CREAMY CHEDDAR POTATO SOUP

It was a chilly autumn evening, and my grandmother’s kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of simmering potatoes and garlic. I remember sitting at her worn wooden table, eagerly awaiting a warm bowl of her famous potato soup – a recipe she always made with love and a generous sprinkle of cheddar. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup you’ll ever make!

There’s just something magical about a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns crisp and cool. And when that soup is loaded with creamy potatoes, fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and a generous helping of melted cheddar cheese, well, that’s pure bliss! This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is my go-to recipe for cozy nights in, easy weeknight dinners, and anytime I need a little bit of comfort in a bowl.

This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The potatoes become incredibly creamy and tender, the garlic adds a delightful warmth, the herbs bring a fresh, vibrant note, and the cheddar cheese creates a rich, cheesy indulgence that will have you craving more. It’s so simple to make, even on the busiest of days, and the results are always outstanding. Seriously, prepare yourself for rave reviews!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk about why this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is about to become your new favorite. It’s not just delicious; it’s also:

• Incredibly Easy: Seriously, anyone can make this. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find.
• Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are inexpensive, and you probably already have many of the other ingredients on hand.
• Customizable: Want to add bacon? Go for it! Prefer a different cheese? No problem! This recipe is your blank canvas.
• Comforting: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days, sick days, or any day you need a little extra love.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good potato soup, and the addition of garlic, herbs, and cheddar takes it to the next level. It’s perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Potatoes: 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Yukon Gold potatoes create an extra creamy texture. Russets make a slightly thicker soup. It’s really your preference!
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. This adds a lovely savory base to the soup.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s what gives this soup its signature flavor.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. This helps to sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the soup.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons. This thickens the soup slightly. You can also use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Milk: 1 cup. Whole milk or 2% milk work best for a creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup. This is optional, but it adds an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you can use any cheddar you like.
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the flavor!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t forget to season your soup properly!
• Optional Toppings: Cooked bacon, sour cream, green onions, extra cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Time to Cook: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, cheesy potato soup in no time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent and fragrant, not browned.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is absorbed and the mixture forms a paste. This is called a roux, and it helps to thicken the soup. It will smell nutty and delicious.
4. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. You want a smooth, even consistency.
5. Add the Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
6. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a completely smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches. Be very careful when blending hot liquids! If you like a chunkier soup, you can skip this step entirely, or just blend a portion of the soup. Consider taking inspiration from my CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/easiest-creamy-tortellini-soup/) and leaving some pieces for added texture.
7. Add the Dairy: Stir in the milk and heavy cream (if using). Heat through, but don’t boil. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle.
8. Add the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Make sure the cheese is fully incorporated for the best texture.
9. Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Success Tips for the Perfect Soup

Want to guarantee a perfect bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup every time? Here are my top tips:

• Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Russet potatoes work well too, but they tend to be a bit starchier, resulting in a thicker soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and break down in the soup. Cook them until they’re tender but still hold their shape.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamy, cheesy soup.
• Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
• Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Boiling the soup after adding milk or cream can cause it to curdle. Heat it gently and avoid bringing it to a full boil.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. You could even draw inspiration from my CAJUN POTATO SOUP (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/creamy-cajun-potato-soup/) for a truly flavorful twist.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some carrots, celery, or leeks along with the onion for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and cream, and vegan cheddar cheese. You can also sauté the vegetables in olive oil instead of butter.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all that delicious soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect complement to a bowl of warm potato soup.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with cooked bacon, sour cream, green onions, shredded cheese, and croutons, so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The potatoes can become a bit grainy, and the dairy may separate. However, it’s still perfectly safe to eat. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some room at the top, as the soup will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, consider freezing the soup *before* adding the cheese and dairy. Then, thaw and add those ingredients during the reheating process. Many find that making a Sausage Potato Chowder (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/ultimate-sausage-potato-chowder/) is also great to make in advance.

A Note on Texture and Consistency

The consistency of this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is entirely up to you. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the roux or blend a larger portion of the soup. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk. You can even adjust the type of potatoes used – as mentioned earlier, Russets will naturally create a thicker consistency than Yukon Golds. Pay attention to how the soup looks and feels as you’re making it, and adjust the ingredients accordingly to achieve your desired texture.

If you find that your soup is too thick after it’s been refrigerated, simply add a little more milk or broth when you reheat it. And if it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to allow it to thicken naturally.

Why Fresh Herbs Matter

While dried herbs can certainly work in a pinch, fresh herbs truly elevate this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup to another level. The flavor is brighter, more vibrant, and more complex. I highly recommend using fresh herbs whenever possible. I love a combination of parsley, chives, thyme, and rosemary, but you can use any herbs you like. Dill, oregano, and sage would also be delicious.

If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs, use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs. Also, add the dried herbs earlier in the cooking process, so they have time to rehydrate and release their flavor.

Growing your own herbs is a great way to have fresh herbs on hand whenever you need them. You can grow them in pots on your windowsill or in a garden. It’s so rewarding to be able to snip fresh herbs right before adding them to your soup!

Speaking of creamy goodness, if you love potato soup, be sure to check out my CREAMY POTATO SOUP (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/ultimate-creamy-potato-soup/) recipe, and my Baked Potato Soup (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/creamy-baked-potato-soup-recipe-comfort-food-tonight/) recipe – they’re both incredibly delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of a cozy kitchen, the comfort of a familiar flavor, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It’s similar in comfort to my Broccoli Cheese Soup (link to: https://besthomemaderecipes.com/broccoli-cheese-soup-creamy-comfort-food-secret-revealed/)! I hope you’ll give it a try and create your own memories around this simple yet extraordinary dish. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!