Name: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups); 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken the soup); 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness); 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional, but recommended for ultimate creaminess); 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded for better melting); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste); Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of warmth); Extra shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; More fresh chives or parsley; Croutons

If you’re hunting for a soul-satisfying meal that’s both cozy and bursting with flavor, you’ve just found it with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. Imagine Yukon Gold potatoes melting into a dreamy, creamy soup swirled with sharp cheddar, aromatic garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs—this isn’t just comfort food, it’s an absolute hug in a bowl. Each spoonful packs the perfect balance: chunky, tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and an herbaceous finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re warming up after a brisk walk or sharing a relaxed dinner with friends, this is the dish you’ll want to return to all season long.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe lies in simple, honest ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to love. Every item on this list was chosen to boost the soup’s rich flavor, irresistible creaminess, and colorful presentation. Don’t skip the finishing touches—they can make your bowl feel like it came straight from your favorite bistro!

Yukon Gold potatoes: Their naturally buttery texture and golden hue make them perfect for creamy soups—peel and cube them for even cooking.
Unsalted butter or olive oil & butter combo: Butter adds flavor and richness, while olive oil can lighten things up a bit if you prefer.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth as the flavorful foundation of the soup.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the soup its signature savoriness—don’t be shy!
All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the soup and give it that luscious, velvety feel.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a robust base without overpowering the other flavors.
Whole milk (or half-and-half): For classic creaminess; use half-and-half if you want things extra decadent.
Heavy cream (optional): Adds a luxurious touch—your spoon will practically stand up in the bowl!
Sharp cheddar cheese: Always freshly shredded for the finest flavor and best melting texture (ditch the pre-shredded cheese for this one).
Fresh parsley: Brightens the final flavor and adds eye-catching flecks of green.
Fresh chives: Lends a mild, oniony bite that’s iconic in potato soups.
Fresh thyme (or dried): A gentle, earthy herb that rounds out the soup’s savory notes.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for making every ingredient shine.
Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional): For just a whisper of warmth and color.
Optional garnishes: Extra shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh chives or parsley, and croutons for crunch.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start with fresh Yukon Gold potatoes—peel them and carefully chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Give your potato chunks a quick cold-water rinse to remove excess starch; it’s a tiny step, but it ensures the soup stays silky, not gummy. Set the potatoes aside, ready for their starring role.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven on medium heat and add your choice of fat—melt the butter (or the olive oil and butter combo). Toss in your finely chopped onions and let them gently sweat for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft, translucent, and sweet-smelling. Don’t rush this step—the onions form the foundation of that comforting soup flavor!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Drop in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to bloom and release all its aroma, but watch carefully so it doesn’t brown (or worse, burn), which can give the soup a bitter edge.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over your sautéed veggies. Stir well and let the mixture cook for a minute or two. You’re looking for a slightly thickened, golden base—this is what’s going to give your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe that spoon-coating richness.

Step 5: Add the Liquid

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking as you go and scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot. Gradual addition here means a lump-free, creamy base every time. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and enjoy the promise of goodness starting to build.

Step 6: Cook the Potatoes

Add your rinsed potato cubes into the pot, give everything a good stir, and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes (stirring every so often), until the potatoes are fork-tender and practically begging to be mashed into creamy bliss.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

Here’s where the magic happens: for a perfectly creamy-yet-chunky soup, blend about half to two-thirds of the pot with an immersion blender, pulsing gently. If you prefer, carefully transfer half the soup to a standard blender (in small batches if needed), blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. This blend-and-chunk combo truly sets the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe apart.

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy and Herbs

Reduce the heat to low, then pour in your milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream (if using). Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and thyme, letting all those wonderful flavors meld. Gently warm the soup—don’t let it boil—to avoid curdling. The fragrance will tempt everyone nearby!

Step 9: Melt in the Cheddar

Take the pot off the heat before adding your freshly shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until each addition disappears into smooth, velvety goodness. This technique ensures the cheese melts perfectly—graininess never stands a chance.

Step 10: Season and Serve

Now’s the time for that final flavor check: season with salt, black pepper, and, if liked, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Ladle your piping-hot Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe into bowls, pile on the garnishes, and get ready to fall in love.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes can transform your soup from a humble bowl into a masterpiece. Sprinkle extra cheddar for that irresistible cheesy pull, add a dollop of sour cream or creamy Greek yogurt, shower on more fresh chives or parsley for color and pop, and top with crunchy croutons if you’re feeling fancy. The more, the merrier!

Side Dishes

Balance out your meal by pairing the soup with a crisp green salad, a warm loaf of crusty bread, or simple roasted veggies. Each adds texture and freshness beside your bowl of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, making dinner feel complete and utterly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, petite mugs for a party appetizer, or top it with bacon crumbles for a smoky twist. A swirl of herb oil or a cascade of roasted seeds can create eye-catching contrast for special occasions—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe stores wonderfully! Let the soup cool, then transfer it into airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors almost deepen overnight, making leftovers even harder to resist. Always stir before reheating as some separation may naturally occur.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup, although keep in mind that creamy, cheesy soups can sometimes separate upon thawing. To help, cool the soup completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, and leave a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its silky, creamy texture. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk or broth until it’s just right. High heat can make dairy-based soups split, so slow and gentle wins the race here!

FAQs

Can I use another type of potato?

Absolutely! While Yukon Golds add natural creaminess and beautiful color, russet potatoes or red potatoes will also work. Be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, since different potatoes soften at different rates.

How do I make the soup gluten-free?

Easily done—simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold broth or water to make a slurry before adding, which will help thicken the soup in a very similar way.

Can I add meat or extra veggies to the soup?

Definitely! For extra heartiness, add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham. Veggies like carrots, corn, or celery fit in beautifully—just sauté them with the onions for the best flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Let the soup cool slightly and remove it from direct heat before stirring in the cheese, adding it gradually by the handful. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely—just use vegetable broth and skip any meaty add-ins. The soup will still be irresistibly rich and satisfying, with all the cheesy, herby goodness you crave.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bowl of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe with people you love. Whether you’re celebrating life’s big moments or simply craving a heartwarming lunch, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked for good!