Good evening, my wonderful friends! It’s a cool, quiet Saturday night here in Khenifra, and the air has that distinct autumn chill that makes me crave one thing: a big, warm bowl of soup. And not just any soup. I’m talking about this incredibly luxurious Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. Imagine a velvety, creamy broth, loaded with tender chunks of potato, infused with savory garlic and fresh herbs, and packed with the rich, sharp flavor of melted cheddar cheese. It’s one of my absolute favorite fall soup recipes, balancing indulgent comfort with wholesome, simple ingredients, and it comes together in a flash, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Serving Versatility
This glorious potato soup is a meal in itself, but it also plays well with others! Serve it in a classic bowl with crusty bread, make it the star of a soup and salad combo, or serve it in a sourdough bread bowl for an extra special treat. It’s pure comfort, however you choose to enjoy it.
Full Recipe: My Go-To Creamy Potato Soup
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 410 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the savory base for your garlic potatoes flavor.
- Add the diced potatoes, broth, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Reduce the heat to low. You can now create your desired texture. For a rustic, chunky soup, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Do not let the soup boil after adding the dairy. This is key to a perfect creamy soup!
- Stir in the fresh chives or parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This comforting potato soup recipe is ready from start to finish in about 40 minutes.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: It uses simple pantry staples like potatoes, onion, and cheese to create a deeply satisfying meal.
- Big, cozy flavor: It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic and herb notes. The ultimate cheddar potatoes in a bowl!
- Nutritional value: It’s a hearty and filling vegetarian soup that will warm you from the inside out.
- Customizability: Easily add other vegetables like carrots and celery, or top with crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Potato soup is a universal comfort food. Nearly every culture has its own version of a hearty vegetable soup, or sopa de verduras, and this creamy potato version is a beloved classic in many parts of the world. It’s a perfect example of humble ingredients being transformed into something truly special. The technique of partially mashing or blending the soup is key to its signature texture, creating a beautiful contrast between the velvety broth and the tender chunks of potato that remain.
Serving Suggestions
- The Loaded Potato Bowl: Top your soup with extra shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve a smaller cup of soup alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a classic soup and salad combination.
- Bread Bowl Bonanza: For a truly show-stopping meal, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl.
- Simple & Rustic: Enjoy with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into that cheesy, creamy goodness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Potato: For the creamiest soup, use starchy potatoes like Russets or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Golds. They break down beautifully and create a velvety texture.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in starches that can make your soup grainy. For the smoothest, meltiest result, always buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Boil the Dairy: When you add the cream and cheese, keep the heat on the lowest setting. Boiling dairy can cause it to curdle or separate, so a gentle heat is all you need to melt everything together.
- Taste and Season at the End: The saltiness of your broth and cheese can vary. Always taste the soup after all the ingredients are combined and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While you can freeze potato soup, be aware that the texture of the potatoes can become slightly grainy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid boiling.
Closing Paragraph
I am so excited for you to curl up with a bowl of this Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. It’s one of those essential fall soups that just feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, delicious, and a guaranteed way to make any evening feel a little more special. Please give it a try, and don’t forget to come back to leave a rating and a comment to let me know how you enjoyed it!
🎀 Final Thoughts
This soup is my ultimate go-to when the night is chilly and I need something that feels both indulgent and easy. The smell of the garlic and herbs filling the kitchen is just pure comfort. It’s a simple recipe, but it’s packed with so much love and flavor. I hope it warms your heart as much as it does mine.