Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

August 26, 2025

Updated:

August 26, 2025

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Warm up with this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This soup is packed with robust flavors from garlic and herbs, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup will surely impress your guests and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.
Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
Flavorful Ingredients: With the robust flavor of garlic and the earthiness of thyme, every spoonful bursts with deliciousness.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this soup uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools can enhance your cooking experience and lead to better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Pot
Potato Masher or Immersion Blender
Measuring Cups
Cutting Board and Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large Pot: A must-have for simmering the potatoes and broth together; it ensures even cooking.
Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: These tools help achieve your desired soup consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For Creaminess and Flavor

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add 4 diced potatoes along with 4 cups of broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

For a creamy texture, partially mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup!

How to Serve Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Serving Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Use chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor on top of your soup.

Add Croutons

Crunchy croutons provide a nice texture contrast and can be made from leftover bread tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Pair with Bread

Serve the soup with a warm, crusty bread roll or a slice of sourdough to soak up all the delicious broth.

Enjoy with a Side Salad

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to your meal.

Top with Extra Cheese

Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy treat.

How to Perfect Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Perfecting Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup enhances its flavor and texture. Follow these tips for the best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes, onions, and herbs will add vibrant flavors to your soup.
Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or reduce the broth; for a thinner version, add more broth or cream.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors alongside cheddar.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

Garden Salad
A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing complements the richness of the soup.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup; simply spread butter and minced garlic on slices before toasting.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli add healthy variety and contrast in texture.
Cheese Toasties
Grilled cheese sandwiches made with sharp cheddar pair well with the soup; they’re comforting and delicious!
Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, or quinoa offer a hearty side that adds more nutrients to your meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a fresh, crunchy side that brightens up the dish.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it a refreshing complement to the creamy soup.
Cornbread Muffins
Sweet cornbread muffins are delightful alongside potato soup; they add sweetness and texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavors. Take the time to do this for a tastier soup.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Opt for a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth for the best flavor.
Not mashing enough potatoes: Some people skip mashing or blending the potatoes, resulting in a less creamy texture. Aim for a nice mix of mashed and whole pieces.
Adding cheese too soon: Adding cheese at the wrong stage can lead to clumping. Wait until the soup is off heat before stirring in the cheese for smooth melting.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Salt and pepper can drastically change your dish. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly for a well-balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Keep your Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup in an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely with a lid. Heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each, until hot.
Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring often until heated completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup:

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavors.

How can I make it dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese.

What herbs pair well with this soup?

In addition to thyme, you could try rosemary or parsley for added flavor. Fresh herbs will enhance the taste even more!

How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can add more mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken it up.

Can I add vegetables to my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even spinach would be great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions.

Final Thoughts

Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different cheeses or vegetables based on your preference. This creamy delight is perfect for chilly days and will surely warm your heart!