There are recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is one of them. I still remember the first time I perfected it on a chilly autumn afternoon. Rain tapped at the windows, the wind howled outside, and the house filled with the comforting aroma of sautéed garlic, onions, simmering potatoes, and fragrant herbs.
When I finally served steaming bowls to my family, the silence after the first spoonful said it all—eyes closed, content smiles, and empty bowls scraped clean. Since then, this recipe has become a household staple, requested often during the colder months or whenever we need a little edible comfort.
With its creamy base, sharp cheddar bite, garlicky warmth, and herb-fresh finish, this soup is hearty, satisfying, and pure comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
- The ultimate comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and full of cozy flavors.
- Bold and balanced flavor – Sharp cheddar, garlic, and fresh herbs create depth in every bite.
- Hearty and filling – Potatoes make it substantial enough to serve as a main course.
- Simple to make – Straightforward steps with no complicated techniques.
- Customizable – Easily swap cheeses, herbs, or add veggies to suit your taste.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- Potatoes: 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold, peeled and cubed (about 6–7 medium)
- Fat: 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter)
- Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion (1.5 cups), finely chopped; 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose (for thickening)
- Liquid Base:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended)
- Cheese: 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
- Herbs: 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp chives, 1 tsp thyme (fresh, or half if dried)
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, pinch cayenne or smoked paprika
- Optional garnishes: crumbled bacon, sour cream, extra cheese, fresh herbs, or croutons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the potatoes – Peel and cube into ½-inch pieces. Rinse to remove excess starch.
- Sauté aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter (or oil + butter) over medium heat. Cook onion 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more.
- Make a roux – Sprinkle in flour, stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquids – Slowly whisk in broth to avoid lumps, scraping the pot bottom for flavor. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook potatoes – Add potato cubes, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Blend for creaminess – Use an immersion blender to partially blend, leaving some chunks. (Or blend half the soup in a blender, then return it to the pot.)
- Add dairy and herbs – Stir in milk, cream, parsley, chives, and thyme. Warm gently for 5 minutes without boiling.
- Melt in cheese – Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar a handful at a time until smooth.
- Season to taste – Adjust with salt, pepper, and cayenne or paprika if desired.
- Serve hot – Garnish with bacon, cheese, sour cream, croutons, or extra herbs.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture.
- Shred your own cheddar—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Add cheese off the heat to keep it smooth and velvety.
- For the perfect texture, blend only part of the soup so you get both creaminess and chunks.
- Add delicate herbs (parsley, chives) at the end for fresh flavor.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently, adding milk or broth if needed.
- Freezer: Can be frozen, but texture may change slightly. For best results, freeze before adding cheese/dairy and stir them in when reheating.
Serving Ideas
Pair with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- A fresh green salad
- A classic grilled cheese sandwich
- Soft pretzels for dipping
Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
Servings: 6–8 | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total: ~1 hour
This creamy, cheesy, garlicky potato soup is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or anytime you need a warming, hearty meal.