to stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Enjoy that cozy comfort all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat on the stovetop!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk or cashew cream for that creamy texture.
How do I make it spicier?
To kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste—my favorite way to enjoy it is with a little extra heat!
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in some carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra nutrition and texture. Just add them in with the potatoes to ensure they cook through.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to check your vegetable broth label to confirm it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern for you.
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this creamy mushroom soup recipe or this loaded baked potato soup recipe.
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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in 6 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and filling cheddar garlic herb potato soup that is perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add diced potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Blend the soup for a creamy texture or leave it chunky as preferred.
- Serve hot with additional cheese and herbs on top.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Add bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup
