Craving a cozy bowl of comfort? This hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Tender potatoes simmer with garlic, herbs, and sharp cheddar for a rich, comforting meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Comfort in Every Spoonful – Creamy, cheesy, and infused with garlic and herbs
This potato soup brings the best kind of comfort. The creamy base blends perfectly with sharp cheddar, while garlic and fresh herbs give it a fragrant, savory depth. Every spoonful feels cozy and indulgent.
Perfect for Dinner – Filling yet simple to make in under 1 hour
You’ll love how this soup fits into a busy schedule. With only about an hour from start to finish, it’s both hearty and convenient. It makes a satisfying dinner that pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty bread.
Flexible for Every Diet – Vegetarian and even vegan options
This soup adapts easily. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian or vegan version. Whether you’re feeding meat lovers, vegetarians, or a mix of both, everyone can enjoy this flavorful bowl.
Ingredients for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Core Ingredients – Potatoes, cheddar, onion, garlic, broth, milk, herbs
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal since they cook to a creamy texture. You’ll need sharp cheddar cheese, a yellow onion, and plenty of fresh garlic. A mix of broth, milk, and optional cream creates the base, while parsley, chives, and thyme brighten the flavors. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and a hint of cayenne or smoked paprika for a gentle kick.
Optional Garnishes – Bacon, sour cream, croutons, extra cheese
The right toppings make this soup irresistible. Crispy bacon adds smokiness, while sour cream or Greek yogurt adds tang. Fresh chives or parsley bring color and freshness. Crunchy croutons or extra cheddar make every serving special.
Ingredient Swaps – Vegetarian, vegan, and potato type alternatives
For a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth. A vegan version works with plant-based milk, cream, and cheese. Russet potatoes can be used if needed, though they give a slightly fluffier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they won’t break down well.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Soup
Prep potatoes and aromatics
Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into half-inch pieces, then rinse them in cold water. Finely chop the onion and mince several garlic cloves. Set everything aside, ready for cooking.
Sauté onion and garlic, make the roux
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to form a roux that thickens the soup base.
Add broth and simmer with potatoes
Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the cubed potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend part of the soup for creamy texture
Once the potatoes are soft, blend about half the soup with an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender. This creates a smooth base while keeping some chunks for a hearty texture.
Stir in dairy, herbs, and cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk, cream if desired, and fresh herbs. Warm gently without letting it boil. Off the heat, gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Season and serve with toppings
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a little heat. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, sour cream, herbs, or croutons. Serve piping hot.
Cooking Times and Yield
Prep Time – 20–25 minutes
Cook Time – 35–45 minutes
Total Time – 55–70 minutes
Yield – 6–8 servings
Serving Suggestions
Toppings to Try – Bacon, chives, parsley, croutons, sour cream
This soup welcomes plenty of toppings. Try crispy bacon for smokiness, chives or parsley for freshness, and croutons for crunch. A dollop of sour cream makes each spoonful tangy and rich.
Best Side Dishes – Crusty bread, garlic toast, green salad, grilled cheese
Pair your soup with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop. A fresh green salad balances the richness, and a gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes the ultimate cozy dinner pairing.
Pro Tips for the Best Potato Soup
Potato Choice – Yukon Gold vs. Russet vs. waxy varieties
Yukon Golds create the creamiest texture. Russets also work well, though they make the soup a little fluffier. Avoid waxy potatoes like reds, which stay firm and don’t break down smoothly.
Cheese Matters – Why freshly shredded cheddar melts best
Always shred cheddar from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, which can leave your soup grainy instead of silky.
Blending for Texture – How to keep it hearty yet creamy
Blend only half the soup. This way, you get a smooth, creamy base while still keeping chunks of potato for heartiness. It’s the best balance of comfort and texture.
Dairy Tips – Preventing curdling and maintaining creaminess
Always lower the heat before adding milk or cream. If the soup is boiling, dairy can curdle. Warm it gently instead, and stir continuously for a perfectly creamy finish.
Explore Similar Recipes
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- hearty crockpot chicken and dumplings for dinner
- loaded baked potato soup for comfort food lovers
- garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes
Final Thoughts
A cozy, flavorful, and versatile potato soup perfect for dinner nights
Hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is a bowl of pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of fragrant herbs and garlic. This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet feels special when served with toppings and sides. You can make it vegetarian or even vegan without losing its rich flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Enjoy it with family around the table or curled up with a warm blanket. However you serve it, this soup promises to bring comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to every spoonful. For more cozy dinner inspiration, visit my Pinterest page.
Print
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup – Cozy and Flavorful
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and full of garlic and herbs, this hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup is the perfect cozy dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter or 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (1.5 cups)
5–6 garlic cloves, minced (2 tbsp)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)
Optional garnishes: crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped chives or parsley, croutons
Instructions
1. Peel and cube potatoes, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat and sauté onion until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour and cook briefly to eliminate the raw taste.
5. Gradually add broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
6. Add potatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook covered for 15–20 minutes until tender.
7. Blend about half the soup until creamy but still chunky using an immersion or standard blender.
8. Reduce heat and stir in milk, cream (if using), parsley, chives, and thyme.
9. Warm gently without boiling.
10. Off the heat, add cheese gradually, stirring until melted.
11. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or smoked paprika.
12. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar to ensure smooth melting.
Blend only part of the soup for a creamy yet hearty texture.
Add dairy after reducing heat to avoid curdling.
Adjust seasoning gradually, considering cheese adds saltiness.
Garnishes like bacon, sour cream, and herbs enhance flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450–550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg