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; 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 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; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika; Cooked crumbled bacon; Extra shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream or Greek yogurt; More fresh chives or parsley; Croutons

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 25 reviews

There’s nothing quite as deeply satisfying on a chilly evening as ladling up a bowlful of Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. This soul-warming classic is everything you want in a comfort dish: lusciously creamy with a backbone of Yukon Gold potatoes, packed with fresh herbs, and rich with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. The real magic lies in the way mellow garlic, velvety milk, and sweet onions support the star flavors—plus, each spoonful comes with a pop of color and freshness from parsley and chives. Whether you crave a light vegetarian meal or a robust centerpiece at your next family gathering, this recipe promises to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those recipes where every ingredient truly matters, yet nothing here is fussy or hard to find. From buttery Yukon Gold potatoes to a sprinkle of fresh herbs, each component helps build layers of flavor, texture, and cozy color in your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Yukon Gold Potatoes: Provide a naturally creamy texture and bright, golden color—perfect for this type of soup.
Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil + Butter: Butter offers lush, savory undertones while a touch of olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and depth.
Yellow Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and backbone to the savory base.
Fresh Garlic: Infuses the entire soup with aromatic warmth; mince it finely for best flavor release.
All-Purpose Flour: Acts as the essential thickening agent ensuring your soup is wonderfully creamy, not watery.
Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The soup’s savory foundation – choose veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
Whole Milk (or Half-and-Half): Adds richness and body—opt for half-and-half if you want extra decadence.
Heavy Cream (Optional): For that impossibly silky finish, heavy cream is your secret weapon.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded for optimal melting; this cheese gives the soup its tang and signature cheesiness.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a burst of green color and bright, herby flavor.
Fresh Chives: Their delicate oniony bite perfectly accents the creamy soup.
Fresh Thyme (or Dried Thyme): Earthy, woodsy notes add balance to all the cheese and cream.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Vital for ramping up all the flavors—always start with a little and adjust as you go.
Cayenne Pepper or Smoked Paprika (Optional): Just a pinch gives subtle warmth and complexity.
Optional Garnishes (Bacon, Extra Cheddar, Sour Cream, Herbs, or Croutons): All are wonderful finishing touches and can be mixed and matched to suit every bowl.

How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and chopping them into uniform ½-inch cubes—this ensures they cook evenly in the pot and help create that perfect blend of creaminess and heartiness. Give the cubes a quick rinse under cold water to wash away extra starch; this essential step keeps your soup from turning gluey.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Set a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add your butter, or the olive oil and butter combo, letting it melt and shimmer gently. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then until the onion is translucent and tender. You’re not looking for any color here—just sweat, not sear!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Once your onions are looking glossy and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye and stir constantly; garlic turns bitter if browned, and you want sweet, rounded garlic flavor infusing every spoonful of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over your aromatic base and give everything a good stir. Let the mixture cook for another minute or so—this step toasts the flour lightly and removes any raw flavor while forming the backbone that’ll make your soup decadently thick later.

Step 5: Introduce the Liquids

Take a whisk and slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth, just a splash at a time at first. Scrape up any delicious golden bits from the pot as you go, ensuring a smoothly blended base with zero lumps. When all the broth is incorporated, bring the pot to a gentle simmer and get ready to add in your potatoes.

Step 6: Cook the Potatoes

Tip in the rinsed potato cubes and stir gently. Once simmering again, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let everything cook for 15–20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes; you want the potatoes perfectly fork-tender so they blend beautifully into the soup while keeping a few chunks for satisfying bites.

Step 7: Blend for Creaminess

Now comes the fun decision: smooth or chunky? For the classic texture of this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, blend about half the soup. Use an immersion blender right in the pot (pulse for best control), or carefully blend half of the mixture in a standard blender (vent the lid with a towel for safety). Combines creamy base with pops of real potato—absolute perfection.

Step 8: Incorporate Dairy and Herbs

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the whole milk (or half-and-half) and heavy cream, stirring gently so everything mingles but keeping the heat below a simmer to avoid curdling. Sprinkle in fresh parsley, chives, and thyme, then let the soup gently warm for five minutes. These vibrant greens brighten the rich, cheesy flavors beneath.

Step 9: Melt the Cheese

Move your pot off the heat completely. Gradually add the freshly shredded sharp cheddar, a small handful at a time, stirring after each addition. By letting the cheese melt in gently, you avoid any graininess and ensure a smooth, silky finish—one of the absolute hallmarks of this soup.

Step 10: Season to Perfection

Give your soup a careful taste, then add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a subtle kick. It’s best to season gradually, as the cheese brings its own saltiness. When it tastes just right, you’re ready to ladle up some magic!

Step 11: Serve Hot

Ladle steaming soup into cozy bowls and layer on your favorite garnishes. Crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or a flurry of fresh herbs instantly elevate every serving of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish adds flair and flavor—think crumbled bacon for smokiness, extra cheddar for drama, a big scoop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang, and a scattering of chopped parsley or chives for freshness. Croutons add irresistible crunch if you want a little textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with this soup than rustic bread: try thick slices of sourdough, warm baguette, or pillowy dinner rolls for dunking. Add a vibrant, crisp salad or roasted vegetables on the side to round out your meal, turning this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe into the star of a comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a show-stopping presentation. You can also serve tasting portions in small mugs or espresso cups at parties, or create a “soup bar” with an array of fun toppings for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days and the flavor only gets better as it sits.

Freezing

Rich, dairy-based soups like this can sometimes separate when frozen, but you absolutely can freeze individual portions. Cool completely, leave a little room for expansion, and store in airtight freezer containers for up to two months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid rapid boiling after adding dairy, as this may cause the soup to break. A quick whisk will help restore silky smoothness if needed.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, skip the bacon garnish, and you’re set for a delicious vegetarian meal with the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

What’s the best potato variety for this soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a buttery flavor and hold their shape while blending beautifully for an irresistibly creamy texture.

Can I skip the heavy cream?

You can leave out the heavy cream if you want to keep things lighter, but replacing it with a few extra splashes of milk still gives the soup a satisfying richness.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend when making the roux, and you’ll have a thick and creamy gluten-free version.

Can I make the Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the onions and garlic first, as directed, then transfer everything (except dairy, cheese, and fresh herbs) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, blend, and stir in dairy, cheese, and herbs at the end.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of true comfort, you can’t go wrong with this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe. It’s cozy, deeply flavorful, and unbelievably creamy—sure to win over everyone at your table. Give it a try and let it become a highlight in your home kitchen!