Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives with this creamy cheddar garlic herb potato soup that feels like a warm embrace on chilly evenings.

Melted cheese and fragrant herbs dance through each spoonful, promising rich flavor in every bite.

Potatoes create a luxurious base that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Sharp cheddar adds depth while garlic whispers rustic charm into each serving.

Herbs scattered throughout elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Chunky potato pieces provide delightful texture that makes you want to linger at the table.

Fall in love with this soul-satisfying soup that promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

Cheddar Herb Potato Soup That’s Thick and Warming

Quick Comfort Food: Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.

Flavor-Packed Performance: Combine multiple herbs and spices like smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme to create a rich, complex taste profile that elevates traditional potato soup.

Versatile Wellness Booster: Incorporate nutrient-dense kale for added health benefits, making this soup a delicious way to sneak more greens into your diet while enjoying creamy, cheesy goodness.

Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients – use different cheeses, add protein, or modify herbs to match your pantry and personal preferences.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Ingredient Collection

Base Vegetables:
  • Onions: Sweet and aromatic foundation for building soup flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds robust and sharp taste, core aromatic ingredient.
Potatoes:
  • Potatoes: Hearty core ingredient providing thickness and substance, starchy base for soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.
  • Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Parsley, Basil, Thyme: Provides complex herbal and earthy undertones.
Liquid Components:
  • Vegetable Stock: Primary liquid base for soup, creates rich broth.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture.
  • White Cooking Wine: Introduces subtle depth and complexity.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Primary cheese component, provides tangy and creamy profile.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté aromatics, adds subtle flavor.
  • Butter: Enhances richness and provides smooth cooking base.
  • Kale: Optional green vegetable for added nutrition and texture.

Hearty Potato Soup Cooking Instructions with Cheddar & Garlic

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat a Dutch oven with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Toss in minced garlic and chopped onions, letting them dance and become translucent with a delightful fragrance.

This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in a symphony of seasonings:
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Thyme

Stir these beautiful herbs and spices to create an aromatic blend.

Add cubed potatoes and coat them thoroughly in this delicious mixture.

Step 3: Develop the Soup’s Soul

Pour vegetable stock into the pot and bring to a gentle boil for a quick moment.

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the potatoes simmer softly for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender and dreamy.

Want an extra thick soup?

Let the potatoes break down a bit longer or whisk some flour with water to create a smooth thickening agent.

Step 4: Create Creamy Comfort

Introduce these luxurious ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chopped kale
  • White cooking wine
  • Sharp cheddar cheese

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, rich texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Grab some crusty bread and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Soup Secrets for a Cheddar Garlic Herb Classic

  • Cook potatoes until they're soft enough to slightly break down, creating a naturally thicker soup texture without additional thickeners.
  • Toast herbs and spices briefly in oil before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavors.
  • Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese and stir gradually to ensure smooth, creamy integration without separating.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use vegetable broth and omit cheese for a vegan-friendly adaptation.
  • Add crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or roasted pumpkin seeds as garnish to introduce contrasting crunchy elements to the creamy soup.

Chill Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing kale-containing soup as it may become mushy.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable stock or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Matches

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Complement the soup's rich, creamy texture with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the heaviness and enhancing the garlic and herb notes.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Select a crusty sourdough or multigrain bread to dip into the soup, soaking up the cheesy, herb-infused broth and adding delightful textural contrast.
  • Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the soup's richness, providing a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the creamy potatoes and cheddar.
  • Refreshing Herbal Beverage Boost: Brew a hot chamomile or mint tea to cleanse the palate between spoonfuls, offering a soothing herbal backdrop that echoes the soup's aromatic herb profile.

Potato Soup with Cheddar Herb Swaps

  • Vegan Potato Comfort Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar, and swap butter for olive oil. Add plant-based protein like white beans for extra richness.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Potato Blend: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, ensure vegetable stock is gluten-free, and select gluten-free garnishes. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and replace some herbs with cumin and chili powder. Top with jalapeños and crispy tortilla strips for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reduce cooking time, and use similar seasonings. Include extra cheese and cream for a satisfying, lighter version that maintains the original soup's hearty flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What makes this potato soup unique?

The combination of herbs like oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme creates a robust flavor profile, while sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and depth to the soup.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for this hearty soup.

  • Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the recipe uses vegetable stock and can be easily made vegetarian by ensuring the cheese and other ingredients are vegetarian-compatible.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative, use less cheese, and increase the amount of kale or add other vegetables to boost nutritional value.

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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Satisfying “cheddar garlic herb potato soup” brings comfort straight from rustic kitchen traditions. Warm, creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, promising nourishment you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (or Yukon potatoes)
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
  • 4 cups organic vegetable stock/broth
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (or substitute with extra vegetable stock)
  • 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or green onions (scallions)
  • Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by melting olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
  2. Enrich the mixture with a blend of sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme. Gently fold cubed potatoes into the spice-infused mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Pour vegetable stock into the pot, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil for a brief moment. Reduce the heat, cover, and allow the potatoes to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until they reach a tender consistency.
  4. For enhanced thickness, continue simmering or create a quick slurry by whisking flour with water, then incorporating it into the soup to achieve a luxurious texture.
  5. Introduce heavy cream, chopped kale, and a splash of white cooking wine to the simmering pot. Gradually fold in grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Remove the soup from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions. Accompany with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Customize Texture by carefully monitoring potato cooking time, allowing longer simmering for naturally thicker consistency without additional thickeners.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth by toasting spices briefly before adding liquids, releasing more intense aromatics and creating richer taste profile.
  • Adapt for Dietary Restrictions by substituting dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or nutritional yeast for heavy cream and cheddar cheese, maintaining creamy texture for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
  • Boost Nutrition by experimenting with additional vegetables like carrots or celery during initial sautéing stage, increasing overall nutrient content and adding subtle complexity to soup’s flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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